Thinking

I had an interview today for a medical assistant position. During the interview, the hiring manager mentioned that they want to keep me in the running for the role and will get back to me on Monday. I'm feeling hopeful about this, but I'm also trying to manage my expectations. Is this a good sign?

I’ve been helping my boyfriend with his job search for finance roles in New York, but it's been tough. He’s been applying for months and hasn’t landed a single interview. I reached out for feedback on his resume, hoping to get some insights on how to improve it. A lot of the comments suggested that his resume is too lengthy and reads more like an essay than a concise summary of his qualifications. One commenter pointed out that his opening line about identifying a $70 million misclassification was too detailed and should be simplified. They recommended shortening every bullet point to make it easier for hiring managers to read. Another piece of advice was to include a skills section at the top that matches the job descriptions he’s applying for. It seems like he needs to focus on using buzzwords and phrases that are relevant to the positions to get past the initial screening. Some commenters also mentioned that his state school background might be a disadvantage in the competitive NYC finance scene, emphasizing the importance of networking and presenting a polished image. I’m hoping to take this feedback and help him refine his resume so he can finally get some interviews.

I just received an invitation for an in-person interview and they are flying me out from the east coast to the west coast. This is my first time going through this process, so I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. I have a general idea of what to expect during the interview, but I want to make sure I'm fully prepared. I'm looking for any recommendations on questions I should ask during the interview or any tips that could help me navigate this experience successfully.

I recently applied for a customer service position at a company called Cranford Auto Repair. I was excited when I got an email from the recruiter inviting me for an interview, but then they asked me to download an app on my computer to book the interview. This raised a red flag for me, and I wanted to check if this is a normal practice. I did some research and found that the name on the building doesn't match what I found online. I couldn't find any reviews on Glassdoor except for the job I applied for. The whole situation feels off, and I'm hesitant to proceed. I’ve been advised by others to avoid downloading anything or clicking on links. Has anyone else experienced something similar?

I was laid off in March 2024 and have been on the job hunt ever since. I've submitted hundreds of applications for Software Engineering, DevOps, and Cloud Technology roles, but the response has been disheartening. Most of the interviews I've managed to get have been brief, lasting only 4 to 5 minutes, and they rarely lead anywhere meaningful. I have nearly 3 years of experience in fintech, working with technologies like Java, XML, Spring Boot, Kubernetes, Azure, and Groovy. My full-stack experience includes JavaScript, Node.js, MongoDB, and Express. To stay sharp, I've been using AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT, and I've even deployed a React application on Netlify and full-stack apps on Heroku while contributing to open source projects. Back in 2021, I was frequently approached by recruiters, and interviews were abundant. However, the job market has changed dramatically since then, and I know I’m not the only one facing this challenge. I’ve been networking actively, attending local tech events, and posting on LinkedIn. I'm also considering opportunities in other states, including North Carolina and Texas. I'm reaching out to the community for advice. What strategies or platforms are working for you in the 2026 tech job market? Any recommendations for roles to explore or connections that could help would be greatly appreciated.

I had a really unsettling experience at my job recently. I'm currently in my probationary period as staff at an academic institution, and I received a performance appraisal that I thought was supposed to be a straightforward review. However, my manager asked me to rewrite it before she sends it to HR, which feels like it's turning into a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). During our annual review meeting, I expected to discuss my performance, especially areas where I might need improvement. Instead, my manager went through my appraisal and, even for the sections where I was rated highly, she insisted that I come up with ways to improve. For example, I was praised for processing reimbursements efficiently, but she wanted me to list actions to push beyond that, which felt absurd since it's a straightforward task. She also instructed me to remove the context I had provided about my work and her own positive feedback, which was concerning. It felt like she was trying to reframe my performance to highlight deficiencies rather than acknowledge my contributions. I'm worried that what will be sent to HR will look like a list of my shortcomings, even though I had received no negative feedback prior to this. To make matters worse, I have a meeting with the ombuds office scheduled for the afternoon after I need to submit the revised appraisal. I’m feeling anxious about whether I'm being overly paranoid or if this is genuinely a strange situation. I want to remain professional, but I'm concerned this is being used to build a case against me before my probation review.

