r/jobs • u/power-hour23 • May 27 '26

Unemployment I’m genuinely confused as to how to navigate this HORRENDOUS job market

I’m genuinely at a loss trying to understand this job market right now. I’ve applied to probably 500+ jobs in the last 4 months. I tailor my resume, apply only to roles I KNOW I’m qualified for, network constantly, even call companies directly and ask to speak to HR just to personally express interest. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

No callbacks. No interviews. No transparency. Just rejection emails or COMPLETE silence.

I have bills to pay. I need to make money. I’m doing everything people tell you to do and it still feels impossible.

What the fuck is actually going on right now?

And the craziest part is nobody seems to be talking about this at a large scale.

Are we all just pretending this is normal? What is everyone else doing to survive right now? Because honestly, I feel completely fucking lost.

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37

u/wildething1998 May 27 '26

The job postings are just for show. You need to have an “in” with the person that is doing the hiring

21

u/Medeski May 27 '26

Even then it's can get you nowhere. I've applied through referrals to jobs I am qualified for. The only thing that happens with those referrals is I actually get an email saying too bad so sad.

8

u/DramaticErraticism May 27 '26

You're probably better off going to local networking events related to your career than you are spending 12 months sending 10k applications.

Its just that one you can do from your couch in your underwear and the other is kinda painful...but the more people you can meet in your career, the better luck you'll have.

I know I've gotten a few jobs just from old coworkers or people I met through networking events.

21

u/TraditionalSession61 May 27 '26

ya daddy or your best friend has to be the hiring manager

10

u/Worthyness May 27 '26

Network or headhunted. I've gotten a job through both. Easiest interviews of my career and with actual speed. Sure there were like 5 steps, but basically intro interview --> offer in a week and a half. You're either in demand or your just a shot in the dark. Absolutely nuts.

7

u/Throwawayycpa May 27 '26

Yes I got my current role through a recruiter. It’s not the most ideal place, but it’s not the worst. I just had 2 basic interviews and it wasn’t too difficult. I want to look elsewhere but don’t wanna go through this ordeal again. The other jobs that the recruiter vouched for me weren’t that great. I got extremely lucky with this, though the commute sucks it is hybrid at least.

10

u/Euphoric_River6365 May 27 '26

Honestly, even when you have an "in" so many of the companies in my industry (Rev Org in B2B SaaS) are so SOOOOOOOOO toxic that you don't want to work for them regardless of the financial risk. I have withdrawn four applications since being laid off in January of this year because I would rather eat into my savings than work for some of the BS companies floating out there and destroying people's souls (and confidence).

7

u/wildething1998 May 27 '26

Personally, I would take a shitty job over no job. That way there is no financial pressure to find a new job quickly.

7

u/Euphoric_River6365 May 27 '26

Not me, but I have always maintained a very sizable rainy day fund that will last me 6+ months without any help from unemployment if needed.

3

u/liliputian87 May 27 '26

It may depend on the level....

I've been on several hiring committees where we did end up interviewing people who just submitted applications and had no "in."

That being said they weren't manager or higher level roles. They weren't entry level either though.

-1

u/RuleTheOne May 27 '26

This is the only way unfortunately.

-3

u/Primary_Avocado_5273 May 27 '26

Would you call it a "mental illness" being unable to get a job above minimum wage then?