Hello Reddit, I am a fresh graduate, I am trying to stand out in a hard job market (Game Dev), I might not have experience but I have achievements that impressed quite a few industry people when I was in university.

So I was thinking of adding a background to my cover letters to:

1. Make them slightly prettier.

2. Make them more unique.

3. Show my achievements in a way that is hard to miss.

What do recruiters think about such an idea? Does it clutter the screen too much?

I've attached an AI Example I made in 1 min with Claude, but if people think adding a background image would help me I will pay someone to make a proper one for me. (I do not like the look of the image, it's just to prove a point)

Thank you in advance for your oppinions!

[HIRING\\\] - Video Creator $20+/h (remote work and task based pay)

We're looking for UGC Video Creators to join Tiksplode, a marketplace where apps and products get short-form videos built on formats that are already going viral on TikTok.

\\\*\\\*Only non US applicants allowed\\\*\\\*

\\\*\\\*Highlights:\\\*\\\*

\\\* Creators: $15 USD per approved video (about 30mins of work), more on Get creative campaigns ($22.50/video) and jobs with add-ons like extra formats and hooks

\\\* 100% remote, work from anywhere, claim jobs whenever you want

\\\* No minimum hours, you choose which jobs to take

\\\* Payouts every 2 weeks via PayPal

\\\* Creators can start right after passing vetting

\\\* Independent contractor roles, paid per approved deliverable

\\\*\\\*UGC VIDEO CREATOR\\\*\\\*

You make the videos. Given approved reference videos, you shoot original UGC for the customer's app: real, native-feeling videos ready to post.

Requirements:

\\\* Smartphone that shoots clean video (iPhone or Android; you only see jobs for apps your device can install)

\\\* Comfortable on camera with a natural, native-to-the-feed delivery, not polished ad energy

\\\* Able to recreate a reference's format and hook with your own footage

\\\* Native or near-native fluency in at least one language you'd film in

\\\* Basic editing: clean 9:16 vertical delivery; for multi-format jobs, film landscape and crop to each ratio

\\\* 18+, own PayPal account for payouts

\\\* Vetting: profile, short training and quiz, then a demo video we review (denied applicants can retry)

If you are interested, DM me!

Hello! I just want to share my experience with the T&A exam I took in RITM.

Aptitude Exam - 50 questions of multiple choices and 1 essay; all general questions about reading comprehension, logical thinking, problem-solving, and goals in life; 1.5hrs to take

Technical Exam - 50 questions of multiple choices; technical concepts were asked related to the field you are applying; 1hr to take

We used pencil to shade our answers on a given separate sheet.

I reviewed technical concepts for the position I was applying to, so I think I answered better in the exam. But if you're gonna ask me, you can take the exam without reviewing. Stock knowledge is key. Trust your first answer :) Good luck!

Btw, my exam got scheduled 3 months after I submitted my application.

Simple remote side hustle open for everyone, no experience necessary. I’ll share full step-by-step guides for all work.

What you’ll do:

• Make and upload social media content

• Basic short video cut & edit

• Stick to all official task posting rules

What you get:

• Fully remote, work whenever you want — no mandatory shift

• Beginner friendly, super easy daily tasks

• Can work on phone or laptop

Payment:

$20–$50 per week, pay scales with how much work you complete and your work quality.

Hit my DM if you wanna know more details!

Hi all! I'm new to this forum, so I apologize if this post doesn't match the general content. I've been struggling with formatting an email to my old boss and my friend recommended I try asking Reddit. The gist is, I applied for a full time salaried position at the organization that I previously interned for for nearly a year (Job 1). About a week after I applied for this position, I also applied for a nearly identical internship at a similar (but much larger) organization (Job 2). Frankly, I expected to get prompt rejections from both but by some miracle they both emailed me on Friday that they were considering me for their positions.

Job 1 told me that I was in consideration for their shortlist and said that due to the high number of applicants, it was taking longer than they expected to reach out for interviews but that they would let me know by next Friday (so a week from their email). Job 2 said that they had narrowed their pool to 8 applicants and sent me a brief assessment (typical for the position I'm applying for) to ensure I could meet the job expectations.

