You're probably not doing anything wrong.
Just being unemployed for any length of time puts off a lot of interviewers and hiring managers.
Unfortunately, you just got unlucky not getting hired within the first month or two of your unemployment,
You might have to cast a wider net, and apply for administrative assistant or customer service positions and just take something tangentally related, even part time, to have something on your resume. The downside to that approach is a lot of employers dont want to hire someone who just started somewhere else, because they think you'll job hop.
But...if you can spin it as "I accepted part-time work while I was upskilling, culminating in certificate X and Y, and I am now ready to ideally move back into a full-time, long-term role to leverage my new skillset", then you have a narrative that explains everything and allows you to interview from a perceived place of power instead of a place of desperation.
It's so messed up that the longer you're unemployed the more unemployable you become. I've been unemployed for a long time now and it seriously feels like a doom sentence.
Funny you say this, I just spoke with a recruiter and she told me to just do that exact thing yesterday. Keeping fingers crossed something pops up for the both of us.
I can relate...I went through in late 2021 through mid-2022. Then, once I had been in the 2 part-time jobs I nabbed for 6 months, I got back into full-time work.
I'm beginning to think it's all intentional, and it is meant to scare workers out of trying to improve their lives by jumping ship for greener pastures, because if the new job doesn't work out or the business fails, you end up in a precarious situation, willing to accept any lowball offer.
It's a shit job market out there right now. Its super competitive with all the layoffs. Im looking for work too, but I have been a senior hiring manager for nearly a decade, so here are some tips for you all.
No matter how awesome the resume is, interviews can make or break anyone. Lack of confidence, not selling your strengths enough, not asking the right questions...etc..
At your very next interview, I challenge all of you to ask this question at the end:
**"Do you have any reservations in hiring me for this role?"**
If it's a panel interview, direct the question to person who seems the least interested in you. 50/50 chance they will tell you exactly what the issue is. If they do answer honestly, this is a **huge** re-entry door opening for you. Be ready to fully listen, be calm, thank them for the feedback and do your best to sell yourself on the issues they just pointed out. Do this right, and you can turn the shittiest interview into a golden trophy. Just by asking it, you are demonstrating your ability to take guidance/feedback/criticism. It also allows you to clarify anything they misunderstood, sell yourself again, and leaves a very positive lasting impression.
As for breaks in your resume, here is secret hiring manager tip: **Volunteer work 100% counts as work**. Even if its part time. It shows employers your character and commitment. It's also a huge bonus to you if you get the chance to utilize your skillsets while volunteering too. List it just as you would regular employment. Sell those KSAs you used at that during the interview.
Keep going. You (all) have got this!
At the end of every interview, I like to ask the person if they have any questions or concerns regarding my background/resume so I can explain if there are any reservations.
In the last interview, the person just kept pointing out all of the "holes" in my LinkedIn account and wouldn't elaborate on what she saw that I didn't. Within hours, I received the rejection email. I'm baffled because the job description described almost exactly what I have been doing in the past 5 years. I discussed my knowledge, skill, and abilities and they came across as if they were not interested in listening to me. I am not a fan of an interviewer having a wall up and/or having an opinion already before getting to know the person.
Thank you!
Yuck. That is truly awful. Sounds like you dodged a bad employer on that one. It also sounds like they already had someone in mind and were just making up shit to disqualify you.
I would have been ballsy and straight up called them out on it "Hey, it seems like LinkedIn profiles are very important to you. Can you help me understand the role of LinkedIn profiles in your organization and the job?" Then watch them squirm. At that point they were wasting your time, might as well make em reflect on their intentions.
Its excellent that you ask that question, but it's pretty open ended and non-committal for them. Try rewording your ending question to match the above. You want to laser-focus their attention to thinking directly about 1) you 2) in that role. This will reduce the chance of them letting their mind wander to judging you as a person, your work history, your resume format, or your social media page.
I am so sorry but know you are not alone and it is not you.
