Should I apply with an “employed” resume even though I quit my job?

Navigating Resume Gaps: Should You Present Yourself as Currently Employed?

After resigning from my position two months ago, I’ve faced numerous challenges in my job search, with my applications being consistently turned down. My resume truthfully reflects the end date of my most recent role. However, I’m contemplating whether to modify it to suggest that I’m still employed, to potentially boost my chances of securing an interview. My plan would be to clarify the situation during the interview process.

Despite having three years of solid experience and a relevant license, I am encountering rejections for positions that align well with my qualifications. It’s no secret that the current job market is tough. I can’t help but wonder if automated recruitment systems, like Workday, might filter out applications from candidates who are currently unemployed.

The lack of interview requests but the abundance of rejections have certainly been disheartening. In this post, I explore whether presenting myself as employed might provide an edge in landing more opportunities to prove my suitability for these roles.

Is It Worth Applying to Roles with 100+ Applicants?

Should You Apply for Jobs with Over 100 Applicants?

Navigating today’s competitive job market can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with job postings that have attracted more than 100 applicants. A common question for many job seekers is whether applying to such positions is even worthwhile. Is there a realistic chance of standing out in such a crowded field, and has anyone actually managed to secure an interview under these circumstances?

While the numbers can be daunting, applying to high-competition roles can still be beneficial. Here’s why:

1. Quality Over Quantity:
   Many applicants might not meet all the required qualifications, which means that even though a post shows 100 applicants, the real competition could be much less fierce for someone with the right skills and experience.

2. Unique Value Proposition:
   Every candidate brings something different to the table. Highlighting your unique skills or experiences can catch a recruiter’s eye even in a large pool.

3. Hidden Opportunities:
   Companies sometimes use a single job listing to fill multiple roles. So, what appears as one vacancy might actually be several opportunities.

4. Persistence Pays Off:
   Demonstrating dedication through personalized cover letters and tailored resumes can make a significant difference.

5. Networking:
   Engaging with the company through networking or informational interviews can increase your visibility and set you apart.

Ultimately, while the odds may seem challenging, not applying could mean missing out on a potential opportunity. Each application is a chance to refine your approach and could be the one that leads to your next career move.

Do random LinkedIn messages actually work?

Do Cold LinkedIn Messages Finally Pay Off? Exploring the Effectiveness of InMail

In the digital age of networking, many professionals are exploring the effectiveness of cold messages on LinkedIn. While it’s not unheard of to receive no responses, anecdotal evidence suggests that many have navigated the job market successfully using this very approach. So, do cold LinkedIn messages actually yield results?

The typical LinkedIn InMail might look something like this:

“Hello [Name]! Hope your week is going well.

I’m [Your Name], a UX researcher with [X] years of rugged experience. Having applied for the [Role Title] position at [Company], I’m reaching out as this role feels tailor-made for my skills. I’d be thrilled to explain why I believe I’m an ideal candidate.

Here are some highlights:

• Key achievement or skill
• Noteworthy accomplishment
• Distinctive attribute or experience

I would love to discuss these aspects further with you and your team to explore if I’m indeed the right fit!

Thank you,
[Your Name]”

This kind of scripted message aims to forge a connection with potential employers or recruiters by highlighting relevant experience and enthusiasm for the role applied. Still, why do these templated messages often get dismissed?

1. Lack of Personalization: Generic messages can give an impression of disinterest in the specific company or role, making it easy for recipients to overlook.

2. Frequency and Similarity: Recruiters are inundated with similar messages, making it challenging for any single one to stand out.

3. Connection Over Sales Pitch: Building genuine relationships before pitching job inquiries could result in a more favorable response.

Success with cold InMails involves personalization, showcasing real knowledge about the company, and effectively communicating how your distinct skills meet their needs.

Ultimately, while cold LinkedIn messages can work, their success largely depends on the approach taken. Tailoring your message, demonstrating genuine interest, and engaging meaningfully can significantly enhance the likelihood of a response.

Add your school name, degree earned, discipline studied, start date, and end date.

Navigating the Dynamic World of Blogging: Embracing All Voices

At [Your School Name], where I earned a [Your Degree] in [Your Discipline] from [Start Date] to [End Date], I learned the importance of creating inclusive spaces for dialogue. Blogging, much like any other creative endeavor, thrives on diversity of thought and experience, irrespective of age.

