I’ve been without steady employment for over a year now. I’ve only been able to get one temporary job that lasted for a few months, but since then, nothing. I have a degree, years of experience in my field, and certifications. Nobody wants me. I recently applied for a job that I’m very qualified for, that my friend’s dad works at. They sent me an auto reject. If having all the qualifications asked for and then some, years of experience, a degree, certifications, AND a referral isn’t enough, then what the fuck is?
Most recently, I had an absolute unicorn job I interviewed for. It was in my area, transit distance, looking for my level of experience, and since it had an intangible product, was relatively unaffected by the tariffs and shit. I talked to two recruiters for screening, both said I’m an excellent fit. I interviewed two team members, they liked me so much, they advanced me to the final round minutes after the interview. I did the final interview, and it went quite well. I was given an update by the recruiter two days after, there’s just one person left to interview, it’s just between me and that person, and the two guys I interviewed first liked me better, but it’s just down to the hiring manager’s choice. And then I got rejected, because the other guy had more experience than me. WHY THE FUCK DID YOU WASTE MY TIME AND LEAD ME ON LIKE THAT IF YOU WERE JUST GOING TO GO BY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE?
My parents also paid for a career counselor for me, and all she could say was that I seem to be doing nothing wrong, and I just need to wait for an offer to come through. Gee, thanks. That was totally worth $200.
I even apply for the absolutely shittiest of places, paying well under what I’m looking for, but not even they’ll take me. How the fuck am I supposed to get a job if no one wants to hire anymore?
Are you in tech? I hear that whole sector is basically flooded (with job seekers) right now, and the white collar job market as a whole is insanely competitive as well. Even niche positions are getting dozens of qualified applicants.
It sucks, but it sounds like you are a professional and know what you’re doing. And if so, the only real answer is to keep searching and sending tailored applications, until you run out of leads in your area every single day.
I’m speaking from experience, laid off recently and it took 6 months before getting an offer with 20% less pay and reduced responsibility.
I know talented aerospace engineers that didn’t get an offer out of school for a full year in a hot market. It’s just shit now, but you just gotta keep going. It always seems hopeless until you finally get that job offer.
Worst case scenario, I know warehouse/forklift work pays decently and are always hiring. Anything to pay the bills and let you keep searching while the market heats back up.
Your university might also have career services resources for alumni if you want 2nd opinions on resume. Just keep the long march going, comrade.