Thinking

I recently accepted a job offer from Company A after a lengthy interview process that started back in May. They took almost three months to finalize everything, and during that time, I faced a lot of delays and communication issues. They pressured me to make a decision quickly, so I accepted the role, even though I was still in talks with other companies. Now, they have pushed my start date back due to visa processing, which has given me some time to reflect. I just received news from Company B, where I am currently going through background checks. I am much more interested in this position because it offers better pay and doesn't require me to relocate, unlike Company A, which also didn't provide relocation assistance. I'm feeling conflicted about how to handle the situation with Company A since I don't want to burn any bridges. I know I need to reject their offer, but I'm unsure how to approach it after already accepting. I want to wait until I have a firm offer from Company B before I inform Company A, but I also want to be respectful and professional in my communication.

I have management experience but I'm currently on the hunt for a new job and looking to apply for positions that are lower or more entry-level than what I've done in the past. I'm concerned about how to present my resume so that I don't come across as overqualified or desperate. I want to make sure that my application reflects my genuine interest in these roles, as I believe I have the necessary skills and experience to excel in them. Some advice I received was to focus on tailoring my CV to highlight the relevant skills required for the job and to avoid emphasizing my management background too much. I'm hoping to find a way to convey my capability without scaring off potential employers.

I recently started working with a vocational rehabilitation agency in my state, and I'm currently being assisted by a business specialist named Chris. His role is to help me find a job, and he's been working on my resume, providing interview prep, and offering general job search advice. While Chris has a lot of confidence and claims to have helped many clients secure jobs, I'm feeling conflicted about his guidance. I've shared my concerns about the job market and my lack of relevant skills for my goal of finding a clerical or administrative support position. Despite my worries, Chris insists that he can help me get hired. One of the main pieces of advice he's given me is to keep applying for jobs, which I appreciate. He's also encouraged me to visit smaller local businesses in person and follow up with phone calls after submitting applications. However, I'm not entirely sure about the resume he's created for me. My original resume was quite basic, reflecting my limited experience—about five years of part-time work serving lunch in school cafeterias and a few years as an in-class tutor. My degree is a general studies one, and I graduated with a GPA below 3.0, so I feel like my qualifications are mediocre at best. Chris has taken my resume and inflated it significantly, adding extra words and redundant bullet points, resulting in a nearly two-page document. I've already received negative feedback on this version, and I worry that it misrepresents my actual experience. While I want to trust Chris since he has put effort into my resume, I'm starting to doubt his abilities, especially after noticing some outdated advice in his suggestions. I'm at a crossroads and unsure if I should continue following Chris's advice or seek help elsewhere. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has faced a similar situation and what you think I should do.

I recently completed my BBA in Marketing and have been actively searching for an entry-level marketing position. I completed two internships in influencer marketing and sales/marketing operations, which I thought would give me a solid foundation for my job hunt. However, after applying to numerous positions and attending a few interviews, I've received some perplexing feedback. One interviewer mentioned that I seemed low on energy and lacked confidence, so I took that to heart and worked on being more energetic and prepared for my next interviews. Yet, in another interview, I was told that I appeared less passionate. It's frustrating trying to navigate these mixed signals. I'm starting to feel the weight of the job market as I see many graduates with similar degrees and skills struggling to find work. It makes me question the value of my BBA. I’ve also been hearing the common advice to pursue an MBA, but I worry that many people are opting for it as a way to delay their job search rather than as a genuine career move. Right now, I'm contemplating taking a client support or customer service role just to start earning some income while I figure out my next steps. I'm curious to hear from other BBA or marketing graduates about what paths they took after graduation.

I’ve submitted 12 job applications so far, but I’ve received 3 rejections and haven’t gotten any calls. I have 3 years of experience in Information Systems Auditing and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), along with a CISA certification. I also hold a Master’s in Computer Application from a well-known college. My resume is ATS-friendly, and I’ve been tailoring it specifically to match the job descriptions for each application. Despite my efforts, I’m feeling stuck as most of my applications are still ‘in process’ after a week with no updates. I’m starting to wonder if I’m missing something in my approach. Some feedback I’ve received suggests that the job market is just slow right now, but I’m eager to know if there are specific areas I should focus on in my resume, especially regarding terms like SOX, ISO, NIST, SOC2, risk assessments, and control testing, which might help me stand out to recruiters. I know I’ve only applied to 12 positions, but the silence is making me anxious.