When we discuss the perspectives shared across platforms, it is not about marginalizing different age groups. Instead, it’s about valuing each individual’s unique contribution that enriches the blogging community. This commitment to inclusivity was a cornerstone of my education, and it’s a principle that remains vital in maintaining a dynamic and engaging online environment.

Let us celebrate the multitude of voices that make our digital landscape vibrant. Everyone has something valuable to share, and it’s these varied stories and insights that continue to drive our collective progress forward.

Got a job and then got fired. Lol.

Navigating the Rollercoaster of Employment: My Brief Yet Tumultuous Journey

In today’s fast-paced world, securing a new job often feels like a triumph—a moment to celebrate new beginnings and the potential for growth. However, the reality can sometimes take unexpected turns. Allow me to share my recent, whirlwind experience in the ever-evolving job market.

A Promising Start: A New Role Amidst Expansion

It all began with a promising opportunity. I was welcomed into a company that was experiencing significant growth. Management emphasized the need for expansion and I eagerly accepted the role, buoyed by optimism. The process was intensive, involving four separate interviews, but the end result felt like a testament to my skills and potential to contribute.

The Reality of Workplace Dynamics

Once in the role, however, the excitement quickly began to wan. I found myself working long nine-hour shifts alongside colleagues who enjoyed generous lunch breaks lasting over an hour. Curiously, I was denied even a single break, a situation that seemed both unfair and unsustainable over time.

Additionally, my position, labeled as remote, necessitated frequent, costly commutes on my part. These trips back and forth between home and an office that was in the process of closing quickly became a burden. With no reimbursement provided, using my own resources further added to the stress.

Short-lived Expectations and a Surprising Turn of Events

For over a month, I navigated this challenging environment, bearing the weight of unfulfilled promises and the lack of support. Finally, when I voiced my need for a necessary break, it led to an unexpected dismissal rather than a resolution.

Adding to the absurdity, my replacement was chosen not just for their skills, but for sharing my first name, ensuring that the transition was seamless for clients—if not for me. It felt like an unnecessary twist to an already difficult experience.

Reflections and Moving Forward

While this chapter of my employment journey was short-lived and far from ideal, it’s important to remain resilient. Each experience, even the challenging ones, offers lessons to be gleaned and stories to be shared. It’s a reminder that while some doors close, others inevitably open.

Life’s unpredictability ensures we stay on our toes. And with each setback, there is always an opportunity for growth and change. Here’s to finding the silver lining and the next opportunity on the horizon.

Unexpected Interview Experiences with a BigTech (TPM loop interview)

Title: Navigating Unexpected Situations During a BigTech Interview

As professional interviews have increasingly moved to digital platforms, they continue to bring forth a variety of unique and sometimes unexpected experiences. Recently, I encountered a few unusual moments during a Technical Program Manager (TPM) interview loop with a leading e-commerce technology giant. I believe sharing these experiences might be helpful for others who are preparing for similar interviews.

In one of the interview sessions, the interviewer casually vaped on an e-cigarette. This was certainly unexpected and somewhat distracting. It raised the question of how to maintain focus when faced with such unusual circumstances during a professional setting.

In another interview round, the interviewer candidly mentioned feeling exhausted from previous interviews and suggested skipping the system design portion of the discussion. This scenario was unexpected, leaving me unsure about how to gauge my performance without covering such a critical component of the evaluation.

These experiences left me pondering how others have handled similar situations during interviews. Have you encountered any surprises in your interview processes? How did you manage to stay composed and ensure a fair assessment of your capabilities? I welcome your insights and experiences in coping with these unconventional interview scenarios.

Rejection meetings??? Are recruiters ok

The Unnecessary Formality: Why Scheduled Rejection Meetings Might Not Be Worth It

Navigating the complex landscape of job interviews is already challenging, but recent trends have added another layer of frustration. A mounting annoyance among job seekers is the practice of scheduling formal meetings to communicate rejection after multiple rounds of interviews. This begs the question: Is this really necessary?

Picture this scenario: you’ve invested hours, possibly days, attending five or six rounds of interviews for a position you felt optimistic about. Suddenly, you receive a calendar invitation from the recruiter, expecting perhaps another discussion about the role or the next steps. Instead, you find yourself in a meeting where the sole purpose is to inform you, “Unfortunately, we’ve decided to move forward with another candidate.” The frustration is palpable.

While follow-ups are certainly valuable and appreciated, receiving such disappointing news in a pre-arranged meeting feels excessive. A personalized email or a direct phone call, catching you at a convenient time, conveys the same message without monopolizing more of your day.

