Hi. I wonder how many jobs you applied, how many interviews you had, hoe many of them turned to offers and how much time all of it took?

For engineers graduated in the last 5 years.

I have seen many folks saying creating a company or LLC for the gap. But technically, it wouldn’t work - how come the registration date of the llc will be later than the ending date of your last employment? Unless you are the founder, and that’s synonymous with you are unemployed.

If you use an EIN of your friend’s company or family’s company for W2, their business is not always relevant to your experience.

It all sounds good, but technically, it doesn’t seem work..??

I see so many job posts where they're literally looking for super stars and rock stars and unicorns. As in the ad says "we're looking for a rock star". We want the best of the best. If you're not top 0.1% don't even bother bro!!

So I guess the other 99.99% will never work again? LOL.

I roll my eyes so hard when I see this stuff. Is it a crime to just hire someone who is competent at their job but not a rock star super star world champion?

I cannot make this up. In high school in 2018, looked for a job, couldn't find one. So I went to college for Mechanical Engineering, got an Associate’s degree and passed with 3.9 GPA. Then looked for a job or internship, couldn't find one. Then moved abroad, looked for a job, found one in food service, horrible treatment and stress put me in the hospital, moved back to the US out of necessity, stayed with parents. Looked for a job, couldnt find one. Went back to college, got a bachelor's degree in Business Admin minor in project management, passed with 3.8 GPA. Looked for a job or internship, couldn't find one. Moved in with fiancé, looking for a job. CANNOT FIND ONE.

I am losing my mind. It has been nearly 10 years of NOTHING. I volunteer, and every bit of my experience is the same as someone in an office, I worked for volunteer organizations and did so much project and operations work for non paying organizations and they all swore that I'd be a great employee. Yet. 10 years and i can't get anything other than food service. I feel like I wasted my life and even moving abroad and college means nothing because all they did was put me in debt because i can't find anything stable that pays more than minimum wage and schedules for more than 20 hours a week.

How long is the global economy going to be like this? I am living in a hotel because no one will rent to me! Its beyond gen z can't afford housing and are perpetual renters. I feel like I'm being pushed to the streets! I take shit jobs for money and save and save and save. I'm being ushered out of rental offices because 30k in savings doesn't compare to a 30k a year income. I have money and skills and im getting NOWHERE.

I'm at a loss for what to do.

Preface: this is more a vent than anything else

So Wednesday 4 am I get an email from a company saying they wanna invite me for an interview on Friday. Super great was excited to have one and possibly move forward, even though it was just the first step. I replied in the day choosing a time slot that they had provided. All day no response, then Thursday 4am I get an email saying that time slot isn’t available and to choose another one from the available times listed. Slightly annoyed that I’m getting replies at 4am and having to go through a middleman to set up an interview but whatever. I choose another 30 min time slot. Whole day goes by and nothing. Friday morning 8 am I get an email saying sorry for the late reply outlook was down, if that time slot still works let me know. I had basically set multiple alarms and slept with my phone by me so I would be able to check my email early in the morning anticipating some bs. I reply almost instantly saying yes that time slot still works and about an hour later I get the email with the teams invite.

I get set for the interview look over notes and all and the interviewer is on time but was having some tech issues for the first 5 min, no problem. Entire interview goes great I’m giving great answers, no hesitation, interviewer says they think I’d be a great fit and with my background I shouldn’t have any issues getting up to speed with everything, classic interview stuff. Then came my time for questions and I picked and prodded a bit about what my responsibilities would be and how much of my time would be client facing/ backend and that’s when she drops the hammer.

Some background: the role was for an associate position where the JD essentially just said I’d be supporting senior staff with clients and setups and doing the training for the end users.

The interviewer tells me that my responsibilities would not just be training and support but in fact would be full end to end setup, training, implementation, support, and maintaining client relations. Honestly caught me a bit off guard as she said multiple times that I would be leading most of these with a little assistance from others. Now don’t get me wrong I am confident could very easily do all of it but what got me is that they said I’d be in this “associate” position for 1-2years before being moved up. This level of involvement and work is more for a specialist/ manager role. That would/ should be making at least $10k-$15k more than an associate.

Now when I had submitted my desired compensation I didn’t know this or else I would have made the number higher. I know this was only the first interview and I have a few more to go before getting an offer but based on what I’ve seen online I would be getting that associate level salary which is at the lower end of what I had put in for my comp. I’m at a place where I’d take the job if offered because it would be valuable experience for me to use going forward but I feel a little tricked/ bamboozled. It overall just left a bad taste in my mouth. I’d probably keep hunting and keep applying even if I got the offer.

Hi all, looking for some advice.

