Thinking

I had to withdraw from an interview I was really looking forward to. I received a panel interview request for a role at a tech company, and I was excited to showcase my skills. I prepared thoroughly and even researched the company. However, just 20 minutes before the interview, they sent me a list of specific questions that were related to their internal processes, which I had no familiarity with. I tried to use ChatGPT to help formulate responses, but I realized I would just end up sounding unprepared and out of my depth. Instead of going into the interview and potentially embarrassing myself, I decided to be honest and withdrew my application. It’s disappointing, but I guess it’s back to the drawing board for me.

I've been actively applying and interviewing for jobs lately, but I'm feeling really discouraged by the process. I recently completed my associate's degree and am working towards a certification in the medical field. I initially interviewed for a rehab aid position, but the hiring manager said I was too qualified for that role and encouraged me to pursue other positions instead, especially since I’ll be certified soon. I've had a few interviews since then, and I thought I did well—trying to be personable and engaging—but I keep getting feedback that my lack of experience is holding me back. At one interview, the supervisor mentioned she could train anyone for the job, emphasizing the importance of personality over qualifications. However, it seems like many employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running, which makes me feel like they aren't interested in mentoring or developing new hires. I also can't shake the feeling that my identity as a young black female might be affecting my chances, especially since most of my interviewers have been white women or Asian men. I’m starting to wonder if I’m just making excuses for myself. I'm really seeking advice on how new grads like me can break into the job market. I hope that once I receive my certification, employers might overlook my inexperience, but I’m not sure if that’s just wishful thinking.

I recently went through a rollercoaster of emotions during my job search with a robotics company. After eight interviews, I was finally told by the head of the company that they wanted to create a remote role for me, and we agreed on a salary range of $90-95k. Feeling optimistic, I turned down a written offer for an $82k non-remote position, assuming the verbal offer was solid. However, a week later, I called for an update and was reassured that everything was on track and that HR was finalizing the role's responsibilities. Today, I received a call stating that I was actually still in consideration for the original role I interviewed for, which is not remote. To make matters worse, I learned that the original role is now between two locations instead of just one, which was not what I expected. I feel completely betrayed and abandoned, and it's frustrating to think that I turned down a solid offer based on a verbal promise. I know I should have kept my options open, but I really trusted the process. This experience has left me feeling angry and confused, and I just want to vent about how disappointing this whole situation has been.

Today, I reflected on the stark differences between job hunting now and when I graduated. It feels like navigating a maze just to find a real person who can offer me a genuine opportunity. The process has become so impersonal, dominated by AI systems that often reject my applications based on keyword mismatches. I spent countless hours crafting my resume and cover letter, only to be turned away by an ATS. It seems like the only way to truly break through is through networking—getting involved in panels or industry groups and hoping someone takes notice. The irony of relying on AI tools to voice my frustration about AI in the job market isn't lost on me; it's just another layer of complexity in this already challenging landscape.

I've been feeling exhausted and stuck in my current job situation, and I'm really looking for consistent work that pays better than what I have now. I have a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in child psychology and a master's in industrial/organizational psychology. I also have certifications in CPR, first aid, crisis intervention, food handling, and I'm currently working on a librarian assistant program. I'm aiming for 30 to 40 hours a week, but I'm flexible enough to work up to 60 hours since I have caregiving duties for two elderly family members. For the past decade, I've been trying to find better employment. I worked through college, but after graduating, I struggled to find a job in my field and ended up in care jobs. While I enjoy the work, most of the positions I've found are dead-end roles paying around $18 an hour, with little to no benefits. My current job has inconsistent hours, and the situation has worsened to the point where I'm worried about potential layoffs. The only reason I still have hours is that I have open availability and am willing to take on the most challenging clients, but even then, I'm not making enough to cover my bills. I'm exploring other options like selling plasma, recycling, and applying for temp jobs, but I'm not having much luck. I've also reached out to friends and family for leads, but nothing seems to be panning out. I'm starting to feel like I'm doing something wrong, but I've tried networking, earning certificates, and even delivering my resume in person (which backfired once). I just want to find a job that allows me to pay my bills consistently and get out of this financial hole.