This trend feels less like a courtesy and more like a misplaced power dynamic that doesn’t serve the candidate’s interests. The goal should be effective communication, and it’s worth asking whether this formal approach truly benefits anyone involved.

As we discuss hiring practices, it’s crucial to reconsider whether customary approaches truly enhance the recruitment process or merely add unnecessary formality. For those who have experienced these scheduled rejections, what are your thoughts? Could there be a more efficient way to handle this delicate part of the job search journey? Share your insights—let’s bring a balanced view to this discussion.

How to find a Product Owner with experience in adult industry?

How to Source a Product Owner with Adult Industry Expertise

In the dynamic field of recruitment, we often encounter challenging roles that require out-of-the-box strategies. One such task is finding a Product Owner with experience in the adult industry. Ideally, someone familiar with platforms like OnlyFans would be perfect for this role.

For recruiters who haven’t navigated this niche before, such a search may seem daunting, especially when common resources like LinkedIn fall short. Many professionals in the adult industry opt not to include this experience in their public profiles, prompting the need for a different approach.

To start, consider engaging with online communities and forums dedicated to the adult industry. Websites and networks that focus on adult entertainment professionals can be valuable resources for discovering potential candidates. Additionally, attending adult industry conventions or virtual events can provide networking opportunities to connect with individuals who have the relevant experience.

Furthermore, reach out to fellow recruiters who may have tackled similar roles. They may offer insights or direct you to niche recruitment agencies that specialize in the adult sector.

This unconventional search requires creativity and tenacity, but with the right strategy and resources, you can successfully find a Product Owner well-versed in the nuances of the adult industry.

Not sure how to feel about my rejection letter..?

Title: Navigating Mixed Emotions: When Rejection Letters Offer Unsolicited Resources

Navigating the world of job applications often means encountering the inevitable rejection letter. Recently, I found myself on the receiving end of one from a company I had high hopes for. What struck me most, however, was the unexpected twist at the letter’s conclusion—a collection of complimentary learning resources aimed at enhancing my skills. Moreover, they encouraged me to “share these resources with my friends and family.”

While I realize that this gesture might be promotional at its core, its inclusion in a rejection letter felt somewhat disconcerting. Was this an attempt at softening the blow, or merely a strategic marketing ploy? It certainly left me with a blend of gratitude and skepticism as I pondered the intent behind their offer.

In the professional world, every piece of communication we receive, even those that bear less-than-ideal news, presents an opportunity for introspection and growth. However, this particular experience has made me question the appropriateness of such content in a context that might otherwise amplify disappointment.

Have any of you encountered a similar situation? How do you perceive the alignment of such supportive gestures amidst the landscape of professional rejections?

What’s your experience working with this type of company that asks personal questions during the interview?

Navigating Personal Questions in Job Interviews: A Cautionary Tale

In the pursuit of employment, job interviews are a crucial step that often involves more than just discussing professional skills and experience. Sometimes, candidates encounter uncomfortable questions that transcend the boundaries of professional inquiry. Here’s a personal account of such an experience and some insights on handling similar situations.

During a recent interview, I found myself taken aback by the types of questions asked. The interviewer, a man, ventured beyond the usual professional scope and delved into personal matters. He inquired about my marital status, family life, and who I lived with, alongside questions about my previous salaries—all of which felt invasive. When he asked whether I lived alone, it prompted a heightened sense of unease, compelling me to answer defensively to protect my personal information.

Post-interview, I’ve been grappling with anxiety and an instinctive urge to abandon the opportunity altogether. My doubts are further fueled by reviews I’ve come across regarding this company—many individuals voiced dissatisfaction, expressing concerns about misleading practices and inadequate compensation. Interestingly, some reviews noted that the company had undergone a name change, raising red flags about its reliability and ethics.

This experience has chipped away at my confidence, especially after facing numerous rejections previously. While my intuition insists that I should walk away, uncertainty lingers about whether this is the right decision. Thoughts of returning to my home country have crossed my mind, as self-doubt overshadows my judgment.

On another note, it piqued my curiosity whether hiring managers broach such personal questions with male candidates, particularly inquiries about living arrangements. It seems crucial to reflect on whether these questions cross the line into gender bias or inappropriate territory.

In closing, navigating personal questions in job interviews requires a keen sense of judgment. It’s important to trust your instincts and recognize when an organization may not align with your values or professional standards. If faced with similar scenarios, remember your right to maintain privacy and seek opportunities that respect your boundaries.