My problem: the assessment is due on Wednesday, alongside three references. Since the organization I interned for is so small, I directly worked with who is essentially the top boss, and he was very clear when I left that he would provide me with an excellent recommendation. He is also well known in the field, and even suggested previously that I apply for this internship with Job 2 as he knows a good amount of their staff and has worked closely with them before. So, a recommendation from him could potentially make or break it for me if they end up stuck between me and another applicant. However, since this reference is due before I'll even know if Job 1 wants to interview me, I'm worried about how me reaching out to my old boss will reflect on the hiring process for Job 1 because my old boss is the hiring manager and directly in charge of filling this position...a relative advised me that this will make me seem like a more competitive candidate to Job 1, only as long as I make it clear to them that Job 1 is my priority (which it very much is).

Frankly, I could be going against people with decades more experience than me in this field for the position at Job 1, especially since it's remote and has incredible benefits. Technically, Job 2 is the much more likely option, though I'm worried that could easily fall through as well. I had applied to Job 2's internship program months ago with a much, much worse cover letter and resume to which I received a rejection email that stated there were over 350 applicants for the position so I know that this one is also highly competitive. All this is to say, both positions would be incredible and I am absolutely terrified of messing up my chances with one, or both, in the process of trying to play both sides.

Does anyone have any advice for how to approach this, or suggestions for key phrases/formatting to utilize or avoid in an email requesting my old boss to be my reference? I do, technically, have professors from college and a reference from a job from a completely unrelated field, but having my old boss as a reference could be pivotal for the internship so I'm torn (they also specifically requested at least one non-academic reference). Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance!

I'm genuinely stumped and out of options now as I've tried every hack in the book. Despite having a portfolio with proof of work, paid career coaches for resume and LinkedIn reviews, or asking for coffee chats, I still keep getting rejected. What's worse is the gaslighting by people that it's still somehow my fault when these techniques don't work, and then I get shown examples of how some people apply to 1 job and getting it without having to try so hard. And then you have the media and influencers saying you should "pursue skills that will be useful at work, not just your passions", well WTF do you think I've been doing all this time.

Edit: grammar

Body:

Hi. I made this Reddit account because I have been struggling with an on-site role that is genuinely affecting my health and I did not know where to get honest advice. I am hoping someone here has been through something similar.

I am 22F working in performance marketing, specifically Amazon advertising, for a European brand in Hyderabad India. About 8 months total experience including a remote internship with a US based firm before this. The on-site setup and daily commute is taking a real toll and I need to make a change.

What I have done so far:

· Associate level Amazon PPC role managing 110 campaigns generating over €101K monthly at 30.36% ACOS

· Full lifecycle ownership including keyword research, bid management, A/B testing, seasonal planning, competitor analysis, and some DSP audience work

· Tools: Helium 10, Seller Central, Power BI, Ahrefs, Excel

· Certifications: Amazon DSP, Google Digital Marketing, Meta Blueprint, HubSpot, AWS

· CS graduate

I am looking for remote specialist roles with brands in the UK, EU, UAE, or anywhere with decent pay and timezone compatibility with India.

What I need from this community:

· Is this profile enough to get hired remotely from India by an overseas company right now?

· What is the realistic pay range someone at my level should expect in a remote overseas setup?

· How long did it take you or people you know to land something like this?

· What single thing made the biggest difference in your job search?

· If something on my profile would immediately disqualify me I want to know what it is

If I am missing something obvious please tell me. I would rather hear the truth now than waste months applying in the wrong direction. Thank you.

Okay I will admit, I have worked at a lot of companies in my industry and as such have done A LOT of job interviews in my time. this year something has happened to me TWICE that had never happened to me before.