I just signed a contract today for a data analyst role after four months of searching. I had to step down from a lead position to a senior role and take a pay cut, but I'm grateful to have found something. During my job search, I learned a few key strategies that I think could help others. First, I focused on sending selective resumes rather than applying to every job I found. I tailored my applications to align with the roles I was interested in, sending about 10 resumes a week. I also had to get used to rejection; it was tough at first, especially when I received no responses or rejections without interviews. I revamped my LinkedIn profile, which I believe was crucial. I learned that networking is important, and having a strong profile helped attract headhunters. My headline now includes keywords like 'Advanced Analytics Lead' and 'Power BI & SQL Specialist' to catch the right eyes. Additionally, I made sure my CV was not generic. Many companies use ATS systems to filter resumes, so I tailored mine to pass those checks. I even used an AI tool to evaluate my resume against job descriptions. Understanding the job market in my area was also essential. As an expat, I had to consider my options carefully, especially since moving back to the US is not an option for my wife. I researched what roles were available and whether they matched my skills. Lastly, I kept myself busy during the search. I maintained my hobbies, kept up with relationships, and took time to relax without feeling guilty. I want to thank everyone for their posts; they've been a source of comfort knowing I'm not alone in this journey. Good luck to everyone still searching!

I was recently terminated from my position at a private practice in Pennsylvania after just three weeks of employment. The reason given was supposedly my "attitude," but I was completely blindsided by this decision. There were no warnings, write-ups, or any conflicts with my team; everything seemed fine from my perspective. Now, I'm trying to navigate the situation and have some questions about unemployment compensation. I'm wondering if I'm eligible for UC, whether future employers will see that I filed a claim, and if this could negatively impact my job prospects in the future. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I recently witnessed a troubling situation with a close friend who was terminated from their role after over eight months at the company. They had consistently met performance expectations, received a salary raise, and even a bonus just a month or two prior. Everything seemed fine until one week, during their regular 1:1 meeting, their boss indicated that all was well. The following week, however, they were abruptly terminated for alleged poor performance, with HR present during the call. This came as a shock, especially since there had been no documented performance issues or prior discussions about any concerns. It felt particularly unfair given that they had received positive feedback from senior management and peers across different teams. I can't help but wonder why the company would label it as a performance issue when there was no evidence to support that claim. It seems like a tactic to avoid paying unemployment benefits, especially since they reposted the job within a week of the termination. It raises so many questions about corporate ethics and the treatment of employees. My friend had negotiated a solid pay package and was the only senior member on their team, which makes me suspect that financial motives were at play. This experience has left me disillusioned with corporate America.

I recently interviewed for a public sector government job and it seems like things are moving along. They called or emailed all of my references, which included three from my previous internship and two weaker ones—a family member and my best friend. The interview felt promising; they even gave me a tour of the facility and we had some casual conversations after the formal interview. They mentioned that they would have results in about two weeks since they had a couple of candidates drop out and still needed to interview more people. Now, a week and a half later, my references have informed me that they were contacted just yesterday and today. I'm hopeful that this indicates I'm a strong candidate, though I know it doesn't guarantee I'm the top pick.

I’ve been working as an HR Manager for the past three years, but recent changes at my company are set to significantly reduce my responsibilities by about 30-50% weekly. To proactively address this situation and avoid potential layoffs, I’m considering applying for a fully remote HR Data Analyst position that’s currently open. I’m reaching out to those of you who are already in this role to gather insights. How do you find the job? What’s the pay range like? Also, what does career advancement look like in this position? My background is in computer science, and I have some very basic SQL knowledge, but I haven’t worked with Cognos BI before. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

I just received an amazing job offer that aligns perfectly with my career goals, including the compensation and role I've been seeking. The location and my future co-workers also seem great, which is a huge plus. However, I’m currently a contractor at a company that’s in the process of being acquired, and my contract is set to end at the end of the year. Many of my colleagues are opting to leave instead of transitioning to the acquiring company, which adds to the uncertainty. I have the chance to start my new role in just two weeks, which would allow me to be eligible for the end-of-year review and a merit increase next year. However, I only have a week to give notice, which is a departure from the standard practice I usually follow. If I take longer to notify my current employer, I risk missing out on a salary improvement next year. Given that I'm a contractor and most of my colleagues are leaving, I’m leaning towards taking the opportunity to leave sooner rather than later. My boss has already given me approval and was a reference for my new position, which makes me feel more secure in my decision. This is a situation I wouldn't typically consider, but it seems reasonable given the circumstances.