I recently found myself in a tough situation while job hunting. I'm currently in the final stages for three different roles, with my top choice giving me a verbal offer after a competencies interview yesterday. However, I hit a snag when a background check for another position came back stating that my degree could not be verified, even though my attendance dates were confirmed. This was unexpected, especially since I graduated in 2020. After some digging, I discovered that my degree wasn't formally conferred due to uncompleted graduation requirements. This was shocking to me, as I thought I had completed everything. My last semester was particularly difficult due to personal losses, which made it all a blur. Now, I'm worried because most of the jobs I'm applying for require a degree, and I really want to secure this role that was referred to me by someone I trust at the company. I’m planning to visit my school today to sort this out, but I'm feeling overwhelmed. Should I bring this up with potential employers now, or keep quiet and resolve it first? My friends suggest handling it quietly, but I want to maintain my integrity. Any advice would be appreciated.

I’m 25 years old and recently resigned from my role as a Graduate Engineer Trainee, which I held until November 2023, to prepare for the UPSC examination. Unfortunately, life took a turn for the worse when I lost my father, which placed a lot of responsibility on me to support my family. Shortly after, I also lost my grandfather. Since then, my focus has shifted from my career aspirations to managing family responsibilities, including my sister's wedding and my mother's surgery, while also caring for my grandmother who has Parkinson's disease. Currently, my family’s primary source of income is my grandmother’s pension, which is not enough to cover our expenses. I moved to Noida in January with hopes of finding a job to regain financial independence, but despite applying for numerous positions and attending interviews, I’ve faced multiple rejections and ghosting. I was even selected by an MNC, but they froze recruitment, which crushed my hopes for financial stability. I’m paying over ₹12,000 monthly for my PG accommodations, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to manage my expenses. I’m feeling exhausted and anxious as my family depends on me, yet I lack a stable income. Despite these challenges, I haven’t given up; I’ve started preparing for government exams related to Computer Science, aiming for a stable career that allows me to support my family. I’m at a crossroads and unsure of my next steps. Should I continue searching for a private-sector job while preparing for government exams? Or should I focus solely on the exams? Should I consider moving back home to cut down on expenses? I’m looking for practical advice from anyone who has navigated similar situations, especially those who have experienced career gaps or job searches under difficult circumstances. I have a B.Tech in Computer Science and about 1.5 years of work experience, and I’m open to starting from a lower position if it means getting back on my feet. My main concern is not just my career, but ensuring my family’s financial stability. Any guidance or job leads would be greatly appreciated.

I was recently laid off from my job due to some structural changes within the company. The emotional weight of this situation is really starting to take its toll on me. This morning, I tried to clear my head by going for a bike ride and then spent the next few hours applying for roles in the hospitality industry. I visited about 9 to 12 cafes and handed out 3 to 4 resumes, but the staff seemed puzzled as to why a software engineer like me would be looking for work in their field. After five hours of this, I found myself back at home, lying on my bed, feeling completely defeated and unable to move. The reality of my situation is sinking in—I have rent and bills to pay, and only about two months of financial runway left. I'm devastated. My company requires me to work through my notice period to receive my final paycheck, which means I won't officially be terminated until October 1st. I've filed for unemployment, but it's not nearly enough to cover my expenses. I'm reaching out for advice on what to do next. I have 1.5 years of experience as a software engineer, but I’m feeling lost and overwhelmed right now.

I recently applied to 60 jobs using two different names on the same resume. The only difference was the name at the top: my real name and an anglicized version I've used for years on delivery apps, which is easier for people to pronounce over the phone. I split the applications evenly, sending out 30 with each name, and made sure they matched the roles to keep the timing consistent. To track my progress, I used a careerflow tracker to separate the responses. I expected the difference in replies to be minimal, but I was shocked to find that I received 4 responses with my real name and 11 with the anglicized version. This disparity has left me feeling uncertain about what to do next. I’m not planning to change my name, but I can’t ignore the implications of this experiment. I’m curious if anyone else has conducted a similar test with a larger sample size, as I would love to be proven wrong about this trend.