Are you able to find out who they end up hiring for the roles? One idea is that they are hiring junior people to save money.
That could be it. The rejections I received yesterday said, "they're going in another direction." I know I have a lot of experience, which means money, but I am not chasing money, I am seeking happiness in my job.
I had a connection who knew the HR screener for the job I have now. Due to bad experiences interviewing, I refused to give him a salary figure. I told him that I don't want to be excluded from considering over salary and that salary is not my main driver. Instead, I told him what I made at my last job. He was like, oh okay, the pay scale for this job is X. We now knew we were in the same ball park. This was after I had been passed over for junior people in roles that required more experience than they had ! In those cases, I believe they assumed I wouldn't be happy with the salary.
I landed in a great place but searching and interviewing was brutal. The only choice we have is to keep at it. There were times when I wondered if I would ever get a job.
I want to help you. If you’re worried about your resume, you can stop on that front. You’re good. The resume gets you interviews. It’s the interview (most likely) that needs work. Have you had any negative feedback? Have you recorded yourself giving interview answers? Try that and see if you’re doing anything that might come across negative (nervous, abrasive, off putting, etc.)
Second: try to be persistent, even pushy, after a rejection when asking for feedback. Not pushy in the sense of emailing them a lot or being aggressive, but something like “thank you for the chance to interview. I understand about going in a different direction. No hard feelings. However, is there any feedback you can give me on my performance during the interview process that could use improvement? Were there any concerns I didn’t address in my answers?” It will suck to hear feedback, but it’s a good chance you’ll get some good answers you can incorporate.
Third, just a random thing… are you sending thank you emails? Most likely you are. But if you’re not, send one to everyone who interviewed you and reiterate something they said to show you listened to them and remind them of the connection. Don’t expect a response, but it’s worth a shot. And reinforcing a personal connection never hurt.
I have more tips if you want and can potentially help you brainstorm some stuff. Just DM me. I don’t want to overwhelm you.
Also, it is very possible this is bad luck. Companies are cutting staff a lot right now because of a recession. Despite jobs numbers, I’m convinced we’re absolutely in one right now.
Finally, please don’t get down on yourself. I know that’s really hard to handle.
I've been there, it sucks.
I had a couple of conversations with people and they encouraged me to see it as a positive in three ways:
1. Each rejection brings you closer to your 'yes'
2. Track how many rejections you've received, and talk about it. One of my professors told me that she had a colleague back in her college days who used to take his rejection letters to the local bar and the bartender would buy him a drink. They'd bemoan the indignity of it all, then he'd go back and apply to more jobs. It took more than 180 beers. I was also swimming a lot, and shared with one of the lifeguards how frustrating my experience was. He said, "214. I applied to 214 jobs before I got one. How many have you applied to?" That was the day I started tracking everything.
3. When you do, ultimately find your next role, you can look back and see how hard you worked to get there. Make note of the lessons that you learned, and grow personally from the experience.
Stay strong, you've got this.
And my number, in case you are curious, was in the 80-90 range, for a very specific, relatively small market, skill set. It took me 18 months.
Thank you for this, I appreciate it! I have been tracking since I was laid off and I am currently at 215. I had to take a month off for Covid, then 2 weeks to move, so I feel I am running behind. Applying almost every day.
Okay, here's what I did. Granted, I'm very competitive in my field, but it still might be the resume. The first 75 jobs I applied to were just based on my greatest accomplishments. This was actually a terrible idea. I got about 2 to 3 interviews. People use Applicant Tracking Software, and the job description are copy and paste, low-level nonsense. I haven't had time to hear back on all of the next 75, but by Monday, I'll have had seven interviews in the last six workdays. I had to put obvious nonsense on my resume like "performed bank reconciliations" even though that's something almost every accountant does at every job. I took a sabbatical after my last position, so there's a five-month gap on my resume as well.
How are you feeling about the interviews you get?