I just got laid off from my position as a senior graphic designer after 9 months with the company that acquired my agency. I had spent 7 years in the field before that, so this sudden change has left me feeling lost. I have 2 weeks of severance pay and my insurance is valid until the end of the month, which is less than a week away. I'm unsure about where to start my job search since I haven't applied for jobs since 2018. I've been considering cold calling companies, but I've heard so many negative things about potential workplaces from sites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn. I'm feeling scared and overwhelmed about how to approach applying for new jobs. Any advice on where I should focus my efforts?

I was laid off from my role on September 4 and received an offer of 24 weeks of severance pay. Unfortunately, my entire team was affected, and my previous position has been eliminated. Currently, I'm in the process of interviewing for a second round with the same company, but for a different role. The recruiter mentioned that the pay for this new position might be a bit lower than what I was making before. I just found out that if I accept this new job, my severance pay would stop. I'm torn about whether to take this job or continue searching for other opportunities. I would appreciate any advice on what to do next.

I recently had an interesting conversation at work with a woman who mentioned that her company is looking for a new receptionist, offering $21/hr, which is about $4 more than my current pay. She was kind enough to recommend me to her boss, and I even received an interview notification the very next day. However, I'm feeling uncertain about the whole situation. I don't have much experience in that role, so I'm not sure if I'll actually land the job. On the other hand, I absolutely love my current position as a bridal stylist. I enjoy working with my clients and helping them feel beautiful on one of the most important days of their lives. My friends suggested that if I receive an official offer for the receptionist position, I could potentially use it to negotiate a raise at my current job. But considering I've only been a stylist for about a month and a half, I doubt they'd be willing to accommodate that. This brings me to a tough decision: should I prioritize a job that offers better financial stability or stick with a career that I truly love? It's a dilemma that weighs heavily on my mind.

Today I was terminated from my position at a commercial laboratory after nearly three months of employment. The reasons given for my dismissal included failing to meet conduct, quality, and attendance standards, with the term "violent" even mentioned in the termination letter. I want to provide some context around my situation. Throughout my time there, I made several mistakes in my analysis of materials, but I always followed the procedures to correct them and sought help when needed. Most of my work was satisfactory, or so I thought, until my workload increased significantly when a coworker took a week off. When he returned, I was asked to help him catch up, despite already having a heavy workload. I felt I couldn't refuse, as insubordination was a fireable offense. This added pressure led to multiple meltdowns in one day, which I had previously struggled with due to my autism. I experienced five meltdowns in a single day, resulting in me needing to take the next day off to recover. I was never physically violent or destructive, but my emotional outbursts included slamming equipment, crying, and swearing. After my termination, I felt blindsided; I had received positive feedback just the day before and had only missed one day of work due to my condition. I had disclosed my autism during the interview and had requested accommodations after my workload shifted, but I don't believe those requests were adequately addressed. The way they handled my termination felt abrupt and harsh, as they shut down my accounts immediately and escorted me out without allowing me to speak to anyone. I am left wondering if my termination was influenced by my disability, even if it wasn't done with malicious intent. I recognize now that my frequent meltdowns likely contributed to the decision, and I need to work on managing my reactions and understanding the proper channels for requesting accommodations in the future. I appreciate the feedback from those who have responded, as it has helped me gain perspective on my situation.

