Planning

I recently applied for a few positions in marketing, and I'm currently in that frustrating "waiting phase" where I feel completely in the dark. It's been a few weeks since I submitted my applications, and I haven't heard back from any of the companies. One of the most annoying parts is seeing the job postings still up, which makes me wonder if they're still considering candidates or if they've already filled the roles. I've experienced getting ghosted after interviews, and it feels like a huge waste of time. I remember one interview I had a month ago where I thought it went really well, but I never received any follow-up. I even tried to reach out to the recruiter, but got no response. To keep track of my applications, I've started using a spreadsheet, but honestly, it can be overwhelming trying to remember which companies I've applied to and when. I’ve thought about using Notion for better organization, but I haven’t made the switch yet. Uncertainty is definitely one of my biggest frustrations right now. I often find myself wondering if I should just assume I’ve been rejected if I haven’t heard anything after two weeks. I’d love to hear how others manage this waiting game and if they have any tips for handling the stress that comes with it.

I'm a college student entering my senior year, majoring in 3D animation, and I'm feeling quite lost in my job search for the summer. Despite my efforts, I haven't been able to secure a position in my field, and I'm now looking at roles in social media, graphic design, illustration, and video editing. Unfortunately, even those areas seem challenging to break into. I've had some interviews through Handshake for social media jobs, but nothing has materialized. My main struggle is consistency; I find it tough to apply to numerous jobs daily, especially when the results are disheartening. I don't have the energy or mindset to send out hundreds of applications just to land a single interview. This lack of success has also affected my motivation to promote my art commissions. I'm worried about graduating with my degree and ending up in a retail job instead of pursuing my passion in animation. The current job market feels overwhelming, and I'm frustrated by the competition and the impact of AI on job availability. I'm trying to explore cold emailing and major job sites, but I could really use some advice on how to navigate this challenging landscape. Thank you!

Today, I'm feeling completely overwhelmed and mentally drained. Back in January 2025, my company went through layoffs, and although I survived that round, my manager warned me that I might not be so lucky next time. It was a small company that had never experienced layoffs before, so it was a shock to everyone. I quickly started job hunting and managed to secure a position within a month. I had two offers: one with a higher salary, but I chose the other for its better growth opportunities and a strong engineering culture, believing it would be a safer long-term choice. However, things took a turn when the product I was hired to work on got outsourced. The company decided to buy a product from an external vendor, leading to layoffs for everyone involved in our project, including me. There was nothing I could have done to change that outcome. After this, I aimed for stability and joined one of the largest banks in the US, thinking it would provide the peace of mind I desperately needed. Yet, since February, they've been conducting reductions in force (RIFs) almost every month. Every third Monday, I wake up with anxiety, fearing that today might be the day I lose my job again. Now, they're planning to cut around 10% of the tech workforce. I feel trapped in this cycle of uncertainty. My parents rely on me financially, and we come from a background where we struggled for years to reach a stable point. My older sister is getting married soon, which means the responsibility for my family will fall entirely on my shoulders. I don’t ask for much—just three months of job security. I want someone to assure me that my position is safe, but that seems like an impossible wish. My resume is already looking messy due to these short stints, all caused by factors beyond my control, and I'm terrified that potential employers will judge me without understanding my situation. The anxiety has become unbearable. Some days, I genuinely feel hopeless and think about ending my life, not because I want to die, but because I want the fear and uncertainty to stop. If anyone has been through something similar or has practical advice on coping, I would really appreciate it.

I applied for a job at a government animal shelter and had my interview on the 15th of this month. I felt really good about how it went! A week later, I received an email stating that all interviews had concluded and they were in the process of reviewing candidates. Now, it's been almost two weeks since then, and I'm feeling a bit anxious. I'm considering whether I should reach out to them to express my continued interest or just wait for them to get back to me. I'm really motivated to work there, but I don't want to seem too pushy.

I started my first job in finance about six months ago after graduating. I'm really grateful to have landed a position, especially given the current job market. However, I'm finding it tough because I live in a high cost of living area and my salary is lower than I expected. I realize I might have low-balled myself during negotiations because I was eager for the experience. Additionally, I'm working holidays and the benefits aren't great. I've noticed that annual raises at my company are minimal, and there doesn't seem to be any room for promotion in the near future since most of the management is relatively new and young. I'm starting to wonder when it would be appropriate to start looking for a new job. I definitely wouldn't quit without having something else lined up, but I feel undercompensated for the work I'm doing compared to similar roles in my area. I'm thinking I might stick it out for at least a year to avoid looking like a job-hopper, but I can't see myself staying in this position long-term. I'm hoping to get some advice from others who have been in similar situations.