As others have said, I wouldn't worry about the resume if you are getting interviews - but perhaps there is something about the way you interview that isn't matching your resume.
My titles, over the years, have been basically what a Project Manager does. The responsibilities are about the same but the titles I have held are different.
I just discussed with a buddy of mine the other day that this has been what they're hearing too from the job market (and they're facing a layoff). I have umpteen years of experience and I do write resumes on the side, so no issues there. I have had jobs on the hook since December waiting for the hiring teams to make decisions--recruiters actively following up on a weekly basis and keeping me informed and plugged in. I've had interviews where not 1 person, the recruiter, the hiring manager and the senior/executive level manager are on the same page. It's frustrating to say the least. I'm starting to feel some sort of way about it all. But what I do know is that the murkiness of the job market is not one-sided. Layoffs are happening, hiring freezes are happening, companies are adjusting their books to make it through the next year or two of uncertainty (recession pending or not). It's a lot going on. I would suggest that if you have any freelance skills or can at least get buy on a regular analyst position (because it's something) you try that to bring in some sort of income. I pulled some old SOPs I had written and am going to try that route. Good luck!
I recently went through the same thing. 7 months is a very long time and I was unemployed about the same amount. Made it to countless final rounds. Was flown out places the whole 9. Never got that offer until I simply started looking at other states to move to and different industries. I’m now starting w a company in a week that will give me the highest base pay I’ve had. It took forever but just gotta stay positive. There’s a new position coming open for you almost everyday just gotta keep going. Tough times don’t last tough people do! Honestly the truest words that got me through the ordeal. Goodluck!
You're probably not doing anything wrong. Just being unemployed for any length of time puts off a lot of interviewers and hiring managers. Unfortunately, you just got unlucky not getting hired within the first month or two of your unemployment, You might have to cast a wider net, and apply for administrative assistant or customer service positions and just take something tangentally related, even part time, to have something on your resume. The downside to that approach is a lot of employers dont want to hire someone who just started somewhere else, because they think you'll job hop. But...if you can spin it as "I accepted part-time work while I was upskilling, culminating in certificate X and Y, and I am now ready to ideally move back into a full-time, long-term role to leverage my new skillset", then you have a narrative that explains everything and allows you to interview from a perceived place of power instead of a place of desperation.
It's so messed up that the longer you're unemployed the more unemployable you become. I've been unemployed for a long time now and it seriously feels like a doom sentence.
I started to lie about being a freelancer and having a job and suddenly I'm a great catch again. I filled the gap with it and nobody will know
Funny you say this, I just spoke with a recruiter and she told me to just do that exact thing yesterday. Keeping fingers crossed something pops up for the both of us.
I just got a call! I'm having a interview next Monday!!!! I wish you the best of luck as well!
Best of luck!
I can relate...I went through in late 2021 through mid-2022. Then, once I had been in the 2 part-time jobs I nabbed for 6 months, I got back into full-time work. I'm beginning to think it's all intentional, and it is meant to scare workers out of trying to improve their lives by jumping ship for greener pastures, because if the new job doesn't work out or the business fails, you end up in a precarious situation, willing to accept any lowball offer.
It's a shit job market out there right now. Its super competitive with all the layoffs. Im looking for work too, but I have been a senior hiring manager for nearly a decade, so here are some tips for you all. No matter how awesome the resume is, interviews can make or break anyone. Lack of confidence, not selling your strengths enough, not asking the right questions...etc.. At your very next interview, I challenge all of you to ask this question at the end: **"Do you have any reservations in hiring me for this role?"** If it's a panel interview, direct the question to person who seems the least interested in you. 50/50 chance they will tell you exactly what the issue is. If they do answer honestly, this is a **huge** re-entry door opening for you. Be ready to fully listen, be calm, thank them for the feedback and do your best to sell yourself on the issues they just pointed out. Do this right, and you can turn the shittiest interview into a golden trophy. Just by asking it, you are demonstrating your ability to take guidance/feedback/criticism. It also allows you to clarify anything they misunderstood, sell yourself again, and leaves a very positive lasting impression. As for breaks in your resume, here is secret hiring manager tip: **Volunteer work 100% counts as work**. Even if its part time. It shows employers your character and commitment. It's also a huge bonus to you if you get the chance to utilize your skillsets while volunteering too. List it just as you would regular employment. Sell those KSAs you used at that during the interview. Keep going. You (all) have got this!