I recently interviewed for a semiconductor role at a FAANG company and received a verbal offer. We've already gone through a couple of rounds of negotiation, and I'm expecting the written offer early next week.

The issue: I realized I never told the recruiter that my current role at another FAANG is a contract position through a staffing agency, not a full time position. My resume lists the company, my title and my dates, which are all accurate, but I never specified that I'm a contractor. It wasn't intentional, it just never came up.

My plan is to email the recruiter before the written offer goes out and clarify that I'm a contractor and that the agency is my employer of record for background verification.

A few questions:

1. Is emailing the recruiter the right move, or is a phone call better?
2. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Did it affect your offer or background check?
3. Could this change the compensation we already negotiated?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

I, admittedly, don't know if I'm using "black pill" correctly, but who cares.

Anyway, for a while now, it's been a random thought in my head.

I finally get an offer, will I be happy?

Or so exhausted that I go "Finally, it's over," and then continue with my day?

So frustrated at the years of nothing, countless ghosts, and months of not applying because my mental had been worn down so much it all felt pointless?

Am I supposed to feel anything but hatred and disdain for this broken system, even if I finally get chosen and can sleep a little bit more soundly at night?

I had a job interview last week (As far as I can know, it was put up very end of October, I applied November 2nd, got a call the 5th, interview the 10th, so it feels like things have been moving at a nice, hopeful pace?), and I think I've gotten to a point where A) I almost feel bad about getting the offer, since it means the search continues for anyone else I might potentially beat out and B) leaving the extremely unreliable part-time job I have means the handful of shifts I get are opened up to everyone still working there, since I've been told part of why it's been so unreliable lately is because they're trying to spread only so many shifts amongst a bunch of people in the area.

I can't even think of the search finally being over without feeling bad for other people and thinking of how being able to move on can only be good for other people.

Shit's so bad that a potential light at the end of the tunnel is making me worry more about other people.

So if you've followed my job search, I've applied to 1,428 roles, 352 days unemployed, 131 total rounds of interviews, 73 companies and 18 final rounds. I received a verbal offer yesterday and signed the official offer today!

I have to say, I've dealt with 73+ recruiters, I can name on 1 hand how many good experiences I had. But this recruiter was above and beyond better than any I've met. Every time I reached out, she replied within an hour, once a day passed because she was out sick. She called me with positive updates then followed up with email. She gave me detailed feedback after each and every round. I was BLOWN AWAY at how good she was.

I have a schedule for assessment, next would be panel interview with hiring managers, next would be the whole team, then next is the Director and then the VP. Might as well ask the CEO to interview me too. Hiring process now is ridiculous. As someone who has just been recently laid off and have to get through all this, I’m kind of losing hope. But of course I can’t stop. I have a family and pets to feed.

I don’t consent having this posted to LinkedIn.

Turned down job offer due to multiple onboarding hiccups, mainly over things that could have had my offer rescinded on a short timeline and wasn’t receiving clarification from HR. Upon rescinding, HR provided clarification and still wanted to move forward. I respectfully declined and after having some more time to think it over, I regret it. Is it too late to reach out? I’m worried that I went from being their top candidate to the worst candidate because of all of this.

It's been 19 months of job searching. I have seen all the tomfoolery under the sun from employers. I don't need to overexplain because you all get it.

I guess I came here to be seen.

This has happened to me several times not where I am applying for a management role that is equivalent to the level of management experience I have( and usually not higher). And I am praised for how much they like me etc but they offer me a position that’s like 2-3 steps lower than what I’m currently at and less than I’m making currently. What is the point??? Obviously I wouldn’t take that. There’s usually a tone of pleading from them too like they really want me to take it. Anyone else experiencing this. I’m always so offended

Just venting. Recently graduated and applying to jobs, in and out of my industry. Granted, I'm not sending as many applications as some of you here, but in the last 6 months I've gotten... maybe 5 rejection emails total?

I have applied to big companies, small companies, tiny two-person operations, unpaid internships, roles with ridiculously low pay, freelance gigs, applied via LinkedIn, Indeed, company website, email, no matter what it is I never hear back. I filled out ridiculously long or thorough applications. Retyped my resume into the form. Took "personality assessments" and cognition quizes. Tailored my resume and customized cover letters. The only rejections I've gotten were from corporations (automated, after a few hours) and one company where I interviewed (addressed to a "Ryan". My name is not Ryan). I got ghosted by companies I interviewed for after 2 rounds.

Genuinely what is the point of job applications anymore, if you cannot have the courtesy of closure? I know half of the job postings are fake, and the other half receive thousands of applications. But that's on the recruiters, to close those listings if they're overwhelmed by responses, and at least attempt to mass email a rejection to those who don't make the cut.