I was recently put on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) after five years at my remote company, right after hitting my five-year anniversary. This situation has made me mentally check out of my current role, and I've started looking for new opportunities. Fortunately, I secured a new fully remote job that starts on October 8, and my background check has cleared, with onboarding already in progress. Now I'm at a crossroads, trying to decide whether to quietly quit and let them fire me, or to formally resign. I’m considering three options: 1. Keep doing the bare minimum and let them fire me if that’s where the PIP is headed. 2. Resign next week and give about one week of notice so I’m finished before starting the new job. 3. Provide the traditional two weeks' notice, even though that would overlap with my new job for several days. Part of me feels that since they put me on a PIP after five years, I shouldn't feel obligated to give two weeks' notice. However, I also don’t want to burn any bridges unnecessarily. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has been in a similar situation and what their thoughts are on when to resign. Should I coast until they make the decision for me, or give notice once everything with the new job is completely locked in?

I've been actively interviewing for jobs but haven't landed any offers yet, and I'm starting to think it might be more about my interview skills than my resume or qualifications. In the past, I didn't really prepare for interviews—just winged it and relied on my resume and recommendation letters to speak for me. I figured my skills would be enough to qualify me for the roles I was applying for. Recently, I've started to prepare better by practicing self-introductions and focusing on key points relevant to the job. However, I had a setback in a recent interview where I misunderstood the job description. I tried to use the STAR Method to structure my answers, which I had only recently learned about, but I think my confusion about the role left a bad impression. I struggled to understand my interviewer's accent when they explained the job duties, and I didn't want to come off as rude by asking for clarification. It's frustrating to see my younger sister getting job offers while I'm still searching. I feel like something is off with my interview approach, and I've been caught in a negative mindset, blaming the job market instead of focusing on self-improvement. To boost my skills, I completed a Google certification recently and plan to take two more. I'm reaching out for advice on how to improve my interview skills or any resources, like videos, that could help me get better.

I recently graduated with my Master's degree and have been job hunting for the past three months without success. To make ends meet, I applied for a low-paying job at a company offering $20/hr, which requires rotating weekend nights and a less desirable schedule. I accepted their offer out of necessity, as my savings were dwindling fast. However, shortly after, I was contacted by the VA with a job offer for $75k, which is significantly better. I've gone through interviews and discussions about salary, and I feel confident about it, but I'm still in the onboarding phase and haven't received a formal offer yet. Now, I’m in a tough spot because the first job is requiring me to do a health screening in just a couple of hours, and I'm considering not going since I feel optimistic about the VA position. However, I’m also anxious about putting all my eggs in one basket without a written offer from the VA. I feel guilty about potentially backing out of the first job, especially since the director was very kind to me. I’m torn between going through with the health screening or just not showing up at all. I could really use some advice on how to navigate this situation.

I recently started a part-time contract at what feels like my dream company. I was thrilled to get this opportunity, especially since I've been trying to leave my current job for about a year. Although they selected me for the part-time role due to my slightly lesser experience, there’s been talk about the possibility of this contract turning into a full-time position in the future. Just a few days ago, a recruiter reached out to me on LinkedIn about a full-time role at the same company. I let them know that I already have a contract there, but they still want to have a conversation with me. I'm torn about whether I should engage with the recruiter or not. It feels a bit strange to go through the hiring process for the contract role while also exploring a full-time opportunity through a recruiter. I’m leaning towards not talking to the recruiter because I don’t want to come off as pushy, especially since I’ve already communicated that my position is currently a contract. However, I can’t help but wonder if having that conversation could be beneficial in the long run. Should I just wait and see how things develop with my contract?

I'm currently seeking a remote job to be able to stay at home with my 2-month-old baby. I'm from Puerto Rico and have been searching for months, especially during my pregnancy, so that once my maternity leave ended, I could still care for my child. Unfortunately, my maternity leave was only two months, and now I'm facing a tough situation with $6,000 in debt and a monthly car payment of $365. I’m feeling overwhelmed because I really don’t want to leave my baby with someone else or put them in daycare, especially after hearing about recent incidents of negligence in local daycares. I don’t have any family nearby for support either. I have experience in sales and waitressing, so if anyone knows of any remote job opportunities or resources that could help me sustain myself during this time, I would greatly appreciate it.