You’re Not Imagining It—Job Hunting is Getting Worse (2024)

FAQs

How do you respond to how the job hunt is going? ›

Keep your answer short, but positive.

Something as simple as this can work just fine: “My job search is going great! Thank you for asking. I'm working with Longwood's career services on my job search strategy and I'm feeling really good about it.”

Some of the good reasons to give:

Looking for better career prospects, professional growth. Looking for new challenges at work. The company's growth prospects are poor. Current job duties have been reduced.

Job search fatigue is typically a mixture of physical and emotional exhaustion. When we become fatigued, our body and our mind are communicating with us. Our work is then to pay attention to where the fatigue derives from. Are you losing steam because you aren't really that excited about the jobs you're applying to?

Although sending an email to turn down a job offer is acceptable, speaking to the hiring manager or recruiter directly over the phone makes a more considerate way of turning down the job. A phone call also offers a more personal touch.

Whether they offered a better salary, benefits, or just a good working arrangement, you can use this as a reason for answering the “why did you leave your job” interview question. As for the answer itself, go for something short and sweet: Example: I left Company X because Company Y offered me a better position.

My current company cannot offer me any more variety beyond this, and that is my reason for job change. I am eager to switch immediately. I want to start learning immediately and build my skills, as well as help your organization grow like I helped my current company grow.

One of the primary reasons employees job hop is the possibility of a higher salary. Changing positions often comes with a salary increase as part of a contract. Many employees prefer to change jobs rather than wait for a raise or a bonus from their employer.

How long does the average job hunt last? ›

“On average, it takes about 3-6 months from start to finish to get a job, and you have an 8.3% probability of getting a job interview from one job application,” explains former FlexJobs Career Expert Cidnye Work. “That means it could take as many as 10-20 applications to get one interview.

Most employees move from job to job throughout their careers. Companies are no longer as loyal to their employees as they once were. Because of that changed relationship, employers need to get an immediate return from their hiring investment. That's led them to become ever more selective about who they hire.

Focus on things other than your job hunt.

Give yourself a break from thinking about jobs and do something fun or relaxing. Take a walk, read a book, see a movie, cook dinner with friends, or whatever lets you stop thinking about your search—and especially about unemployment.

Typically, yes. Your California employer can legally terminate your employment because you are actively searching for a new job. However, it is essential to discuss the details of your case with a Los Angeles wrongful-termination attorney to determine whether you could sue your employer for the firing.

If you are becoming indifferent towards your work, it could be an issue that is more than you think. It may not be just about finding the right fit for your skillset or finding a job about which you feel passionate. More often than not, it could be about your mental and physical wellbeing.

Job-hunting can be dehumanizing. The recruiters don't really care about who you are, how you're feeling, or what you like doing on the weekends. To them, you're a name, a series of qualifications, and some experience mixed in.

What is the third most important thing you look for in a job? ›

There are three key employer characteristics a job seeker should look for in an employment relationship: reputation, career advancement and work balance. These often show up in employment surveys as being most important for candidates.

Explain your motivations

Reasons you may be looking to change jobs that could be described in an upbeat way include: Wanting to find an opportunity that allows you to take on more responsibility and progress your career. Looking to relocate. Seeking a career change or a brand new challenge.

Quitting your job without another job can be a practical decision or a beneficial move for your health. If you quit gracefully, leaving a job before securing another a job doesn't necessarily impact your employment prospects.

Discharged: Another option is to say you were discharged from your position, which is similar in tone to termination. Let go: You can also say you were let go from your position, which implies you were fired without stating it directly. Job ended: A simple term for implying you were fired is to say your job ended.

Examples of positive reasons for leaving a job

I feel like I'm ready to take on more responsibility. I believe I've progressed as far as I can in my current role. I need a change of environment to motivate me. I want to develop a new skill that isn't required in my current job.

If you have verbally accepted a role but haven't signed a contract, you can simply tell the employer that you have changed your mind.

It's better not to jeopardize your current position until you've accepted an offer for a new job. Nevertheless, when it is time to tell your current boss, remember to be polite and at your professional best. It is best not to burn any bridges.

“I should be hired for this role because of my relevant skills, experience, and passion for the industry. I've researched the company and can add value to its growth. My positive attitude, work ethics, and long-term goals align with the job requirements, making me a committed and valuable asset to the company.”

Job hopping has traditionally been a red flag for employers, as it can be a sign of instability, low motivation or inability to get along with others. However, Millennials don't see the need to “pay their dues” in one company. They seek out opportunities to grow and develop their skills while doing interesting work.