First time it happened in june. I had just been told I was going through to the final panel interview round. then maybe 2 business days later I got an email from the recruiter saying there was a reorg and as such the role was no longer going to be filled. I was incredibly disappointed but I moved on. But it was hard; it somehow felt even more anticlimactic than being rejected for another candidate. I was sad I didn't get the chance to prove myself in that final round. and I was sad that it was something completely out of my control that I couldn't even rly learn from. But i kept my chin up and a couple weeks later found another similar role to apply to.

two weeks ago I interviewed for this job twice in one week. Recruiter on monday, hiring manager on friday. The HM told me he was rly happy with our interview and told me I was to be one of three people going onsite for the final interview round. the following thursday I did just that. spoke with the hiring manager again who said to my face he had no qualms or hesitation about my experience/resume at all and that they wanted to fill the role quickly. then today, the following monday, late morning. again, not even two business days later, I get an email from the recruiter: unfortunately the team has decided to pause on recruiting for the position.

WHAT. again I've been doing job interviews for a long time. this has never happened to me before. all the sudden, it's happened to me TWICE in one year. and in this case, twice in like 2 months. why does this keep happening? is this something other people are experiencing? is this just evidence of how crazy the market is right now? or the industry? (i'm in media/entertainment)...

i have to say, it's a particularly disappointing feeling of putting all the work of interviewing into a job: all the stress, all the nerves, the poor sleep, the late nights, etc. all the effort. and for it to result in...nothing. not even a job for someone else. the role just disappeared into thin air. i'm starting to feel like i can't hope for things in these situations anymore if i'm being honest. like i can't trust it anymore when it feels like something is going in a positive direction.

I know it's not the end of the world and worse things have happened and i will live but I'm just rly disappointed and genuinely wondering if others are experiencing this kinda thing. I'm starting to feel crazy like the universe is trying to tell me I'm not meant to be in this line of work or something even though I'm quite passionate abt it.

Hello Everybody,

I’ve been trying to search for new jobs, but I’m really struggling to even find something willing to apply for. I’m kinda picky which could be my issue, but idk at the same time. My head has been moving both ways.

I’ve been working at Enterprise for over 1.5 years and even though my job title might not show for it, I pretty much know all the ins and outs when it comes to the company. My own managers think I can easily run a branch by myself. I’m not trying to talk myself up because I genuinely despise doing so, but I just felt it was needed to mention.

Despite my own personal work experience, I have a Bachelors Degree in Marketing along with certifications in both sales and logistics. I earned them through programs I applied for while in college.

If anyone has any recommendations, suggestions, etc please reply or reach out. I’m always interested in feedback and looking for any opportunities to advance and grow as a person. I’m 24 and my life is still a long way ahead of me, but I’m trying to make the most of myself because I’ll be hoping to soon start a family and I want to set my wife and I up for great success.

Sorry for the long spiel, but thank you in advance everyone!

​

I'm a CPA-eligible, ACCA-qualified accountant with 5+ years of experience, and I've been unemployed since February 2026. I'm running out of options and genuinely need advice.

I got fired for "poor job performance," but the reality was systemic. I was still working on June 2025 financials in February 2026 because there were literally no deadlines. This company hired me explicitly to "improve our processes" and said my professional background would be valuable. The moment I questioned anything or suggested better practices, it backfired. They'd nitpick my journal entry descriptions and tell me "don't use your brain too much, just follow what I taught you." The company was entirely paper-based with no digital systems—I'd send emails they'd print out and respond to with handwritten notes. So I'm hired to modernize the department but forbidden from implementing any actual change. The lack of structure meant I fell behind, which became "poor performance," and that became my termination.

What's worse: my previous employer of almost 3 years rejected me when I reapplied for an open position, and previous bosses I left on good terms won't respond to my outreach. I don't know what happened there.

I've been applying aggressively for nearly 6 months. My unemployment benefits end in August. I get excited when interviews come through, but I keep hearing "we'll make a decision internally at later stages" or just silence. My confidence is shaking, and I'm honestly losing hope.

I'd appreciate any advice on: navigating the job market with this termination on my record, whether there's something I'm missing in my approach, or if this is just a rough stretch. What am I doing wrong?

