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.

I've actually had a couple of approaches in the past week and will see how those pan out. So feeling a bit more hopeful.

Great news and fingers crossed for you! I have a first interview tomorrow for a job that I would love to do, it’s a stretch but I’m willing to learn. Wish me luck!

I've been asked what my salary expectations are for a permanent job. I honestly don't have a clue!

That sounds pants Hawkerslife.
I know I ought to say keep going. But, it might be my age, life is short, and all this job hunting is exhausting.

Keep going, or stand back and have a rethink? See if any other options come to mind?

Congrats InfoComet. Fingers 🤞 for you.

InfoComet, I normally field this back to them by saying something along the lines of
" Well the most important thing is the role, and this one looks very interesting, so could you
share with me your salary range. Would hate to put price myself!"

They normally then share the range, I normally respond with "Something within that band would be great!"

My thinking is talk about it after they want you.

What do others normally say?

Good luck Lucy, let us know how it goes! 👍🤞

All the best to you both.

I'm a contractor in IT too and the market is dire at the moment. I reviewed and refined my CV today, applied for at least 50 roles and had two calls so let's see 🙏🏾

I've been looking since December.

Fingers crossed katniss 🙏🤞👍✨🧘‍♂️

Haven't read the thread but it's such a strong market at the moment that massively favours the employer.

Current vacancy I am recruiting for had just under 700 applicants the past few weeks! Whittled down to 200 and honestly they are all perfectly qualified to come to interview so really having to be picky in trimming these down as can only really interview 10.

I think it's the new year boom which hopefully will start to settle soon. Fingers crossed something comes soon for you - maybe find a recruitment agency as if you're available immediately that could really work in your favour.

It certainly does seem like a very depressed job market particularly the senior/professional end. I've never found it so hard.
Currently on a fixed term contract which ends in the summer, usually contract roles in my profession they are calling out for people but not any more. I'm thoroughly fed up of it. I have a friend who was a recruiter in my industry, she has quit recruitment after a number of years as she just couldn't hack it any more with barely anyone hiring.

Surely it can't go on like this much longer?

Another one looking for jobs after a redundancy end of last year. It's been very tough. So many rejections or just no responses. Finding it hard continuously having to sell myself. A couple of interviews that have not culminated in roles. Reasonably senior and applications seem to have multiple stages. Best of luck to all going through this at the moment.

Sorry to hear that Resumed. Good luck, keep going 🍀.

I had a second interview this week, and then rejection. Which I knew was coming. 'Someone more experienced in X and y got it'.

I just think the other person was a better blagger personally 🤣. Or an assertive male?!

It is very hard to stay strong. I am pondering other jobs, and careers now, as the market is so tough.

Onwards and upwards 😁😁

And the multiple stages, writing presentations, and strategies. Just not feeling enthusiastic about this at all any more.

One company got me to do the above, then no feedback, no phone call or email to let me know. Probably a lucky escape.

Definitely a tough market, never had it so tough personally.

I am also IT contractor from 2011 onwards. Never seen such a quiet market.My last contract ended Jan 31st and been searching then, didn't yet land on any interview. Trying to motivate myself by some learning but really hard. I am hoping in April things will be better when they allocate some new budget.

I’m about to be interviewed by three people for a 4-week temporary job!

That is crazy! No doubt asking you to also complete various tests as well.

Jobs have over 500 plus applicants. Same jobs keep reappearing (makes you wonder what they are looking for)

Within an hour of being posted some roles have 100 applicants. On top of that there are so many spams to contend with😒

I am shocked at how bad it is, never known anything like it. Really wish there was an answer for us all. Do you think it will improve in the Spring?

Agencies are keeping job postings live when roles have already been filled.

Depressing times.

good Interview this week and 2 second meetings booked. I am really trying to think of what else I can apply for that I might have a chance of actually getting, albeit on lower pay. As you all mention, I seem to be discounted for many jobs as I have too much experience (read over 50), so I am thinking of writing a cv showing less history and less leadership experience, just so that I can keep on with my applications pipeline. Anyone else doing this? I can’t seem to get any kind of temp job either.

Despite what employers or agencies say, there is definitely ageism.

Aside from that the huge pool of candidates and hardly any vacancies means temp work is your best bet if immediately available but even those opportunities are rare and require interviews and tests and immense competition.

Unless things change imminently the number of unemployed will increase rapidly and no government will be able to hide it. Add in AI and the increased pension age and I see nothing but huge problems ahead. Major changes will be needed.

Is indeed worth trying? I'm never sure half the jobs are real or whether they've already filled the roles and not updated. I never hear back and it's so disheartening adapting your application every time. Wondering if it's better to target companies directly and ask if they're taking anyone on....?

I do wonder.

I have also had a few calls, I think without a real job, but digging for leads on who I am interviewing with.

Good suggestion LucyL.

Also pondering career sidestep myself,.into another industry, but where my skills will be a good basis.

Definitely worth trying applying for jobs via Indeed. I have had some success with gaining interviews. Not the job tho 😂