After 16 months of searching, I finally received a job offer! I have a Master’s degree and have been focused on the nonprofit sector while living in a large city on the East Coast. The journey was long and filled with ups and downs, but I stayed persistent and kept applying. I learned a lot about networking and tailored my resume for each position. Excited to start this new chapter!

I recently applied for unemployment benefits after being let go from my job in May. I filled out the necessary forms for my most recent employer, and their statement about my termination seemed accurate. I was let go due to poor performance, but I didn’t break any rules. Now, I’ve received another claimant form from a previous employer where I worked from February to April 2025. Their statement about my termination is quite harsh and includes some inaccuracies. They claim I was hired for a temporary position and that I lacked urgency, skill, and knowledge, often played on my phone, and was not suitable for any permanent role due to my work ethic. They also stated that my negligence could have caused significant issues with clients' tax returns, which I find misleading since I only passed them off for review and didn’t file them myself. I was never warned about my phone usage or my performance; I only received some pointers for improvement. I accidentally agreed to their statements while submitting the form, but I plan to contact the unemployment office to correct my answers. I'm worried that these statements might disqualify me from receiving unemployment benefits. If that’s the case, would I need to file an appeal? Also, is their claim about potential harm accurate, given my actual role in the process?

I got approved for unemployment benefits in May and have been submitting my weekly payment requests for five weeks. However, all my previous requests showed the status "your request for payment has been received, but cannot be paid." After contacting the Department of Labor, I learned that I was missing some affidavit paperwork. Once I submitted that, they told me everything should be fine. I just checked my account and saw that I received payment for Week 5, which is my most recent request, but the first four weeks still show the same status. I'm wondering if it's normal to experience such delays in receiving backpay for previous claims or if it indicates a potential issue with my application.

I've been on the job hunt for a while now, trying to find a better-paying position in human resources. It feels like I'm putting in a lot of effort without any results, and I'm starting to wonder if it's worth it or if I should just stick with my current job. I've been applying to roles that match my skills and experience, but I rarely get callbacks. It's disheartening, and I can't help but question if the job market is really that bad or if I'm just focused on a skewed perspective from what I see online. I know that people who are doing well in their careers often don't share their experiences, which might make it seem like the market is worse than it really is.

I've been applying for jobs directly on company websites since June, and I've noticed a frustrating trend: I'm not receiving any communication back from employers, not even rejection letters. It feels like I'm being ghosted. I thought it was just me, but after checking in with others, it seems like many people are experiencing the same thing. It's disheartening to put in the effort and not hear anything in return.

I was recently made redundant from my job as a General Manager (Vice President) in Australia, where I was earning about 155K USD. Unfortunately, my work visa was also pulled. I managed to secure a new position in the USA that offers the same salary, along with a full relocation package, but it's for a Director role, which is a step down. Just last week, I received an offer from a company in Australia that wants to sponsor me to stay as a General Manager (Vice President), but the salary is lower at 138K USD. The job in the USA comes with unlimited PTO, which I see as a negative since it can sometimes lead to pressure to not take time off. It also has a 5% 401K match, cheap PPO insurance, and is located in a great mid-sized city. On the other hand, the Australian job offers the standard 4 weeks of PTO and a 12% superannuation contribution, plus I wouldn't need to relocate. However, I would have to fly regularly to remote areas to manage different venues. I'm weighing my options and wondering if there are compelling reasons to choose the job in Australia over the new opportunity in the USA.

