#JobSearchStruggles #CareerAdvice #EmploymentChallenges
Hey there! I wanted to talk about something that’s been weighing on me lately: why is it so tough to land a job? 🤔
So, I’ve been on the job hunt since March after moving back to my hometown. After a challenging year, I took some time off to recharge and, frankly, regroup. I’ve got a Bachelor of Laws, and while I spent a year working in administration, my heart is in legal work. Plus, I’ve got some solid experience in hospitality and retail from my uni days.
Despite hitting the ground running with several interviews, the rejections keep rolling in. It feels like there’s always someone more qualified or experienced, even for those entry-level positions that shouldn’t be too competitive.
Here are a few things I’ve noticed that really hit hard:
- Self-esteem takes a dive: It’s tough to keep your head held high when you keep missing the mark. As someone who’s always excelled, it’s frustrating to feel overlooked.
- The ‘overqualified’ assumption: I’m even studying part-time to keep my skills sharp, and sometimes I feel like that’s working against me. Employers worry I might leave once I finish my course. Isn’t doing something better than nothing? 🤷♂️
- The endless cycle: It’s like I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t. Should I really just sit on the sidelines until something comes up?
So, where do I go from here? I think it might help to:
- Network more: Connections can sometimes make all the difference. Reaching out to alumni or local professionals could open doors.
- Tailor applications: Focusing on how my skills fit the position—even if they aren’t directly related—could draw more interest.
- Stay positive: Reminding myself that it only takes one yes to change everything! ✨
So, I’m reaching out to you all: have you faced similar frustrations while job hunting? What are your go-to tips for overcoming this challenge? Let’s share experiences and advice!
We’re in the middle of an historically bad job market, there are generally far more seekers than there are open jobs. That makes competition for the few openings extremely fierce, especially for lower level or entry-level positions.
Most likely due to underqualification. What kind of jobs are you applying for?
Nobody likes you
The market is truly trash.
I’m working with a woman rn who is a Contractor. She’s hella more qualified than me, and has 20 years of people leadership experience.
I’m leaving my job now but the economy is just in absolute shambles rn
>I’ve been unemployed since March
Answered your own question
What sort of size is your hometown? Could it be lack of opportunity if it’s not particularly big (you mentioned you’re from NZ)?
Having a Bachelor of Laws is a pretty impressive achievement! Would you be willing to apply for jobs outside your hometown? Law firms and government depts (legal/policy) in NZ tend to take on law graduates at the start of the calendar year, but often advertise earlier. I’d look into some opportunities in this line of work if I were you 🙂