Job Hunting - This is exhausting, right? How do you keep going?

[WhatHappenedToThose]

I've been applying for jobs for a few months now, and I have luckily been offered a few interviews.

Statistically, the offer of interview compared to the amount of jobs applied for is about 1:4

But I am ok with this, it feels like a reasonable number.

I have reached final stage interviews three times now, and have gone through multiple rounds of talking to recruiters, been given a chance at a telephone chat, or been passed on to the business for a review of my profile.

I feel like I am on a constant treadmill of researching various businesses, finding things to talk about, being engaged and listening, and creating presentations for that crucial 2nd/3rd stage.

I am finding it incredibly draining. The entire process, from scanning emails/LinkedIn/Reed/etc, to applying and writing a tailored covering letter, to waiting for a response, to preparing for interview, to waiting for another response, and then, inevitably, being told no.

I am waiting for a response to a final stage interview now, I have done a first stage interview twice this week, and another one tomorrow.

I am now terrified that all of this effort will be for nothing, and that everyone that takes the time to talk to me will find reasons to pass me over.

I have been telling myself all this time that getting to interview stage is a massive deal, and I should be proud of that, but I wonder how I'm ever going to leap over that final hurdle and get a job offer.

I am waiting for a decision on one job, and should receive it tomorrow. Hopefully this self indulgent thread is for nothing, but I'm worried it won't be, and I'll be stuck in a job where I'm severely underpaid and underappreciated, forever. Gah.

@bonfireheart

What's frustrating is being ghosted. Got to second stage of a job recently and heard nothing back, I chased via email and still nothing. Agree about dedicating some time for it, I have some leave next week and DD12 at school so might use one day to send some applications out. And yes it is very tiring!

@bonfireheart I completely agree. There’s an initial flurry of interest/phone calls/interview then radio silence. I hate having to chase because I can never decide if I look needy or proactive 😂 In my opinion it doesn’t make them look like good employers - it comes across as disorganised and unprofessional!

Actually that's what I've decided- despite the fact that they turned me down so it's not like I have the choice, companies with haphazard or unprofessional hiring practices put me off completely. It is now something I pay very close attention to.

And a holiday from job hunting is a very good plan.

It is exhausting!
I started a new job almost two years ago. Turned out the job was not in reality as described in my job description and it was boring as hell. I became ill (definitely feel that the job contributed, plus I coukd feel my confidence ebb away) and decided to leave.
I'm better now and have spent a short while job hunting. Applications take such a long time! Hours of work. Plus I'm fed up of poorly formatted forms. Interview prep, the expense of interviews...its not easy.
I've applied for jobs and heard nothing back; had a second interview and heard nothing back, being offered a job with an abysmal salary (not what was offered in the spec), recruitment "not going ahead", being asked at an interview to go through my application when they clearly had someone's else's in front of them and being accused of lying practically..no apology, an ex-employer being criticised at the same interview!
It takes a LOT of effort. Keep going.

It's really crap out there atm. Dh was made redundant in October and has had countless interviews. He kept saying he felt worthless luckily he was offered a job today. I hope things pick up for everyone

Totally agree with you. Lost my job in July 2020 due to COVID. Managed to secure another around 6 weeks later. Can’t remember how many applications and interviews but loads. Just been told this week my new company is being wound down and I will be out of work from end of July this year. Do feel a bit blue about the situation. It’s difficult to keep motivated when constantly looking and applying. But good luck OP 🤞