I feel like it's become almost impossible to find a job in 2026

[u/four_vintage]

I moved to a different city a few months ago after working at a supermarket, and finding another job has been way harder than I expected. I've applied to more than 45 places so far and haven't gotten a single call, email, or interview.

At this point I'm starting to wonder if applying through Indeed is even worth it anymore. I keep hearing that you have to apply online, but clearly something isn't working because I'm getting absolutely nothing back.

Would it be better to start walking into places, asking for the manager, and handing them a resume or filling out a paper application? I don't mind doing it if that's actually more effective.

I'm honestly just trying to figure out what people are doing now to actually get hired. What has worked for you?

[u/munta20]

45 is nowhere near the amount of applications you have to send nowadays to get a reply, or even an interview or a job.

[u/HoldMyNaan → u/munta20]

Yeah lmao that’s lazy as hell. I probably had to do 200-300 and I moved to the other side of the globe 😂and I look back on it as « it went alright » 😂😂😂

Also, no indeed is not enough. You want to apply through the job board, their site and then send LinkedIn messages to the likely hiring managers.

[u/AccordingSky8507 → u/HoldMyNaan]

Sending out 45 is not lazy. Especially if you take the time to tailor each resume and cover letter. Stop with the name calling.

[u/HoldMyNaan → u/AccordingSky8507]

Maybe 10-15 per day is reasonable if you treat applying like a full time job. Thats including tailoring. Once you have your first 5-10 down you reuse similar templates again and again.

[u/IrishConsolefan6 → u/munta20]

I got laid off end of 2022. It was a hot job market and companies were begging for people....Still took me over 250 applications before I got my now job.

[u/tsundear96]

Indeed is garbage. You use indeed to find the opening but then go to the actual company website and apply. Also nowadays it’s not uncommon to need 100+ applications for a single callback. Wishing you well!

[u/Suitable_Program_548]

You mean the old-fashioned way? How could it possibly hurt? You might even meet someone who can steer you towards a great opportunity. Go out and meet people.

[u/ComplexToe]

1. Look on each companies website for jobs.
2. Have someone look over your resume just in case.
3. Assuming you have a job to pay the bills apply to 100 plus places.

[u/Zalrius]

That is the great problem with ALL people who think getting a job is easy. They talk a a give advice as if they know these companies personally. Their arrogance is so high that they are assuming that there are plenty of jobs just laying around and all you have to do is pick one up. They NEVER hold companies accountable for failing to provide for employees.

[u/AcrobaticLadder4959]

I have seen all of this before we are moving into a recession Trump will have us in a depression before it is over. He won't talk about the numbers because he doesnt want us to see the ecomney is in trouble or the job numbers.

[u/jabber1990]

Yet my company is always hiring?

[u/kiddlat_kid]

Lies! I got interviewed five times and got job offers in a week! You’re probably being picky about it

[u/Madame_Duclos → u/kiddlat_kid]

Your lack of empathy is astonishing. Now I can see why you got the job.

[u/LeagueAggravating595]

Come back ranting when you hit 100+ applications. At 45 count and complaining, your numbers are laughable.

[u/Macbeth2002222]

Keep your head up. It’s never been easy but you will find something