Quiet quitting is a term that went viral on TikTok in 2022. It describes employees who are fulfilling their job requirements, but not taking initiative, working overtime or volunteering for extra projects or responsibilities.

Why are millennials quitting their jobs? ›

The main reasons Gen Zers and millennials are considering switching jobs haven't changed, with higher compensation, improved work-life balance, opportunities for career growth and flexible work arrangements all ranking as top priorities, per LinkedIn's research.

Overall, the job market is likely to slow down in 2023 as compared to the historically low unemployment rates of 2022. This is considered a return to normal economic conditions. However, new jobs will be created, and there will be opportunities for diligent job seekers to find work.

Signs You Should Take a Break

If job searching is wearing you down and you are having difficulty getting excited about opportunities, it may be time for a break. You won't be able to convey your interest in a position if you can't find any excitement. You don't know where to go from here.

Half a year without a job is enough to give anyone cause for concern. To make matters worse, once you've gone that long without a job, prospective employers now have concerns of their own. If you've been unemployed for a few months or more, here are some things you can do to help proactively alleviate these worries.

Why is quiet hiring a 2023 trend? The current economic uncertainty is one reason why quiet hiring is a current trend, as companies may be more likely to slow down hiring, according to McRae. Another reason, she explained, is a widespread talent shortage.

Employers often won't hire someone who doesn't have the majority of the skills, education, or job experience necessary for the position. If you need to boost your skill set to be more in line with what companies are looking for, consider going back to school or finding online resources to gain the skills you need.

While millennials are a highly educated group of young people, many have been forced to drop out from college or university along the way due to financial or personal reasons. Not having obtained a university degree makes it more difficult for them to actually find employment in contrast to those who hold one.

Accepting an Offer and Continuing to Interview is a Bad Idea

With a few limitations in certain states, all states are formally recognized as at-will employment states, meaning you can resign from a job at any time. (The employer can also let you go at any time.)

Ergophobia is a part of social anxiety disorder. The individuals suffering from it are afraid to seek employment from fear of being yelled at by superiors, or, in general, due to performance or social anxiety. Ergophobia is thus a complex phobia as it may be part of many different phobias or mental issues.

A previous negative experience or incident

A previous negative experience or event in the workplace is one reason why some people experience fear related to getting a job. For example, if someone experienced an injury while at work, they may fear returning to work in case another injury occurs.

How do you keep your sanity while job hunting? ›

How long might new job anxiety last? For most people, it's likely 1-2 days or the first week of work. It varies completely by the individual, though. Because imposter syndrome is very real, and especially real in the context of work, some people are in jobs for months and still feel a version of new job anxiety.

You do not have to disclose the illness during the interview or hiring process, but it's beneficial to do so before problems arise. This way, the company has more flexibility to structure your work to minimize stress and potential problems.

You might feel annoying when following up but it's okay to follow up on an application submitted online as long as you're respectful, polite, and considerate throughout the process. Don't spam your contact or reach out to everyone associated with the company.

If you're interested in the job opportunity, reply to the recruiter's message as soon as you can. You could either ask the recruiter to email you a copy of the job description or suggest jumping on a phone call so that you can have a quick chat about the role. Remember, this is simply an exploratory conversation.

Did you want the flexibility of a remote job? Keep it short and sweet but honest. Once you're done answering, ask if the interviewer has any further questions about your work history. While it is important not to overshare, you also want to show your transparency and desire to address any questions.

How do you say sorry you didn't get the job? ›

“I feel my skills are particularly well-suited to this position because …” “I believe I have the type of knowledge to succeed in this role and at the company because …” “I'm excited about this job opportunity, as it would allow me to …”

When you get a message from a recruiter, make sure to reply as soon as you can. Responding within one or two days shows your interest in the opportunity and your enthusiasm about finding the right job or internship. Start by thanking them for reaching out and sharing the event, job, or information.

Big resume gaps: the red flag

But multiple gaps can be a huge red flag, especially in a competitive job market where companies are eager to make new hires. A habitual pattern of job departures, followed by extended periods without a job, suggests the professional is unfocused or lacks in-demand skills.

Big gaps in the resume matter

According to Dass, if there are no employment gaps, recruiters may see the job-hopping as “a good thing.” “It means that you are in demand in the market … If someone is getting asked somewhere else for better money and a better position, it is human nature to move,” she said.

If there's more than one position that you're interested in and you meet the job requirements, it's acceptable to interview for multiple positions, advises Axiom Staffing Group – if possible, however, try not to apply for both positions at the same time.