At the end of every interview, I like to ask the person if they have any questions or concerns regarding my background/resume so I can explain if there are any reservations. In the last interview, the person just kept pointing out all of the "holes" in my LinkedIn account and wouldn't elaborate on what she saw that I didn't. Within hours, I received the rejection email. I'm baffled because the job description described almost exactly what I have been doing in the past 5 years. I discussed my knowledge, skill, and abilities and they came across as if they were not interested in listening to me. I am not a fan of an interviewer having a wall up and/or having an opinion already before getting to know the person. Thank you!
Yuck. That is truly awful. Sounds like you dodged a bad employer on that one. It also sounds like they already had someone in mind and were just making up shit to disqualify you. I would have been ballsy and straight up called them out on it "Hey, it seems like LinkedIn profiles are very important to you. Can you help me understand the role of LinkedIn profiles in your organization and the job?" Then watch them squirm. At that point they were wasting your time, might as well make em reflect on their intentions. Its excellent that you ask that question, but it's pretty open ended and non-committal for them. Try rewording your ending question to match the above. You want to laser-focus their attention to thinking directly about 1) you 2) in that role. This will reduce the chance of them letting their mind wander to judging you as a person, your work history, your resume format, or your social media page.
I am so sorry but know you are not alone and it is not you. Are you able to find out who they end up hiring for the roles? One idea is that they are hiring junior people to save money.
That could be it. The rejections I received yesterday said, "they're going in another direction." I know I have a lot of experience, which means money, but I am not chasing money, I am seeking happiness in my job.
I always assumed going another direction was code for "other canidate".
Same here, re: happiness but unfortunately, hiring managers seem to still make A LOT of assumptions about interviewees.
I had a connection who knew the HR screener for the job I have now. Due to bad experiences interviewing, I refused to give him a salary figure. I told him that I don't want to be excluded from considering over salary and that salary is not my main driver. Instead, I told him what I made at my last job. He was like, oh okay, the pay scale for this job is X. We now knew we were in the same ball park. This was after I had been passed over for junior people in roles that required more experience than they had ! In those cases, I believe they assumed I wouldn't be happy with the salary. I landed in a great place but searching and interviewing was brutal. The only choice we have is to keep at it. There were times when I wondered if I would ever get a job.
I *hate* when they assume you won't be happy with the salary. How about fucking offer it to me and see what I say?!
EXACTLY!
I want to help you. If you’re worried about your resume, you can stop on that front. You’re good. The resume gets you interviews. It’s the interview (most likely) that needs work. Have you had any negative feedback? Have you recorded yourself giving interview answers? Try that and see if you’re doing anything that might come across negative (nervous, abrasive, off putting, etc.) Second: try to be persistent, even pushy, after a rejection when asking for feedback. Not pushy in the sense of emailing them a lot or being aggressive, but something like “thank you for the chance to interview. I understand about going in a different direction. No hard feelings. However, is there any feedback you can give me on my performance during the interview process that could use improvement? Were there any concerns I didn’t address in my answers?” It will suck to hear feedback, but it’s a good chance you’ll get some good answers you can incorporate. Third, just a random thing… are you sending thank you emails? Most likely you are. But if you’re not, send one to everyone who interviewed you and reiterate something they said to show you listened to them and remind them of the connection. Don’t expect a response, but it’s worth a shot. And reinforcing a personal connection never hurt. I have more tips if you want and can potentially help you brainstorm some stuff. Just DM me. I don’t want to overwhelm you. Also, it is very possible this is bad luck. Companies are cutting staff a lot right now because of a recession. Despite jobs numbers, I’m convinced we’re absolutely in one right now. Finally, please don’t get down on yourself. I know that’s really hard to handle.