I recently made the decision to leave my job, even though it was a decent position. I realized it just wasn't the right fit for me. After taking some time to reassess my priorities, I found myself back in the job market. In the past, I always created my resumes using Microsoft Word, but this time I decided to try out a resume builder called BetterCV. I was pleased with how the design turned out; it looked much cleaner and more professional without requiring a lot of time for edits. I eventually landed an interview, and during the conversation, the recruiter mentioned something interesting. She said that candidates who use resume builders often come across as more engaged and proactive because of the effort they put into crafting their resumes. It made me think about how presentation might play a role in the hiring process. I'm curious if others have had similar experiences or thoughts on this topic.

I recently accepted a job offer that I feel good about. My journey started back in April when I faced some serious issues at my previous employer, including a false harassment case that led to a demotion shortly after I had just been promoted. It was a tough time, but my supervisor encouraged me, saying I was smart enough to bounce back. They were right; I took their advice to heart and focused on finding a new opportunity. Over the past few months, I submitted nearly 50 job applications, which led to 12 initial screenings, 8 phone interviews, and 5 in-person interviews. Ultimately, I received 4 job offers. While I didn't land the one I truly wanted, I managed to secure what I consider a consolation prize that aligns well with my career goals. Through this job search, I learned several valuable lessons: 1. The job market is incredibly tough right now, with a low hiring and firing cycle. 2. I leveraged AI tools like Claude to customize my resume and cover letters for each application, which made a significant difference. 3. Interviews are critical; I found that I needed to be spot on with my answers and well-researched about the companies. 4. I started looking for red flags during interviews, such as inconsistencies between HR and the team on the ground. 5. I learned to be selective and not afraid to reject offers that didn't feel right. 6. I paced myself throughout the search, starting in April and going full throttle by mid-May, with my accepted job posting in late May and the offer coming in early July. 7. While salary is important, I focused on gaining valuable experience, transitioning from an operator role to an operations lead at a small manufacturing shop. 8. I reminded myself not to get discouraged by silence from potential employers; job searching takes time. 9. I realized that being qualified doesn't guarantee progression in the hiring process, and I had to let go of rejections without taking them personally. 10. Lastly, I prioritized my mental health throughout this process, ensuring I didn't let the job search consume my life or affect my relationships. I recommend setting aside specific times to apply for jobs, as AI can help make the process more efficient. I wish everyone the best of luck in their job searches!

I've been on the job hunt for about six months now after recently graduating with my M.A. in English. I'm 31 and have a solid academic background, including a 4.0 from both my undergraduate studies at Berkeley and my master's program, where I received the top fellowship. I've accumulated seven years of part-time experience in teaching, tutoring, and coaching, with awards for my work in those areas. Despite this, I find myself struggling to land a full-time role in academic advising, college application coaching, writing tutoring, or executive functioning coaching in the SF Bay area. In interviews, I focus on my empathetic approach and how I connect with my mentees, especially since I have ADHD myself and understand the challenges they face. I emphasize my journey from struggling academically to excelling at a top university, hoping to show that my methods can truly help resistant students. However, I don’t highlight my achievements during interviews; I prefer to let my resume speak for itself and instead demonstrate my cultural fit and teamwork skills. Despite my efforts, I've only been able to secure 1099 gigs so far, and I feel like I'm getting ghosted by employers. I'm genuinely confused about what I might be doing wrong. If I can't find a job soon, I'm worried about my living situation and how I'll manage basic needs. It's disheartening to think that after all the hard work I've put in to build an ideal resume for this niche, I might not be able to secure a position in a field where I feel uniquely qualified. I’m starting to wonder if I need to broaden my search or rethink my approach.

