Looking for advice but also kind of a rant

kindutta·Feb 22, 2024

Posted in:Advice

Hey all. I've been laid off for a year now with no luck in getting a new job and nothing promising anytime soon. I'm a middle-aged mom who spent most of her adult life raising her kids and working here and there. My experience is scattered and I have gaps in my resume.

I'm desperate... I've tried different tactics with my resume. I've made them relevant to specific job postings. I've made them specific to one type of job, still no luck. I've met with recruiters who then have me meet with someone from the hiring company and get asked the same questions over and over again. What do I do?? I would appreciate any suggestions. I never had a problem landing any job after an interview before. Now it's round after round.

Anita113·Feb 23

I’d say keep going. You’re getting interviews, it’s just a matter of time until you find a job. The current market is a nightmare, so although it’s easy to say, try not to take it personally. And don’t forget to take care of yourself during this process as well (resting, exercising, healthy food, etc), it will result in more energy and better interviews.

Iynna·Feb 27

Hi friend! I fully agree with Anita113! As disheartening as it is, I think you're really getting there! A lot of great signs and traction, so don't give up just now! However find outlets to relieve your stress so you don't burn out :( do you have some things you can do?But I think continue to put yourself out there and be super intentional when you meet people and intro yourself even, because sometimes those connections can turn into smth meaningful professionally!

juliameyboom·Mar 01

Right now, part-time or contract labor is extremely popular due to the economy. Companies are much more selective than they have been in the last two years, especially for permanent positions. I would suggest considering, if you haven't already, starting with a side gig to ease into things. Upwork is a great option for this. It not only adds something to your resume but also keeps you busy and generates some income. Searching for a job for an extended period is exhausting. You can also enhance your resume by shifting gears and investing in further education, even through free courses, to demonstrate ongoing skill development.Employers want to see that your skills are directly relevant to their needs at the moment they review your application. They ask themselves, 'How much time and resources will I need to invest in this new person to make them productive in their role?' It's easy to feel awful after repeated rejections, but we may not be evaluating our skills the same way potential employers do. They're assessing the risks of hiring each candidate. We can be a step ahead if we look at what the company's fiscal objectives are for the next 4-6 quarters and address those in our resumes. If they are saying to themselves, 'Wow, minimal ramp-up, current skills,' they'll be more inclined to hire you, particularly in a financially volatile market where companies are trying to avoid layoffs.I hope this advice is helpful. Feel free to DM me for more specific guidance; knowing your field would help me to tailor my advice better - sorry if what I offered, you are already up to. Good luck!

thenotoriousKKG·Mar 01

Agreed with the others! If you are getting interviews and you are getting recruiters to talk to you - SOMETHING in your credentials is resonating. Now the trick is to make sure that nothing in your presentations (interviewing, meetings) is creating a disconnect. If you hit it off with any recruiters they may be willing to give you some of the feedback. Just be super friendly and say "No pressure" just looking to get better and land a great role - so any help I appreciate! Not knowing your industry and what its If you hit it off with any recruiters they may be willing to give you some of the feedback. Just be super friendly and say "No pressure" just looking to get better and land a great role - so any help I appreciate! Not knowing your industry and what it's quirks are I can't get more specific -- but it is tough out there and with so many candidates for 1 role - the smallest things can make you too much of a risk, or can create a red flag. Another thing I would do - especially since you are getting the interview but maybe not the offer -- is start to ask IN the interview -- are there any parts of my package or credentials or anything that I've said that maybe I can clarify further? Do you have any red flags I could address and clear up before we leave today? Or some version of that -- sometimes that gets my interviewer to articulate something that I didn't EVEN REALIZE they were focusing on - and I can quickly explain, or clarify or even get ALERTED that it is something I need to get talking points on for the future.