Help me not take the rejections personally…losing steam
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Anonymous
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I was laid off in September. I have a background in healthcare administration and consulting, with expertise in data analysis, though I am more of a generalist. I have an advanced degree. That said, I only apply to jobs I am fully qualified for: in terms of education, experience, and skills. I know a lot of these rejections are automated, but it drives me *crazy* when they read along the lines of “it’s just not a match” or the dreaded “we have decided to move forward with other candidates whose qualifications more closely align with our needs.” I’m sure the answer is just not to read these emails, but it’s maddening! I do have the qualifications!
I’m getting down about the job hunt and just feeling discouraged. Please remind me why I shouldn’t think twice about these rejections. Thank you. |
Anonymous
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Sorry OP. Job hunting is awful. Besides applying to jobs, what other methods are you using in your search? Maybe we can help suggest other things you can do to broaden your reach. Are you attending networking events? Using your alumni network? I don't know your industry at all so I don't have specific suggestions but maybe others on here do.
When I was laid off, I started doing Lunchclub, which is an online platform that connects you with other people in the "club" for a 30 minute conversation about anything you want to talk about at no cost. I don't even know if it still exists but I ended up meeting someone who was the complete opposite of me in terms of interests, gender, background, etc. But everyone knows someone and he connected me with a guy who had connections in my industry and he offered me a position. I ended up taking another job but I often think about what could have been had I taken that position. |
Anonymous
I know that this is going to sound crazy but I recently read about people having success by MAILING cover letters and resumes to hiring managers after also submitting resumes online. Also you should be applying for jobs where you are not fully qualified for as well. |
Anonymous
This is OP and I kind of love this idea. |
Anonymous
With the mail system, they may not even arrive. And a mailed in resume/cover letter will be inter office mailed to HR. Don’t |
Anonymous
| Having a lot of trouble here too. Very down in dumps. Do not underestimate this: in the last 6-9 months, the applicant tracking system (initial screen) has changed. It may or may not use AI but it is much more sophisticated and pickier/quitkier let’s just say. Add that to tons of lays off/people who quit/etc and we have a recipe for disaster. I suggest hiring an expert for an hour or 2 consultation. |
Anonymous
| There are many more people than usual looking - it’s not you; it’s the environment. Do cold applications but also do calls/in person coffees - get in front of people, ask if they know anyone else who could help. |
Anonymous
| I can definitely relate. 6 years ago, I only sent out 10 applications, got 5 interviews and 2 offers - all within 2 weeks. Now - things are so different. At this point I have sent out hundreds of resumes since October 1st - but no offers ( though I am getting about 2-3 interviews a week). It is hard not to take the rejections hard (especially after a good interview). I guess it's the only way though. I've working for 25 years (as a software developer) and I have never seen the market this bad. Didn't Trump say that we are in a Golden Age????? |
Anonymous
Definitely is for the billionaire class. |
Anonymous
| My husband (software developer) was laid off several months ago. The rejections are brutal, I'm sorry. Sometimes he takes a day or two to wallow in it but you have to keep trudging forward. It's especially hard now that the holidays are approaching. Try to keep hope alive (easier said than done, I know). Things won't always be this way or at least that's what I keep telling myself! Good luck to you, OP, I hope the right opportunity finds you soon. |
Anonymous
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I've been laid off once, had to resign once, looked for jobs in recessions twice.
It's not about you. It's about them. And a highly inefficient search process because our economy is so specialized. Try writing a few applications for jobs that sound fantastic but for which you're not fully qualified. Why the hell not. It's like buying lottery tickets. |
Anonymous
| it's the worst job market I've seen in 20 years. (and people who are not in it don't understand it at all. it's quite odd.) even people upset about furloughs - which is, of course, upsetting - but entire agencies or departments at agencies were wiped out so futures were lost as opposed to a few weeks of salary. OP - what works is remember you are not your job. have the ride-or-die friend or two on speed dial for times of distress. What I hope will happen is a karmic employee's market in a few years. Meanwhile I and all my neighbors are losing are savings... |
Anonymous
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This is OP and I’m somewhat embarrassed to say I’ve been applying for jobs like bartender and admin assistant (using different resumes). I’ve even been rejected from these! It all just feels so grim. But thank you all. It feels like a worse job market than 2020-2021 (covid), during which time I was interviewing.
Happy hunting everyone. |
Anonymous
I got rejected from a suitcase store and I have a masters degree :/ Of course customer service and sales experience too that I was pitching but hey... God has other plans 
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Anonymous
I just submitted my resume to Trader Joe's last week and started applying to admin jobs. Applied with Home Depot too. But honestly, part of these selections were driven by burnout and uncertainty if I wanted to continue with my profession. |