I recently interviewed for a Team Member position at Culver's and have another interview coming up on Monday. However, I also interviewed for a part-time Retail Stocking Associate position at Burlington, and the interviewer encouraged me to follow up if I hadn't heard back by Monday. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed because I don't know what to do if both companies offer me a job on the same day or if Burlington offers me a position before my interview with Culver's. If Burlington calls first, should I accept their offer and cancel my Culver's interview, or should I still go to the interview just in case? I'm worried about how long job offers stay open and fear that if I don't accept Burlington's offer quickly, they might give it to someone else. I'm also concerned about the pay. Burlington's starting pay is $13.50 an hour, while Culver's has a range of $11 to $16 an hour. Since this would be my first job and I don't have previous experience, I'm unsure where I might fall within that pay range. I hope to earn at least $15 an hour, but I'm worried Culver's might only offer me the minimum of $11. Is it appropriate to ask for a higher starting wage for my first job? I'm really looking for advice from anyone with experience at either company or in hiring in general.

I recently wrapped up my job search, which took about 3 months. I was laid off from my role in HR analytics and during this period, I focused on leveraging my skills as a technical analyst, which I believe set me apart from traditional HR analysts. I didn't take a base pay cut, but I did have to give up stock options and transitioned from a fully remote position to a hybrid role. In hindsight, I realize I could have negotiated better, especially given my background from a well-known company in my field. Overall, it was a challenging experience, but I’m grateful for the new opportunities that have come my way.

I’m feeling incredibly unhireable and overwhelmed right now. I’m a 22-year-old woman who has been job searching since my last contract in journalism ended four months ago. I’ve been applying for jobs for eight months, and the constant rejections have left me feeling worthless and exhausted. I’m autistic and have a journalism degree, but after experiencing severe burnout from my previous role, I’ve realized I don’t want to work in that field anymore. I’m trying to pivot my career and leverage my transferable skills, but it’s been tough. I often find that I lack the necessary experience for positions I’m interested in, or I’m deemed overqualified for entry-level roles. I’ve even considered pursuing a master’s degree to help with this transition, but the thought of accumulating more debt is daunting, especially since I struggled so much during my undergraduate studies. I’ve been applying to jobs daily, but I often get ghosted or rejected without any feedback, which is disheartening. I feel stuck at home with my parents and unable to move forward in my life, especially since I was hoping to secure a job that would allow me to live with my long-distance partner. I recently went through an extensive interview process for a role that I thought would be a game-changer for me, but I was rejected without any communication from them until I followed up. It’s hard to watch my younger brother thrive with his job and entrepreneurial plans while I feel like I’m failing. My family, despite knowing how damaging my university experience was for me, still sends me journalism job postings, which feels like a reminder of my struggles. I’m just looking for something to give me hope, as my dreams of a future with my partner seem to be slipping away.

I applied for my dream job on June 6th and have been eagerly waiting for a response ever since. My friend encouraged me to apply; she submitted her application a few days before mine. While she received an email on June 29th to schedule an interview, I have not heard anything back. As of July 4th, my application status is still 'under review' with no updates. I even reached out to the hiring manager last week to express my continued interest, but I haven't received a reply. I'm starting to wonder if I should give up hope or if there's still a chance for me. I'm new to this job search process and unsure when it's time to move on. I've been applying to other positions, but this one feels like the best fit for my career.

I recently left my position as the second lawyer at a small law firm where the managing partner is currently facing a lawsuit for creating a hostile work environment. This situation has made it tricky for me as I'm now in the reference stage of a promising interview process. I resigned just last Tuesday, citing that the work wasn't for me, and I haven't disclosed my job search to my former boss yet. Given the circumstances, I'm concerned about how to handle the reference request if it comes up. My former boss has a reputation for being bitter towards employees who leave, and I doubt she would provide a positive reference. I’ve thought about being transparent about the lawsuit and suggesting they contact HR or another former employee instead. I want to be honest without jeopardizing my chances, so I'm considering how to frame my response if they ask about my former employer. I plan to focus on my skills and experiences while acknowledging that there was a difference in work style. I’m hoping to navigate this situation carefully and would appreciate any advice on how to approach it.

I recently started a new job in talent acquisition within the government contracting sector, just over a month ago, right after graduating from college. I feel fortunate to have landed this position quickly, especially considering I applied to only a dozen jobs. The pay is decent for my low cost of living area, and it’s related to my field of study, which makes it a good first full-time role. However, I’m already feeling bored. I’ve learned the necessary skills and can finish my tasks within the first couple of hours of the workday, leaving me with a lot of downtime. I find myself waiting around for calls or emails, and I worry that my work feels unnecessary or that I might be replaceable. I even reached out for more responsibilities but didn’t get a response. This boredom has led me to start looking at other job applications, including one that feels a bit out of my league but aligns with what I enjoy most about my current role. I’m conflicted about whether it’s too soon to be looking for new opportunities and whether changing jobs this early would reflect poorly on me. I’m just trying to process these feelings and would appreciate any insights from those with more experience.