I recently had an experience while interviewing for a new role that left me feeling uncertain about the process. I was invited to schedule an in-person interview for a position similar to my current job but with slightly better pay. Given that I’m feeling burned out in my current role, I was eager to explore this opportunity. I scheduled the interview for a day when I was leaving work early, which meant I wouldn’t need to take PTO. However, the next morning, I received a text from the interviewer saying she needed to reschedule because she was taking the day off. She sent me another scheduling link, but unfortunately, none of the available times worked for me without conflicting with my job. I explained my situation and asked if there was a possibility for a later time or a virtual option, but I didn’t hear back that day. Trying to stay proactive, I booked one of the later slots anyway, but still received no response. Eventually, I decided to cancel the interview, expressing my gratitude for the opportunity but stating that I needed to withdraw. Almost a week later, I got another text from the interviewer asking if I was still interested in the role and offering to coordinate a time that works for everyone. This left me confused because I had already shared my availability, and it felt like the scheduling process had stalled and then suddenly restarted. Now, I'm left wondering if this disorganization is a red flag or if I'm just overthinking the situation.

I recently interviewed for a Medical Assistant position at a DOT physical clinic, and the experience was incredibly unprofessional. It started two weeks ago with a first-round interview where the HR recruiter kept her camera off, paused for a 15-minute call, and had me take a literacy test that felt like it was from high school. They also scheduled interviews with very short notice, which was frustrating. Today, I got a call from HR asking if I could interview at 2:30 PM, but they called me at 1:30 PM. I needed the experience, so I agreed. During the interview, the doctor joined late and conducted the interview while walking around the clinic on her phone, which felt very disrespectful. She seemed confused about my background as a pre-med student pursuing my Medical Assistant certification over the summer, despite me explaining it multiple times. Things took a turn when she mentioned that the job required a one-year commitment because they would train me for another certification worth about $2,000. Then she made a shocking comment: "If you stiff me on this training and leave after it's done just to keep the certification, I'd have your Social Security number and I'd be able to get my money back." I was taken aback and my heart sank. At that point, I knew I didn't want to work there, but I agreed to avoid further awkwardness. The interview ended quickly after because she had to return to seeing patients. This was the worst interview I've ever had, and I'm left wondering if I should report this or just move on. I really need a position as I'm currently unemployed and in debt, but this felt incredibly inappropriate. The entire interview was recorded, and I can't shake off how uncomfortable it was.

I recently left my job due to an extremely disrespectful and unprofessional work environment. My boss was a bully, and I knew I had to remove myself from that situation for my own well-being. Now, I'm facing the challenge of explaining my departure in interviews without badmouthing my previous employer. I want to frame it positively, highlighting my desire for a work environment that aligns with my values of respect and professionalism. Currently, I'm unemployed and have only had one interview, but I haven't heard back yet. It's nerve-wracking to think that finding a new job might take months. I also need to address the gap in my work history during interviews. I want to convey that I’ve been intentional about finding the right fit instead of rushing into another negative situation. I've been upskilling and networking, and I'm eager to contribute to a team where I can thrive. I appreciate any advice on how to navigate these discussions in interviews.

I recently interviewed for an internal position at my current company, where I've been working in a secure but low-paying role. Despite my efforts to prepare, I choked during the interview, which is a recurring issue for me. After the interview, the hiring manager delivered the news that I didn't get the role, but they were incredibly kind and provided a lot of positive feedback. They highlighted my strengths and noted that I was qualified, but ultimately the competition was fierce and my interview responses didn't meet their expectations. They even offered to give me constructive feedback to help me improve, which I gladly accepted. I received a detailed email outlining what I did well and specific areas where I could enhance my answers. They also shared some interview tips and reiterated their apologies for not being able to offer me the position, which was very thoughtful. To my surprise, they followed up with even more positive notes about my skills and experience in another email. While I appreciated the feedback, I'm still feeling bummed about not landing the role, especially since it was filled by a coworker I don't get along with. I'm left wondering if this level of feedback is typical from hiring managers after a rejection, as I don't want to get my hopes up too high.

Today, I wanted to share my experience regarding a job offer I received from Waste Management in Pennsylvania. After an exhausting eight-month job search, which included three months of helping my dad through a health scare, I finally got an offer in sales. However, there's a catch: I need to complete a drug screening and background check. As a licensed medical marijuana patient in Pennsylvania, I'm feeling a bit anxious about how this might affect my offer. I'm unsure if I should bring up my medical marijuana card with the recruiter or hiring manager proactively, or just wait to see the results of the drug screening. I've heard mixed opinions about the protections offered under Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Act. Some people have suggested that organizations with federal contracts may not recognize state laws, which adds to my stress. I’m really excited about the opportunity but worried that I could lose it over this issue. If anyone has navigated a similar situation, your advice would be greatly appreciated!