I'm currently feeling a lot of uncertainty in my job at 41F, where I've been for over 12 years. I have this nagging feeling that the higher-ups are planning to bring in someone new and push me out of my position. Next week, I'm actually scheduled to interview this new candidate for a different role, but I've seen the president of the company do this before—bringing in friends and ousting existing employees. It's making me question my job security, and I can't shake the feeling that something might be brewing. If anyone has gone through a similar experience, I would really appreciate your advice on how to handle this situation.

Today was my first day back at work after taking over a month off for mental health reasons due to work-related stress. My manager requested a meeting before I returned, and she expressed her shock and disappointment when I sent her my doctor’s note. During the meeting, she pressed me for details about what caused my stress and how she could help prevent it from happening again. I tried to explain that it wasn't just one thing, but rather a buildup of pressures that led to my need for a break. She also inquired about my mental health and any medications I'm on, claiming she had no prior knowledge of my situation. This experience has only reinforced my feelings of unhappiness in this job, and despite my efforts, I haven't had much luck finding a new position. I can't help but wonder if I overreacted by taking that month off.

I just learned that Tenet is laying off over 1,000 employees from Conifer due to the breakup of their contract with CommonSpirit. This news is quite shocking and unsettling, especially for those of us who have been dedicated to our roles. I'm currently trying to process what this means for my job security and the future of my team. It's a tough time for many of us as we navigate these changes.

I’ve been job hunting for two years now, and it feels like I’m hitting a wall at every turn. I’m 19 and living in Georgia, and the job market seems rigged against me. Most companies want years of experience, which is tough when I’m just starting out. I’ve noticed that many listings now require foreign language skills, which is frustrating because it feels like they’re prioritizing bilingual candidates without offering any extra pay for that skill. It’s disheartening to see so many listings that seem like ghost jobs, where you apply but never hear back. When I do get interviews, they often last less than ten minutes and feel more like a formality than a genuine opportunity. I can’t help but feel that older generations are out of touch with what it’s like to find a job today. They had it easier back in the day, where even entry-level positions were more accessible. I’m trying to build my skills and get certifications, but it feels like it’s all for nothing. The competition is fierce with more people moving to my area, and if I weren’t living with my parents, I’d be in a really tough spot. It’s frustrating to see older folks enjoying life while young people like me are struggling to get a foot in the door. I’m just looking for a chance to start my career and improve my situation, but it feels like the odds are stacked against me.

I've been on a relentless job hunt for a Product Management position for the past year. Today, I took a moment to look back and realized I've submitted over 6,000 applications across various platforms like LinkedIn, Naukri, and WellFound. The lack of responses is overwhelming, and each rejection email feels like a personal blow, reminding me that I'm not moving forward while everyone else seems to be progressing. At 28, the weight of this resume gap is really starting to affect my mental health. I used to find joy in solving user problems, but now I feel stuck and unable to tackle my own situation. I'm reaching out to see if there are any fellow PMs who are experiencing similar struggles and how you're managing your mental well-being during this tough time. Additionally, if anyone has a referral or knows of any openings, even freelance or contract roles, I would greatly appreciate your help.

I recently went through a series of interviews for a position that I'm really excited about. I had a positive first interview, which was a screening, followed by another good round with the team lead. On September 1st, I had my third interview, which involved a case study presentation with both the team lead and the regional manager. They mentioned I would hear back in about two weeks, but I was warned that a quicker response might indicate a negative outcome. The day after the interview, I sent a thank you email to the recruiter. They replied, saying they would try to debrief before going on PTO, but if they couldn't, a stand-in recruiter would reach out. Sure enough, the stand-in recruiter contacted me, but they had no feedback yet because they were still evaluating candidates. Since then, I've followed up once last week and was told to wait another 1-2 weeks for an update. I'm really torn about whether this is a good or bad sign. If they were going to reject me, why would they keep me in the loop for so long instead of just sending a rejection? It feels like a mixed signal, and I just want to know where I stand.