Today, I reflected on my struggles with job readiness, particularly in relation to minimum wage work. I've never held a significant job outside of a college work position, and my dad often expresses relief that I haven't worked in a grocery store or fast food. He believes I would struggle and get fired quickly due to my tendency to make repeated mistakes. This feedback has been tough to digest, especially since I often find myself making the same errors while helping him with projects or even simple tasks like running errands. I realize that my challenges may stem from a lack of learning from these mistakes, which is concerning as I prepare to enter the job market. I’ve been applying for various positions, motivated to prove my dad and some teachers wrong about my capabilities. I know minimum wage jobs can be demanding and require a certain level of skill, but I’m determined to keep trying and improving. I’m hoping that with persistence, I can develop the necessary skills and confidence to succeed in any role I pursue.

I'm currently under contract at my job, which is set to end in about two months. I'm trying to figure out the best time to start applying for new positions, especially since I'm interested in gaining healthcare experience to strengthen my application for a radiologic technology program. My concern is that if I start applying now and get an interview, employers might hesitate to hire me since I won't be available to start right away. I've found a few roles that align with what I'm looking for, but I'm worried they might be filled before I can apply. Any advice on when to start the job search would be greatly appreciated!

I'm 17 and currently searching for a job in the Chicagoland area. I have a disability that requires me to sit for most of the workday due to severe damage in my right leg. While I can walk and lift things, standing for long periods is challenging for me. I've been applying to various places, including restaurants and retail, but whenever I mention my need for accommodations during interviews, I seem to get ghosted. I'm looking for suggestions on types of jobs that might be more accommodating for my situation. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

I recently accepted a 12-month contract for a job in a new city where my spouse was relocated. I'm currently 3 months pregnant and feeling a bit uneasy about starting this role, knowing I might only be able to work for about 6 months before going on maternity leave. I was recruited for this position, and it offers a good salary, but I can't shake the feeling that it might not be the right thing to do given my pregnancy. I'm worried about how to approach the situation with the hiring manager. I know it's illegal to discriminate against someone for being pregnant in my area, but I fear they might be disappointed or frustrated once they find out. I'm also concerned about how this might affect my chances of being hired permanently after the contract ends. I’ve read mixed advice from others who have been in similar situations, with some suggesting that I should just take the job and not mention my pregnancy right away, while others recommend being upfront about it. I’m really anxious about how to navigate this, and I would appreciate any guidance from those who have experienced something similar.

I've been in the interview process with a company for the past two months, which has felt incredibly slow and testing on my patience. I've completed three rounds: a screening, a manager interview, and a panel interview with three team members. Now, I'm in a waiting game for either an offer or a rejection. Just last week, the recruiter reached out to me with a message that has left me feeling confused. They mentioned that they are having internal conversations about the role and would prefer to give me an update via Zoom rather than email. From what I gather, I believe I'm a strong fit for the position, I'm within the salary range, and I was able to provide solid interviews. However, I don't think this is an outright rejection since I haven't received an automated email, but it also doesn't seem like an offer either, as I would have expected a call to discuss that. This has left me in a state of uncertainty, especially since the recruiter contacted me on a Friday evening, meaning I have to wait until Monday for more clarity. It's going to be a long and torturous weekend of overthinking. I can't help but speculate that the outcome might be something like them saying they are pulling back the role due to changing organizational needs or that they decided to go with a more technical candidate. Given the circumstances, I'm trying to set my expectations low. Has anyone else experienced something similar? I'm wishing everyone the best in this challenging job market!

Today was incredibly frustrating as my interview was cancelled just 3 hours before it was supposed to start. I had been preparing for this opportunity for weeks, and it was one of the few responses I received after sending out over 300 applications. Despite noticing several red flags about the company, I felt I had no choice but to pursue this position. Now, all that preparation feels wasted. At this point, I'm just going to keep applying and revising my resume. I've customized multiple versions for different industries, some highlighting all my experience and education, while others are more streamlined. I'm reaching out for any advice that might help me stand out in this job market. Has anyone else experienced a similar situation? What strategies worked for you in landing a job? Thanks for any tips!