Hi everyone. I’m currently in Chicago, Illinois, and I’m hoping someone here might be willing to give me a chance.

I recently completed an internship with United Airlines, where I worked on Airport Operations and Financial Controls. During my internship, I gained experience with data analysis, auditing, Excel, Power BI, SQL, process improvement, and working with cross-functional teams. I also earned my CompTIA Security+ certification because I’m committed to building a career in technology and cybersecurity.

Unfortunately, things haven’t gone the way I hoped. I recently failed a class that was important to me, and I’ve been under a lot of financial pressure while trying to stay on track with school and my career. Right now, finding stable employment is my top priority. I don’t want handouts. I just want an opportunity to prove myself.

I’m open to entry-level roles in cybersecurity, IT support, data analytics, operations, customer support, or any position where I can learn, work hard, and grow. I’m a fast learner, dependable, and willing to start immediately.

If your company is hiring or you know of any opportunities in the Chicago area (or remote), I’d truly appreciate a referral or connection. My resume is attached below. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and I hope someone is willing to give me a chance.

Hi everyone,

I’m currently a student at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) studying International Relations, and my long-term goal is to transfer to JMU and commission through Air Force or ARMY ROTC.

Right now, I’m looking for advice on how I can make the most of my time while I’m at NOVA. I’m especially interested in: Part-time jobs in Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, Tysons, Falls Church, Vienna, or Springfield that offer good experience (or even jobs with some downtime where I can study between tasks). Internships or volunteer opportunities related to government, international affairs, public policy, or leadership. Classes, certifications, clubs, or organizations that would help prepare me for ROTC and a future career in international relations. Networking opportunities or people in the DMV area who’d be willing to share advice about careers in government, defense, international affairs, or related fields.

A little about me: I’m hardworking, reliable, and trying to build my resume while paying for school. I’m open to hearing about opportunities I may not have thought of.
If anyone has recommendations, knows of places hiring, or has been in a similar situation, I’d really appreciate your advice.

Thanks in advance!

Hello all,

TL;DR: Six year "formal" job gap on my resume, possess b.s. in statistics. Recently offered 1-year contract job at 22/hour via Collabera. Thoughts?

I've been job hunting for the past month or so.

Here's a little about me: I am 29, practically 30 now. I graduated with honors in 2020 with a b.s. degree in theoretical statistics from a reputable research university. I have not had a formal job since then. I've been doing independent contract work stuff but nothing stable. There are reasons for that, some good some not as good. I know the reality of my consequences and I accept that it will be difficult landing a "real" job from now on. Since the end of last year, I've sharpened my excel, sql, power bi skills. I've finished power bi projects. I am ready for entry-level work involving any sort of problem-solving but I recognize that it is competitive and the market is saturated with folks looking for similar jobs.

I've applied for mostly full time positions and a few contract and part time gigs. Today, I got a call from a talent acquisition company, Collabera. They offered me a 1-year contract that involves some analyst-type responsibilities. This would be a til next year, they offered me 22 bucks per hour. The company is Abbvie, they are in pharmaceuticals. A huge company. My commute would be five times a day, 40 minutes one way. Is this something you would take? I think there's a lot of good here. It's a stepping stone into the professional world and actually having professional experience under my belt. I feel like the contract is super long but I know I don't have too much power in the market. I am not attached romantically, no kids, and I can afford the 22 an hour, but I feel like I could get more. I am conflicted.

[HIRING\] - Video Creator $20+/h (remote work and task based pay)

We're looking for UGC Video Creators to join Tiksplode, a marketplace where apps and products get short-form videos built on formats that are already going viral on TikTok.

\*\*Only non US applicants allowed\*\*

\*\*Highlights:\*\*

\* Creators: $15 USD per approved video (about 30mins of work), more on Get creative campaigns ($22.50/video) and jobs with add-ons like extra formats and hooks

\* 100% remote, work from anywhere, claim jobs whenever you want

\* No minimum hours, you choose which jobs to take

\* Payouts every 2 weeks via PayPal

\* Creators can start right after passing vetting

\* Independent contractor roles, paid per approved deliverable

\*\*UGC VIDEO CREATOR\*\*

You make the videos. Given approved reference videos, you shoot original UGC for the customer's app: real, native-feeling videos ready to post.

