Thinking

I graduated from the University of Liverpool last December with an M.Sc., and I’ve been struggling to find a job since then. I’ve applied to a wide range of positions, from retail and hospitality to roles in my field, but all I’ve received are rejections and silence. I think part of the issue is that employers in retail and hospitality see me as a potential flight risk, assuming I’ll leave as soon as I find a job in my field. On the flip side, jobs in my domain are hesitant to hire me because I lack experience. The few positions that are available often pay very little. Currently, I’m working casual contracts just to make ends meet, but it’s far from the life I envisioned for myself. I’m curious if anyone else in Liverpool is facing similar challenges and if so, how they managed to break out of this cycle. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I recently found myself in a tricky situation during a job offer process. I inflated my current stipend from 10,000 to 15,000 INR when asked, and I ended up agreeing to a new offer of 25,000 INR based on that figure. Now, I'm feeling guilty about not being honest and am considering coming clean about my actual stipend before I officially accept the offer. However, I'm worried that revealing the truth might cause them to rescind or lower the offer, given the significant gap. I'm torn about whether to keep quiet or be upfront about it.

I'm currently on the job hunt and actively seeking new opportunities. I'm open to various roles and industries, so if anyone has leads or advice, I would greatly appreciate it!

I'm currently in the process of searching for better job opportunities. I've been using various job search platforms like Naukri, Indeed, and LinkedIn, but so far, I haven't had much success in getting good results or receiving any calls for interviews. I'm looking for tips and hacks that could help improve my job search and make my future job switch more effective. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I recently applied for a Product Manager position at Onsemi in Bucheon, South Korea, and I might have a second interview with the NPD manager at their headquarters. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as I prepare for this opportunity. If anyone has experience with Onsemi or can share insights on what to expect during the interview process, I would greatly appreciate any advice or recommendations on how to prepare effectively. Thank you!

I recently started a 6-month contract as a Customer Service representative at a well-known medical device company, and I'm really excited about the opportunity. The company's reputation is impressive, and the work seems engaging. My goal is to transition into a permanent role after my contract ends, whether through an extension or direct hire. However, I'm a bit anxious about my status as a contractor. I'm looking for insights from anyone who has experience in the medical device industry or has started their career as a contractor. How often do contractors get converted to full-time positions? What factors do companies prioritize when deciding who to retain? Is it advisable to express my interest in a long-term position early on, or should I wait a few months? Any tips on actions I can take to stand out and improve my chances of being hired permanently would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I am currently undergoing a background check for a new job opportunity. During the process, I realized that I only listed my internship experience, which lasted four months. However, after the internship, I received an extended offer for a part-time position with no fixed hours, and I have been working there since. I didn't include this part-time role on the background check because I wasn't sure if it counted as a continuation of my internship. Now, I'm worried that omitting this experience might lead to my rejection. I hope it's not a big deal, as I've heard from others that such omissions can be considered insignificant.

I recently interviewed for a marketing manager position at a cafe, transitioning from my long career in SaaS to the hospitality industry for a change and more creativity. During the nearly two-hour interview, I presented a PowerPoint that outlined my thought process, and I felt the conversation went well. However, I’m now contemplating whether to follow up with a succinct presentation that includes additional content ideas, a content calendar, and a workflow for handling brand and marketing. While I believe my profile aligns well with their needs, I do have a minor gap in experience since I haven’t directed any camera work, which is a passive requirement for the role. I’m torn between sending this extra information to stand out and the risk of appearing desperate. A friend suggested a brief thank-you note highlighting key points from our discussion instead. I’m eager to hear thoughts on the best approach!

I am currently searching for a remote job and I'm feeling a bit lost. I have experience as a math tutor, but I'm looking for something more stable and productive. I identify as mildly autistic and sometimes find things a bit challenging, so I'm wondering if there are specific platforms that cater to individuals like me. I've only used sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Monster, and LinkedIn, but I’m hoping to discover more options. If anyone has recommendations for remote jobs or platforms that might be a good fit for someone with my background, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance!

I recently accepted a position at a tech startup as a software developer, lured by the advertised salary and benefits. However, after starting, I discovered that the actual compensation was significantly lower than what was initially promised. This discrepancy has left me feeling frustrated and misled, as I had made financial decisions based on the expected salary. I'm currently considering my options, including discussing this with HR or looking for new opportunities that align with my expectations.