I have an interview for a job that is about 30 minutes away by car, but it would take me 1 hour and 30 minutes by bus. I'm really unsure if this commute is worth it, especially since the work hours are from 9 to 5, meaning I wouldn't get home until around 7 PM. I can't drive yet, and taking an Uber would be way too expensive for me. I've been considering the impact this long commute would have on my quality of life. Some people have suggested that I should think about other job options or even moving closer in the future. Others pointed out that this commute adds three hours to my workday without pay, which could significantly reduce my effective wage. I remember how exhausting it was to commute to university for 1 hour and 15 minutes before everything went online during COVID. It really drained me. I started my job search in October and bought a car in February, which has made a huge difference in my commuting experience.

I’m reaching out for some real-world advice on finding a job as someone with a felony record. I’ve been sober for over three years and have stayed out of trouble since my last arrest in 2022. Currently, I’m employed, but I’m looking to build a career rather than just get a quick paycheck. I have solid work references and a strong work ethic, and I’m eager to learn a trade or start in an industry where I can grow. I know my extensive criminal history can close a lot of doors, but I’m hoping to connect with people who have been in similar situations, especially those in recovery or who own businesses that genuinely give second chances. If you know of any companies that actually hire individuals with serious records and offer decent pay and growth opportunities, I would really appreciate your input. I’m based in Florida but am open to hearing about suggestions from anywhere. It would be great if you could share why you recommend the company, especially if you’ve worked there or know someone who has. I’m ready to work hard and continue building the life I’ve fought so hard to create. Thanks for any help!

I'm currently in a challenging situation as I navigate my first Outside Sales Representative (OSR) role at a Managed Service Provider (MSP) in Central New York. I've been in this position for about six months, and to be honest, I'm feeling overwhelmed and anxious about my performance and future here. I came from a data analyst background, so I lack formal sales experience, which has made this transition particularly tough. The owner of the company hired me primarily because he liked my technical skills and personality, rather than my sales history. Unfortunately, I've found myself struggling with a lack of clear management and direction. The previous sales manager, who was against my hiring due to my lack of MSP experience, was let go shortly after I started. Since then, I've had no direct sales manager, and the owner, who openly admits he doesn't enjoy managing sales, has left me to figure things out on my own. I have fallen into a pattern of analysis paralysis, spending too much time on backend research instead of actively reaching out to potential clients. I know I need to change this and improve my daily activity metrics, but it's been a steep learning curve. To complicate matters, the owner has relied heavily on outsourced consultants for training, which has led to confusion about my role. I was initially expected to juggle both OSR responsibilities and full-time SDR prospecting, which proved to be unmanageable. We've since decided to hire a dedicated SDR, allowing me to refocus on OSR tasks. Additionally, there seems to be a disconnect between our sales and marketing efforts. Our marketing person, who has potential, is overwhelmed with dual responsibilities and unable to execute effective marketing strategies. As a result, we're stuck using generic materials that don't resonate with our audience. Currently, I'm feeling the pressure to generate new sales as both the owner and I are anxious about the lack of new Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR). I've worked hard on several proposals for significant deals, but none have closed because the prospects couldn't afford our services. This has left me feeling undervalued, especially since my efforts have gone largely unrecognized. Now, I've been given a clear directive: I need to sign a new client this month and take the owner on visits to potential clients. I'm worried about my job security and whether my boss still believes in my ability to succeed. The pay structure is also a concern; I have a base salary of $35k with uncapped commission for new clients, but there are no residuals or commissions for special projects I've contributed to. Given all of this, I'm reaching out for advice from anyone with experience in sales or MSPs. Is this environment fixable, or should I start considering other opportunities?