I recently started my job hunt after a fallout with my current organization regarding my appraisal, which resulted in a salary decrease. I have an 18-month bond that ends in November and a 90-day notice period. I began looking for jobs in July, but after a month and a half of searching, I finally got an interview with a well-established company. They were excited to have me, but I had to decline the offer because they wanted me to join within 60 days, and I couldn't get an early release from my current job. Additionally, I’m getting married around the same time they wanted me to start. I asked for a one-week extension, but they rejected it, so I had to say no to the offer. It's been a week since then, and I've been feeling pretty down about it. Today, I received another interview call from another reputable company, but I'm hesitant to pursue it due to the lengthy process and my previous experience. Plus, this new opportunity doesn't align with my long-term goals. I'm really confused about whether I should continue interviewing over the next three months or wait until after my wedding to start looking again. I could use some advice on what to do next.

I’ve been laid off three times in the past year, and I’m really struggling to process it all. My first layoff came after about 10 months in a junior role at a company that simply decided they didn’t need as many employees anymore. I was already contemplating leaving, so it wasn’t too devastating, and I managed to find another job within 2-3 weeks. The second job turned out to be a bad fit. I had interviewed for one position, but once I started, I was placed in a completely different role without much time to adjust. It didn’t work out, and I was laid off again. Then I landed a job that I absolutely loved, working closely with the CEO and achieving great results. Unfortunately, I was laid off again due to broader financial cuts and mass layoffs. This time, I received strong recommendations from both my manager and the CEO, which made it even more frustrating because it felt like pure bad luck rather than a reflection of my performance. Now, I find myself questioning my abilities after three back-to-back layoffs, even though I've consistently received positive feedback. It’s tough to explain this situation to friends and family without sounding defensive. I’m not looking for sympathy; I genuinely want to hear from others who have faced similar challenges. How do I keep believing in my skills when the circumstances seem to suggest otherwise? Would you change how you evaluate companies before accepting a role? How do I explain these layoffs in interviews without it sounding like a red flag? Any advice would be appreciated.

I currently work in publishing and have been feeling increasingly sidelined at my job. Recently, I’ve noticed that a few of my colleagues, who are not my superiors, have been getting more work opportunities and recognition, while I find myself spending about three hours each day with little to do. This is particularly distressing because my role requires visibility and consistent performance, and without that, I worry about job security. Despite my attempts to pitch ideas, my bosses seem uninterested, focusing instead on developing the projects of those three coworkers. It feels like they’re more invested in socializing with them and making jokes at the expense of others, rather than acknowledging the contributions I make. I often help these colleagues with tasks like mailing, organizing, and publishing, but my efforts go unnoticed, and I receive no thanks for my work. It’s disheartening to see them receive applause and recognition for projects I also contributed to, especially when I’ve worked long hours to support them. I used to feel proud of my accomplishments, having won awards for my work, but now I feel like I’ve been reduced to a mere support role. I know that many of my colleagues share similar feelings, but I’m struggling to cope. I cry on my way to and from work, feeling unappreciated and invisible. I understand that finding a new job is the best solution, but given the current job market, it feels nearly impossible. I’m looking for ways to cope with this situation and find some peace.

I’ve been jobless for over a year now, and it's been incredibly frustrating to see people who seem less qualified thriving in their roles. I have an admin diploma and have applied to hundreds of jobs, but the offers I get are often disappointing. I can't help but wonder how some individuals become the 'star employees' despite their lack of skills. Is it just luck or connections that keep them in their positions? I feel like I’m at my wits' end trying to figure out how to break into the job market. I’ve considered aiming lower in my job search, but it’s disheartening to see others who don’t seem to deserve their jobs getting ahead.

I've been unemployed for the past three months and it's been really tough. I'm a 23-year-old female from India, and I completed my bachelor's degree in Sociology with first division honors. I then decided to pursue an internship in HR to break into the field, which led me to earn a Master's in Human Resource Management from Trinity College Dublin, where I graduated with a 2:1. Since then, I've been actively applying for jobs in both Dublin and Delhi, but I've hit a wall. Despite my efforts to network, reach out to recruitment agencies, and tailor my resume, I haven't even made it past the first stage of any application. No interviews or job offers have come my way, and I'm starting to feel really discouraged. I've tried everything I can think of, but it just doesn't seem to be working.