I finally landed my dream job! About a year ago, life took a rough turn for me, and I realized it was time to get my act together. I moved back in with my parents, took up my old bartending job, and saved for a year so I could move to Florida, where most of my friends are. Once I got here, I bounced around from an Airbnb to a hotel while job hunting. I worked various roles, including a food runner at Panera, a cocktail waitress, and a beverage cart girl. After about 8 months of hard work and persistence, I was hired by a popular resort to perform in their entertainment department. I absolutely love it! The schedule is perfect for me, with 4 ten-hour days and 3 days off. I’m really proud of how far I’ve come and how much I enjoy going to work now, unlike my old jobs.

I recently had an interview for the Customer Advisor position at Boots. The interview process was quite straightforward, starting with a brief introduction about my background and experience. I was asked several questions about customer service scenarios and how I would handle specific situations in a retail environment. I felt that I communicated my passion for helping customers effectively. The interviewers seemed engaged and provided some insights about the company culture and expectations for the role. I'm feeling hopeful about the outcome and looking forward to hearing back soon.

I recently experienced a layoff and have been reflecting on the biggest challenges I've faced during my job search. I've broken it down into four key phases: 1. **Applying for the right roles**: It's tough to sift through numerous job listings and find positions that truly align with my skills and career goals. I often feel overwhelmed by the options and unsure if I'm targeting the right companies. 2. **Hearing back on shortlisting**: After applying, the waiting game is nerve-wracking. I sometimes feel anxious about whether my application is even being considered or if I’m getting lost in the shuffle. 3. **Preparing for roles you're shortlisted**: Once I do get shortlisted, the pressure to prepare for interviews is intense. I want to stand out, but it can be daunting to research and practice for multiple roles simultaneously. 4. **Negotiating a salary that helps you upkeep**: Finally, when I reach the negotiation stage, I find it challenging to advocate for a salary that reflects my worth while also meeting my financial needs post-layoff. I’m eager to hear what others think and to share a trick that has helped me tackle these challenges.

I'm a 20-year-old male community college student currently living with my grandparents while I search for a job. I've been applying to entry-level positions and have reached out to over 30 places in the last three weeks. Despite going through six interviews, I've faced a lot of ghosting and rejection emails. I'm really struggling to understand what I'm doing wrong. I don't have any official job experience, but I do have skills from my time in ROTC, like inventory management and customer service from volunteering at concession stands. I've been clear about my full availability for work, especially during the summer and while I'm in school. I prepare for interviews by researching the companies, but I often find that the questions don't allow me to showcase that knowledge. I feel like I might come off as awkward, which is part of why I'm eager to get a job—to become more social and confident. However, after six interviews without success, I'm starting to doubt my abilities.

I started a new job as a digital marketing specialist about 4 weeks ago after being laid off in May. I was unemployed for a month before landing this role, but I'm already feeling like it's not the right fit for me. The position has turned out to be more focused on sales rather than the marketing work I was hoping to do, and it's also a fully in-person role, which is challenging given the traffic in the northeast. While I enjoy my team, I don't see myself thriving here. I'm considering applying for new jobs, but I'm unsure whether to include this current position on my resume since I've only been here for a short time. I'm leaning towards not including it, but I could use some advice on how to navigate this situation.

I recently experienced a layoff and have been reflecting on the biggest challenges I've faced during my job hunt. There are four main phases I've identified that come with their own obstacles. 1. **Applying for the right roles**: It’s tough to sift through countless job postings and identify which ones truly align with my skills and career goals. I often find myself second-guessing whether I should apply or if I’m overqualified or underqualified. 2. **Hearing back on shortlisting**: After applying, the waiting game begins. It’s frustrating not knowing if my application was even reviewed or if I’m being considered for a position. The silence can be disheartening. 3. **Preparing for roles you're shortlisted for**: Once I do hear back, preparing for interviews is another challenge. I need to research the company, practice common interview questions, and tailor my responses to highlight my relevant experience, all while managing anxiety about the process. 4. **Negotiating a salary that helps you upkeep**: Finally, if I get an offer, negotiating the salary can be daunting. I want to ensure that I’m compensated fairly, but I also worry about coming off as too demanding or not knowing my worth. I’m eager to hear how others have navigated these challenges and would love to share a trick that has helped me along the way.