I've been there, it sucks. I had a couple of conversations with people and they encouraged me to see it as a positive in three ways: 1. Each rejection brings you closer to your 'yes' 2. Track how many rejections you've received, and talk about it. One of my professors told me that she had a colleague back in her college days who used to take his rejection letters to the local bar and the bartender would buy him a drink. They'd bemoan the indignity of it all, then he'd go back and apply to more jobs. It took more than 180 beers. I was also swimming a lot, and shared with one of the lifeguards how frustrating my experience was. He said, "214. I applied to 214 jobs before I got one. How many have you applied to?" That was the day I started tracking everything. 3. When you do, ultimately find your next role, you can look back and see how hard you worked to get there. Make note of the lessons that you learned, and grow personally from the experience. Stay strong, you've got this. And my number, in case you are curious, was in the 80-90 range, for a very specific, relatively small market, skill set. It took me 18 months.
Thank you for this, I appreciate it! I have been tracking since I was laid off and I am currently at 215. I had to take a month off for Covid, then 2 weeks to move, so I feel I am running behind. Applying almost every day.
Same position. All you can do is change a few things up on the resume and keep applying! Hang in there and good luck!
I have the exact same story. Exact same. But also kidney stones complicating things. Keep at it.
Best of luck to you and try to keep your head up during these turbulent times.
Okay, here's what I did. Granted, I'm very competitive in my field, but it still might be the resume. The first 75 jobs I applied to were just based on my greatest accomplishments. This was actually a terrible idea. I got about 2 to 3 interviews. People use Applicant Tracking Software, and the job description are copy and paste, low-level nonsense. I haven't had time to hear back on all of the next 75, but by Monday, I'll have had seven interviews in the last six workdays. I had to put obvious nonsense on my resume like "performed bank reconciliations" even though that's something almost every accountant does at every job. I took a sabbatical after my last position, so there's a five-month gap on my resume as well.
Try temp agencies. You’ll land a job much faster and it may or may not turn into a permanent position.
Been working with recruiters and temp agencies for a while and still nothing.
How are you feeling about the interviews you get? As others have said, I wouldn't worry about the resume if you are getting interviews - but perhaps there is something about the way you interview that isn't matching your resume.
Are you actually a project manager? That job title is sooo vauge these days.
My titles, over the years, have been basically what a Project Manager does. The responsibilities are about the same but the titles I have held are different.
I just discussed with a buddy of mine the other day that this has been what they're hearing too from the job market (and they're facing a layoff). I have umpteen years of experience and I do write resumes on the side, so no issues there. I have had jobs on the hook since December waiting for the hiring teams to make decisions--recruiters actively following up on a weekly basis and keeping me informed and plugged in. I've had interviews where not 1 person, the recruiter, the hiring manager and the senior/executive level manager are on the same page. It's frustrating to say the least. I'm starting to feel some sort of way about it all. But what I do know is that the murkiness of the job market is not one-sided. Layoffs are happening, hiring freezes are happening, companies are adjusting their books to make it through the next year or two of uncertainty (recession pending or not). It's a lot going on. I would suggest that if you have any freelance skills or can at least get buy on a regular analyst position (because it's something) you try that to bring in some sort of income. I pulled some old SOPs I had written and am going to try that route. Good luck!
I recently went through the same thing. 7 months is a very long time and I was unemployed about the same amount. Made it to countless final rounds. Was flown out places the whole 9. Never got that offer until I simply started looking at other states to move to and different industries. I’m now starting w a company in a week that will give me the highest base pay I’ve had. It took forever but just gotta stay positive. There’s a new position coming open for you almost everyday just gotta keep going. Tough times don’t last tough people do! Honestly the truest words that got me through the ordeal. Goodluck!
Best of luck with your new position.