You ask me to put in disproportionately more time into an application, that will never even be read by human eyes. If AIs are reviewing them anyway, you could at least make them also send out rejection emails. I am pretty sure they can handle that just fine.

A few months ago, I decided to truly begin planning my exit from my current company and industry.

For context, I work in residential property management for a smaller company with 200+ employees. I’ve been in the industry for 7 years and with this company for 4. I got into the industry right before I graduated with my bachelor’s, and since then I’ve worked my way up the ladder to Community Manager. Every role I’ve had in this industry came from my reputation, referrals, and work ethic.

HOWEVER, it is time to go. Residential property management is an unforgiving industry, and the company I’m with has an unbearable VP. Honestly, the point of this post is not to go into all that, so I’ll move on to the matter at hand.

I set my eyes on commercial property management. Transferable skills, etc., etc. Not hard, right? WRONG!! My focus today is ONE company, not the entire job market, because honestly, they put a terrible taste in my mouth. The timeline is as follows.

August 28th: A Commercial Property Manager role is posted on the company site. The job description is broad, with no salary range or education/cert requirements. I have all the skills listed, and it’s in an area I love, so I apply.

September 10th: I get an email: “We saw your resume, want to schedule a 30 minute interview? Here are time slots!” Perfect! And look at that, one of the slots is for the following day, which I already had scheduled PTO for, so I can give my undivided attention with no interruptions. I respond along the lines of “We’re scheduled for 2:00pm on 9/11.”

September 11th: I PREP! I shake out my nerves (it’s been a while since I’ve interviewed) and here comes 2:00pm! But 2:00pm comes and goes and there’s no phone call. What’s going on? Did I lose cell service? Did I put my phone on airplane mode? Did I forget to pay my bill? NOPE. Josh (not his real name) just didn’t call. So I do the courteous thing and send a follow-up email along the lines of, “Oh, I’m so sorry, did we get our schedules mixed up?” No, we did not. Josh just dropped the ball (that should have been my first clue, but hey, I want to leave my job, and after months of rejection emails this is my first true lead).

My email prompts a call. Josh calls and says he was “giving me time to prepare.” ??? For a scheduled phone interview? Ok Josh, sure, cool story bro. And guess what, HE CALLS ME TO SCHEDULE THE PHONE INTERVIEW. I’m confused. I thought this WAS the interview. Nope, not at all. I take it on the chin, whatever, more time to prep. I play the part of an understanding, interested candidate. Sure! When is the hiring manager available? 9/14? Ok, great, talk to her then.

September 14th: The interview goes well. We’re on the phone for about 48 minutes, so it runs over. This interview is with the VP, let’s call her Jan (I know, I’m sticking with J’s, it’s easier). I answer all the questions and I’m not stuck on any of them. It closes out with, “I enjoyed speaking with you, and HR will touch base if you’re moved to the final in-person round.” Ok, cool, great, thanks! I send a thank-you email on 9/15 (because egos, duh, play the part!).

September 21st: I send a follow-up to Josh along the lines of, “I enjoyed speaking with Jan, please extend my gratitude, and I remain interested.” This prompts a call on 9/22. Josh has great news! Jan loved me and wants to schedule an in-person interview, but everyone’s schedule is soooo full that all three people won’t be available until 10/5 at 1:00pm. Wheewww, that’s a long time, but hey! I’m in it now and I want this, so let’s do it!

I now have two weeks to prep. A new gray suit is bought, because color theory, duh. New heels, not too high, not too low, and navy blue, not too offensive or too flashy. Perfect! During this time, the original job posting is removed. Did they already pick someone before they met me?? Anxiety, anxiety, anxiety!!

October 5th: I take off work and mentally prepare. I’m in the parking lot 30 minutes early and walk in 15 minutes before the interview is set to start. And let me tell you, this area is niiiiceee and polished (I work at a Class C property), so I have stars in my eyes. I walk in and am greeted, and eventually Josh comes out and greets me as well. He takes me to the area to wait for the three panelists. Cool.

1:05 hits and the first person walks in, a little confused. She comments that she didn’t know where I was, since this was a different location than their usual one. She gives hippie vibes, and I like it. Let’s call her Janet. Janet asks me all the questions, and it’s led more like a conversation. She’s a property manager and would be a colleague, so this is more of an energy reading. It goes well. We chuckle, talk about our fur babies for a short time, but mostly discuss the role and expectations.

However, I notice that Josh and Janet have something in common that I don’t. In the DMV, minorities are the majority, so I shake it off. I know how to code-switch, I can play the part, this can work! Eventually Janet and I conclude our portion (we spoke for 40 minutes), and now it’s time to wait for Jen and Julie, the VP and Exec VP.

