In today’s competitive job market, many applicants find themselves feeling disheartened, as exemplified by Blake Isaacs, a 30-year-old marketing professional based in Chicago.
After nearly seven years at the same company, Isaacs was laid off in January and has since applied for over 1,000 positions in hopes of landing a new job.
Despite his relentless pursuit, the experience has left him feeling ‘so defeated.’
He reflects on the challenge of connecting with potential employers, stating, ‘I know that everyone has a job to do and I am not on their list of priorities, but it’s been disappointing to see the lack of humanity on the other side.’
This frustration led Isaacs to coin a term for his feelings: the ‘Glass Wall.’
In a viral LinkedIn post, he described this metaphor, explaining that job seekers can see numerous job postings and know which companies are hiring, yet they feel denied access to opportunities beyond the Glass Wall.
His post gained remarkable traction, quickly reaching 400,000 impressions, revealing that his sentiments resonate widely among job seekers.
In light of these challenges, experts have shared insights for those grappling with similar feelings.
First and foremost, it’s critical to acknowledge that you’re not alone in facing this struggle.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, businesses are hiring at one of their slowest rates in the past decade.
Factors such as economic uncertainty and the increasing reliance on technology, like AI, are likely contributing to this stagnation.
Julie Bauke, the founder of the career planning firm The Bauke Group, emphasizes that the surge of technology in the hiring process complicates matters for both candidates and recruiters, making it challenging for applicants to get noticed amid overwhelming competition.
In this context, career coach Octavia Goredema reassures candidates that the lack of response from employers is ‘not a reflection on you.’
Instead, she notes that the current job search system is overloaded, creating obstacles that have little to do with the individual applicants themselves.
A pivotal recommendation from experts is to refocus efforts on networking and relationship-building rather than merely sending out applications.
Bauke suggests that job seekers should dedicate at least two-thirds of their time to connecting with others, whether through existing contacts or new acquaintances in professional circles, such as alumni networks.
Engaging with others can lead to valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Goredema encourages candidates to keep their connections updated about their job search, including any recent applications that didn’t progress to the interview stage.
This communication could spark new ideas or referrals from those in their network.
Moreover, asking if others need assistance can create a sense of purpose and foster relationships, as offering support can provide a significant morale boost to job seekers.
Finally, it’s essential for job seekers to recognize that progress is being made, even if it feels invisible.
Goredema highlights that every application submitted, every networking conversation, and every update to a resume contributes to the journey towards finding the next opportunity.
In the face of adversity, continuing to push forward is vital.
Overall, while the current job market presents unique challenges, remembering that one is not alone, focusing on relationship-building, and acknowledging small victories can help reinforce hope during these trying times.
image source from：https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/business/money-report/job-seekers-face-a-glass-wall-trying-to-get-hired-right-now-experts-best-tips-for-facing-it/3757545/
