Support thread for job hunters...anyone else losing their mind?!

[Wiggle975]

As the title says, is anyone else worn out, and starting to lose their mind through job applications and interviews?

I am exhausted and starting to get very fed up with it all. The wasting of time.

[theeyeshaveit82]

what is the feedback as to why you’re not being successful?

[Wiggle975]

Other candidates were a better fit in X, or more experienced.

I have lowered my expectations on role I can achieve now, to avoid this, as it's a tough market

[theeyeshaveit82]

and are you being offered the lower expectations roles?

[Wiggle975]

I have just hanged tack application wise now. To apply just for lower grade roles. To cut out applying for the roles at higher grade (They invite me for interview, then discount me for better candidates).

Had 2 interviews yesterday in a role I have more of a track record in, so feeling more hopeful. (2 different companies).

On the other hand trying to squish any feelings of hope, as it may come to nothing again.

Feeling very dispondant and tired of it all.

Anyone else out there in a similar boat?

[theeyeshaveit82]

fingers crossed of the roles from yesterday

[Wiggle975]

@theeyeshaveit82

fingers crossed of the roles from yesterday

Thank you 🙏

[Uncooperativefingers]

Don't necessarily lower your expectations! Just work out how you can better show x skill.

Also, different companies structures means that it'd often difficult to judge the seniority of job adverts from the outside.

[Wiggle975]

The thing is that I am not working right now, and the constant job hunting is impacting mental health. So I just need a role, then to have time to rebalance, enjoy life again.

[Wiggle975]

@Uncooperativefingers

Don't necessarily lower your expectations! Just work out how you can better show x skill.

Also, different companies structures means that it'd often difficult to judge the seniority of job adverts from the outside.

I agree, you have to read the job spec, each company has their own role titles, and associated tasks.

[LucyLatimer]

I’m in the same situation and it all seems to take so long. First it was Xmas, then January was quiet, now there seem to be new positions coming out for the next financial year. I have reached final interview stage several times, always asked for good and bad feedback and they have just gone with another candidate. It’s hard when you’re not working isn’t it?

[theeyeshaveit82]

how long ago did you leave last job and why?

[greenjojocat]

Have you spoken to a careers specialist? They will be able to help by checking your CV/skills and providing support with the interview process.

[Wiggle975]

@LucyLatimer

I’m in the same situation and it all seems to take so long. First it was Xmas, then January was quiet, now there seem to be new positions coming out for the next financial year. I have reached final interview stage several times, always asked for good and bad feedback and they have just gone with another candidate. It’s hard when you’re not working isn’t it?

It is hard LucyLatimer, same position as you. I so want to work. Getting the interviews, and exhausting myself with prep, and preparing PowerPoints, or assignments, and it all keeps ending with nothing.

Soul destroying.

[LucyLatimer]

I agree. Have been made redundant in the past so worked a few times with cv coaches etc. I have also been the hiring manager until recently and am getting good feedback, it just hasn’t happened yet. I find that I put so much into it that I find it really hard that nothing has happened yet. Keeping going and keeping smiling, but so difficult.

[Soccermumamir]

I just feel tired searching for jobs to actually apply for. It's totally draining.

[StrictlyAFemaleFemale]

I work at a jobcenter in Denmark. Clients are obliged to have monthly meetings with me - I think my job in the UK is a job coach. When my clients say to me everything that's in the OP I advise the following:

1. Try and limit your job seeking, and structure it. Have set times for tailoring your CV and application, have set times for seeing what jobs are available. Make sure you are getting some exercise, make sure you have something social in your calendar every week. Avoid job hunting at the weekend. Setup folders in your email so you don't get notifications on your phone every time indeed or whatever sends out jobs.
2. You're getting interviews so your CV and application is strong. When you get feedback, ask them to be more specific. Another candidate was more experienced in what exactly? I don't know if this is possible in the UK or your sector but if it was otherwise a good interview could you do a couple of weeks work experience? Not necessarily because you need experience but it would expand your network and you'd be harder to forget. Or do they have any ML cover jobs coming up?
3. Have some sort of project on the go so you have something other than job hunting to focus on.

I don't know if any of the above helps. Good luck x

[LucyLatimer]

That’s good advice for mental health particularly. I am trying to get back to it as for the last few weeks it’s the first thing I think about in the the morning and the last thing at night. Out of frustration I am telling myself to work harder.

[InfoComet]

I've been out of work for 3 months now. I've been working as a contractor since 2014 and have never had more than a couple of weeks between contracts before. I've not even seen any half way suitable roles, and starting to seriously consider retraining. My current work has always been fairly niche, and I feel like I'm maybe coming to the end of a dead end path.

[LucyLatimer]

i feel your pain, have never been in thuu in a situation or got so little response to job applications. I really hope things improve soon as I don’t know what other kind of jobs I would be able to get.

[Definitelylivedin]

I share your pain. I've been looking since September. I am in work thankfully but I really need a new job.

I've only had 3 telephone interviews from 50 CVs. It's very hard to keep up the motivation.

[Wiggle975]

@InfoComet

I've been out of work for 3 months now. I've been working as a contractor since 2014 and have never had more than a couple of weeks between contracts before. I've not even seen any half way suitable roles, and starting to seriously consider retraining. My current work has always been fairly niche, and I feel like I'm maybe coming to the end of a dead end path.

Sorry to hear about everyone's situation.
Info. Comet, the market in IT roles, in my role, is pretty quiet. I am feeling pretty desperate. Have been applying for another role in IT, but keep getting tripped up at interview.

Lessons learnt I guess.

Is there another role you can move into?

[Wiggle975]

@Uncooperativefingers

Don't necessarily lower your expectations! Just work out how you can better show x skill.

Also, different companies structures means that it'd often difficult to judge the seniority of job adverts from the outside.

The jobs available in my role are like hens teeth right now. Think 5-10 in the UK.

I have lowered my salary expectations (in my head) to what I was being paid 15 years ago in a lesser role.

Now either over, or under qualified. Think I am going to do some journalling today and walking.

[Wiggle975]

@Definitelylivedin

I share your pain. I've been looking since September. I am in work thankfully but I really need a new job.

I've only had 3 telephone interviews from 50 CVs. It's very hard to keep up the motivation.

That is hard DefinitelyLivedIn, but if you are UK based, the market seems v.quiet in my induatry. Which industry are you in?

[Hawkerslife]

Absolutely agree. I'm in work (a solicitor) and have applied for the best part of around 35 jobs over the last 2 years. I've probably had around 15 interviews and had 2 job offers. I've been pipped to the post twice on jobs I really really wanted. Job hunting is easy. Clinching the job is so so hard. I think it has become harder with remote working because the pool of candidates is larger. Most jobs on LinkedIn I'm going for have 50 plus applications.

[Hawkerslife]

And when I say I was offered 2 jobs those roles weren't suitable in terms of time expected in the office and salary - things people only seem to divulge when you're at offer stage!