It is not often that I do a bitch session on career and job search. Once in a while, it’s OK to let off steam about what frustrates you so that you can become more productive!
Here are the top 50 Job Search Frustrations I hear about every day. Job search frustrations encompass the job search process, personal feelings and communications or lack there of with companies, recruiters, colleagues and friends.
Tell me which job search frustration gives you the most angst and by all means, add your favorite if it is not included in this list!
- You don’t have a college degree and the position requires it
- The company fears you are a job hopper because you have bounced around too much
- You spent too much time in one company
- You are only a big or small company employee and the hiring company is the opposite
- You are overqualified
- You don’t have enough experience
- You have to pass computer or typing tests after being in the workforce for years doing that job
- No one calls you back even though you are at the final interview stage
- The company wants your salary requirements and then *poof* no communication
- Assessments are required, but no feedback is given
- Hiring manager or recruiters ignore emails and phone calls
- If you are not selected, no one tells you the real reason why
- Companies are offering lower wage rates because of high unemployment
- Temp agencies are being used for full-time position hiring
- Everyone tells you that your resume stinks but not how to fix it
- Keeping motivated without having positive reinforcement
- Receiving an automated response to job submissions
- Learning how to network effectively
- Managing your spouse or significant other’s expectations
- Feeling like you are worthless
- Questioning your career choices – are you in the right field or industry
- Asking for help
- Managing your time
- Realizing you may have to move to get a job
- Figuring out how to apply for jobs online
- Finding new jobs to apply for – Check out our Resources for Career Movers & Shakers!
- Seeing jobs not getting filled, even though you were perfect for it
- Job postings being cancelled by companies
- Unclear job descriptions – at the interview you find out the job is different!
- Companies want the perfect candidate
- Companies and recruiters waste your time
- Waiting for the phone call
- You are banking on getting the job and then don’t get it
- Phone interviews – especially when you make a better in-person impression
- Creating so many resumes you are confused
- When someone says, “We’ll call you” and they never do
- Riding the eternal emotional roller coaster
- Having to tell everyone you need a job
- People who you thought were your friends don’t return your phone calls
- You are too old or too young
- All the entry-level jobs require years of experience
- Realizing you don’t have a large network to tap into
- Your skills are out of date
- You are only being considered for lower level jobs
- You take the drug test (last step before getting hired) and no one calls you even though you know you are clean
- Experiencing your first behavioral or group interview
- Keeping track of all your job submissions and following up
- Job hunting more than 40 hours a week without a paycheck
- Trying to look confident and not desperate
- You are unemployed so you are not being considered for the job
I don’t know about you, but I am exhausted!
I can identify with 3 and 27, certainly grouse at 8, 9 and 10, and am convinced of 40. War story, relative to 44 – offered an entry level job way below skill level and at 20% of current salary. Thank goodness that I am still gainfully employed!
EK- Thank you for sharing the job search frustrations that have affected you!
In Israel, one top frustration for younger, married, job seeking women is that HR assumes that soon after being hired, they will get pregnant (if they aren’t already).
I consider this blog post , “Top 50 Job Search Frustrations
– Elephants at Work”, very engaging not to mention the post was indeed a great read.
Thanks-Denisha