Does anyone also notice you're being asked to send so many things before you've even been invited to a first interview? What happened to just a cover letter and resume (maybe references) no matter what level you are? This is getting ridiculous.

Put your resume through an AI agent for resumes. Remember, that’s how employers are screening now so you need to be sure your resume is fit for purpose to pass AI scrutiny.

Yup, MLS holder here. The market is terrible…

Anonymous wrote:I can’t get jobs either. I even apply for jobs in libraries that I am over qualified and don’t get a nibble. It’s depressing.

As a librarian? Do you have an MLS?

You need a masters for most library jobs… in information studies or library science.

I can’t get jobs either. I even apply for jobs in libraries that I am over qualified and don’t get a nibble. It’s depressing.

Are you in DC? Market is absolutely brutal for white collar jobs these days.

Anonymous wrote:HR here - if you aren’t getting a 5-8% positive response rate on your resume, - so a recruiter response out of every 20 applications or so - there is something ‘off’ about your resume and role you are applying to. Not saying it’s bad. But you should customize resumes to each role you apply for - ESPECIALLY in this tight labor market. Here’s one tip - Fold your resume in half. From the visible top portion alone a random stranger should be able to discern the exact role you are going for.

This tracks for me, was recently unemployed for five months this year. Received an HR screening interview for 8% of applications and I didn't network/get referrals at all during my job search.

I was part of the DRP (a probationary employee). I took a few months off of job searching and did some consulting over the summer. I went full force in to the job search in July. The end of the summer was very slow but thing picked up in the fall. I submitted 230 job applications (from February to the end of October with most in the summer/fall), interviewed with 15 companies, received 3 job offers (still had 3 outstanding when I accepted a job). What worked for me was customizing my resume for every job I applied to. I have a base resume that describes in detail all my jobs and the work I accomplished. I run that and the job description through ChatGPT and ask it to optimize my resume. I then take the Chat GPT resume and the job description and run it through Jobscan (a paid platform). I download that resume and validate it and edit as needed keeping the resume to 2 pages. I only apply for jobs that have been open for a day or two unless it is something I think is tailor made for me and then I take a chance. I did network, which led to one interview and offer (not the job I accepted) but it is not my strength. I am north of 50 and not looking for executive roles but do have a PMP. My favorite job site is Hiring Cafe thought I also used Zip Recruiter, Indeed, Linked In, and Virtual Jobs. Good luck with your search!

https://www.jssa.org/about-us/careers/

Hi Op,
I saw this listing and thought of you. Hope you find something soon!

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fairfaxcounty/jobs/5117879/senior-programs-coordinator-park-rec-specialist-i?department[0]=Mclean%20Community%20Center&sort=PositionTitle%7CAscending&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:is it ALWAYS ok to reach out to non-professional contact for job searches? not former boss/co-worker but people you know through activities like a fellow soccer mom?

I mean basically yes? At worst they don't respond. I wouldn't repeatedly follow up.

I feel like it’s less awkward in person. Mention you’re looking, see what they say. You can read body language. Not everyone would be happy to receive an ask like that from a social or kid connection.

agreed re in person, but i texted anyway and he responded positively and did a referral the next day. so all is good in this instance.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can't get any first-round interviews (after a few a few months ago), between jobs, it's been about 6 months, late 40s. What would you do? I've not had this experience before; good resume, I'm told. This is more about the bad job market we're in, am I right? Are other people experiencing this too? Feeling defeated and want to work smartly on where I put my energy. Any tips/insights (especially from HR professionals) appreciated. Thanks.

You're in your late 40s, and you did not have a good network, it is almost impossible to get a job. You will be looking at long term unemployment. I turned 60 last month, and I got a 200K/yr paying job last month after being layoff with 10 months severance. The only reason I got the job is because the hiring manager knew me two jobs ago. It comes down to connections and networking. My 48 year-old neighbor got layoff from Bloomberg in July 2023 and he is still looking for work. I know you don't want to hear but it is the sad truth.

I was laid off at 46 and got a job 3 months later. I am a Statistician . I can't speak for other fields, but in the data world we face less age discrimination.