I’m 21 years old and feeling really unprepared for adulthood after struggling with depression and isolation. I finished high school at 16 and started university in 2021, but everything changed when the full-scale war broke out in my country in 2022. I had moved abroad for my studies, and mentally, I just collapsed. I fell into severe depression, gained weight, stopped taking care of myself, and lost all motivation. Coping with the war and losing people was overwhelming, and instead of enjoying these supposed 'best years' of my life, I felt like I disappeared. Most of my university experience was online due to COVID, which limited my social interactions even more. I isolated myself further because of my depression, leading to a lack of close friends or even acquaintances. I think I lost my communication skills during that time. I completed my degree in graphic design in October 2024, but I still haven’t landed a proper corporate job. Finding one in my area has been tough, and honestly, I’m not sure I feel ready for it. Before all this, I was very social and outgoing, but now I feel like I’ve broken down. Over the past couple of years, I’ve slowly started to recover. I’ve lost some weight, made an effort with my appearance, and started talking to people again. It feels good to be approached and complimented, reminding me that I’m still here. However, I feel a sense of panic about my future. I had a life plan: finish school early, have an amazing university experience, get a good job, make decent money by 25, and start a family by 28. None of that has happened, and I’m angry at myself for what I perceive as wasted years. I’ve even considered going back to university for a more stable degree, but I would need to work while studying to support myself and rely on my parents for financial help, which is complicated given our strained relationship. I’m feeling stuck and scared about adulthood. I worry I’ve ruined my future and missed my chance to enjoy being young. I have graphic design skills, but I’m not great at math and physics. I love subjects like biology, psychology, history, and literature, but I want to find something that offers job stability and a good salary. Has anyone else faced similar challenges in their early 20s and managed to rebuild their life? What steps did you take?

Today was supposed to be a big day for me. I recently applied for a position at Taco Bell, and after a series of rejections, I was thrilled when their AI chatbot informed me that I had matched all the requirements and was scheduled for an in-person interview tomorrow. This was my second interview ever, and I was really hoping it would lead to my first job. I spent time grooming myself and preparing for the interview, even biking over in the rain to make sure I was there on time. However, when I arrived, no one was there. I waited for about five minutes past the scheduled time before I approached the staff to ask about the hiring manager. To my dismay, they informed me that the AI had made a mistake and that the manager wasn't even in that day. They suggested I come back tomorrow to meet with the manager, but I felt completely defeated. I had gotten my hopes up only to be let down by a bot with no human oversight. I understand that rejection is part of the job search process, but this felt especially harsh. It was disheartening to realize that my resume and efforts didn’t even matter in this situation. I left feeling crushed and ended up crying afterward. I really dislike how AI is being used in hiring processes, especially when it affects someone who is just starting out like me.

I recently found myself in a challenging situation in my job search after 16 years in the ATM and bank equipment installation industry. I started as a field installer, worked my way up to field operations manager, and now I’m in project management, overseeing multiple projects, budgets, and teams. Despite my extensive experience, I’ve hit a wall trying to pivot to a new industry. I’ve been applying for project manager roles in various sectors like construction, technology, and operations, but it feels like companies only want candidates with specific industry experience. I’ve tailored my resume and LinkedIn profile, networked with recruiters, and submitted hundreds of applications, but the response has been discouraging. I believe my project management skills are transferable, and I’m eager to apply what I’ve learned in a new environment. However, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m competing against younger candidates or those with industry-specific experience. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has successfully transitioned out of a niche industry later in their career. What strategies worked for you? I’m looking for any encouragement or advice on how to navigate this tough job market.

I recently accepted a job offer and sent my confirmation email on Monday. Since then, I've received access to an onboarding portal where I filled out basic information like my name, address, and social security number. The portal indicates that I should expect some emails with next steps before my start date in two weeks, which is coming up this Monday. However, I haven't received any further instructions yet. On Thursday, I reached out to the HR representative via email to let them know I completed the initial information and am waiting for the next steps. I also called and left a voicemail on Wednesday with some questions, but I haven't heard back from them. I'm starting to feel anxious because I want to give my current employer a two-week notice, but if they require a background check and drug test before I start, I feel like the process hasn't progressed enough for it being five days since I signed the offer letter. Has anyone else experienced a similar wait for next steps regarding background checks and drug tests?