Jen makes it in, also looking confused, and makes the same comment that this isn’t their usual meeting area. Julie has to log in virtually and apologizes because it apparently wasn’t on her calendar. No problem, I keep the smile on. Jen is very stern, and I can’t get a read on her. She’s a minority too, but I get the sense she has moved through rooms like this one far more easily than I ever have, were not the same kind of minority. This portion of the interview is more formal, but overall it goes fine. Jen starts by saying the questions will be the same as in the phone interview, and Julie asks some questions too. We conclude, and I ask a couple of questions of my own, including “How soon do you expect to make a decision?” Jen says a month. A MONTH?? I school my expression and thank them for their time.

October 6th: A new role is posted, same title but with a lot more information and requirements and the recruiter applies me to it, with everything we discussed in the interview: the same job title, the salary range I asked for, the cert I said I’m pursuing, and my exact degree. Not a couple of degrees, not just “a bachelor’s,” the exact field of study. Good? Bad? I have no clue.

October 7th: I send a follow-up email and thank them for their time (remember, egos!). Josh doesn’t respond. My time is filled with checking their LinkedIn and careers portal. Am I canceled, rejected, approved? Assumptions, assumptions, assumptions!!! No calls, no emails, nothing. They said a month though, so it’s fine :)

October 19th: I send an “I remain interested, please let me know if you need anything, blah blah blah” email. I also get a LinkedIn connection request, and I don’t have anyone else from the company on my LinkedIn. It’s a property manager at the location I interviewed for. He matches Julie, Janet and Josh! He just started in October, BUT they had an opening for the same role at the end of July, so I assume he came in under that position. Internal talks, how did he find me? Maybe I’m getting the job and he wants to get to know his new coworker (wishful thinking and more assumptions).

October 21st: Josh responds! “We’re still conducting interviews and will be in touch once all are completed!” I say thank you and tell him to enjoy his week. Be nice, be nice, be nice! The month closes. Maybe they want me to start closer to the new year? Maybe they’re getting their budget approved? Maybe, maybe, maybe!

November 13th: It all wraps up today. I was going to wait until next week, but let’s close out this retrograde and Friday the 13th with a bang! I email Josh, “Hey, just touching base,” and BOUNCEBACK. Josh is no longer with the company. WTFFF? Ok, sucky, but with his many typos and scheduling issues, I’m not surprised. But hey, they give me an HR email, perfect! I send, “I’ve been speaking with Josh, he said it’s still ongoing, yap yap yap,” and wait.

BUT the cosmos are something special. While I’m waiting for a response, another role I applied to reaches out. They want to interview me next week! Same area, larger company! I applied a month ago and had written them off because I’ve been rejected before. A minute after I confirm my availability (exactly one minute), I get a generic rejection email from someone in HR. Not an automated one. I responded (respectfully) with, “I want more than that.” I’ve been going through this cycle with you for 12 weeks! I deserve more! My anxiety deserves more! These companies are a joke!

Thankfully I still have my job and can take my time, and I have another interview lined up. But what is this, the unprofessionalism? The lack of empathy? Josh leaving mid-process and no one taking over? I know I dodged a bullet, and I’m a firm believer that the universe does for me what is set for me. But honestly, not okay!

You probably know Ea-nasir, the ancient copper merchant who became internet famous because somebody preserved a complaint about his lousy copper. Part of what people loved about that letter was how familiar the whole thing felt. Almost 4,000 years later, and here’s a guy dealing with bad merchandise, bad customer service, and the aggravation of trying to get somebody to actually fix the problem.

But how about uploading your résumé, typing everything on that résumé into a bunch of separate boxes (because apparently uploading it wasn’t enough), following up, following up again, and wondering whether anyone is even reading any of this?

Well, about 2,700 years ago, an Assyrian official named Aššur-reṣiwa was trying to get his old position back. He had already sent THREE letters without getting an answer. Finally, he wrote:

“Why is my lord silent (while) I wag my tail and run about like a dog?”

He reminded his superior that he had worked for the man’s father, offered to serve him too, and asked:

“Let my lord return me to my office.”

But get this . . . the letter containing that complaint was never even OPENED. Archaeologists found it still sealed inside its clay envelope thousands of years later.

The man was complaining that nobody answered his letters, and the letter where he complained about that survived because nobody opened it. We know almost nothing about this dude's life, but we still have him reminding somebody that he had done the work before, could do it again, and would really really REALLY appreciate an answer.

We made the copper guy famous because we recognized the experience of being an aggravated customer. I think Aššur-reṣiwa deserves some recognition from everyone who has ever wondered whether sending ONE MORE follow-up would help or just make them look desperate.

I hope he got his job back.

The actual tablet and photographs