How to improve job hunting process

[FasterMichelin]

Whenever I’ve been looking for work in the past, I’ve always found it totally demoralising.

Employers seem to want the earth in job descriptions, fail to mention salary, ask for unrealistic investment in the recruitment process (multiple rounds, presentations, tests, panels of 4+). Then you’re lucky if you hear back.

I have friends who are currently looking, who have degrees, are well presented, 10-20 years experience and a pleasure to know. Really nice and intelligent women, who are struggling to find work above £30k in the South East. They now feel utterly inadequate and it’s affecting their mental health.

It’s just a horrible process and it inevitably affects people’s wellbeing and confidence.

Is there a better way to approach job hunting? Is there a way to do it without experiencing the above?

Ive tried to tell myself in the past that I don’t want to work somewhere that doesn’t want me. And that I’m assessing their suitability as much as they’re assessing mine. But really, it never works. Rejection is rejection and it hurts.

Find a few decent recruiters that specialise in your industry and utilise their networks.
Especially at a senior level with 10-20 years experience, an awful lot of jobs never get advertised as it’ll be through referrals or intros through said recruiters.

I hope you find a job you love. I'm 56 made redundant 2 years ago, work in the third sector. I do have a permanent job, but only 17.5 hours on job share. was really lucky to get extra hours for the last 2 years to make up to 35 and 30 hours a week but now back down to part time and really worried I'm not going to get another full time job. wages are ridiculous for anything over £34k they want blood. over £34k and you are managing a whole team or have lots of other responsibilities. Not sure what the answer is. my friends daughters in £30k in a corporate job working to 11pm ever night. Getting a jon is like doing a job now!!@

Sympathy. I am struggling to find a job, not hearing back is soul destroying. Late 50s here, I think I’m washed up.

I am not sure OP there seems to be such a disconnect between employers saying they are struggling to find people and the fact that even experienced candidates who tick every box cannot get an interview. The process is so time consuming and increasingly faceless and disheartening as companies screen out applicants without ever actually meeting them face to face.

I’m sorry to hear others are struggling in the job market, I really hope you find something soon.

It feels so personal to not get interviews or jobs, there has to be a way to make the process kinder.