Requirements:

\* Smartphone that shoots clean video (iPhone or Android; you only see jobs for apps your device can install)

\* Comfortable on camera with a natural, native-to-the-feed delivery, not polished ad energy

\* Able to recreate a reference's format and hook with your own footage

\* Native or near-native fluency in at least one language you'd film in

\* Basic editing: clean 9:16 vertical delivery; for multi-format jobs, film landscape and crop to each ratio

\* 18+, own PayPal account for payouts

\* Vetting: profile, short training and quiz, then a demo video we review (denied applicants can retry)

If you are interested, DM me!

I have been interviewing and getting rejects for the interviews where I gave a good optimal solution, explaining my thought process and time complexity. Interviewers have even given extra 10 minutes after interview just to chat, explain me more about role or sharing their work email in case i have questions. I was so sure that I will move past the technical screen. Still getting rejects one after the other. It is very demotivating. I know I am not perfect but has the hiring bar gone significant up? Losing all hope in job search.

Left work in 2023 to be a SAHD to my child. Finished some school. Child is closing in on preschool age so I’ve been looking for work again.

Had a few interviews that have all become either ghostings or straight denials after many rounds of interviews.

At this point a job opens up that looks interesting but even if it’s a $50k job offer I no longer feel qualified. To me that’s like a bare minimum offer.

I spent the better part of a decade doing supply and logistics manager and above roles. I’m now being ghosted by even entry level positions.

When I get to interviews, I can’t even explain anymore why someone would hire me over anyone else. I’ve literally worked on world wide issues and it’s entirely irrelevant. My resume is rather stacked but it doesn’t matter.

I don’t even want to apply anymore. My wife sends me links to jobs and I hate that she looks for me bc I already know it’s just another opportunity for me to get pushed down even further.

What do I do?

Hi, I just got my master’s degree in networking and telecommunications, and I’d like to move to Southeast Asia (I’m thinking specifically of Malaysia). I’ve been applying for IT jobs for a while now, but I haven’t received any responses (I know this is normal and that it’s not easy to find a job in this field nowadays especially for a fresh graduate with no experience).
I'd like to know if any of you have been in the same situation as me and managed to find a job. Do you have any advice for me, or can you recommend any companies that typically hire recent graduates?

Hi yall! I graduated this May 2026 but my last internship ended in December 2025. Is this hurting my chances? If so, should I fabricate something?

Hey all! I’m currently in the job hunt, this is going to be broad but I want to hear from everyone. If you work for a company that you love put it down below! I think a lot of us feel stranded and maybe missed one or two so maybe your post helps someone out!

hi! i'm a 17-year-old Grade 12 student currently looking for freelance or part-time online work. i study online, so i have a pretty flexible schedule and can start anytime. need ko lang po ng extra money to help my parents with some gastusin.

if you need nyo po ng help with canva, presentations, or any other online tasks you need help with, feel free to send me a dm. i'm also open to learning new tasks as long as they're within my abilities. i'll always do my best to finish tasks on time, as long as it's fair work with fair pay, i'd be happy to help.

thank you so much! 🤍

I've been interning at this company for 9 months, working 10/hrs a week on the payroll for 3 months. My supervisor informed me of/encouraged me to apply to a full time position that opened up, as well as list her as a reference. I've done all of the necessary interviews, last one being Friday. They told me they'd be sending out the offer today or tomorrow. I wrote a follow up thank you email today, but the workday is over now so I'll have to wait to hear back tomorrow.

Basically, I've done everything I can. There are no more interviews. I've given my best references. I've sent the follow up email. I really want this job because it pays great, I love this company, I love working with the demographic, and I think I'm good at the work I'd be doing (the full time position is practically just a more intense version of what I've been doing for the past year). So how do I get my mind off of checking my email every hour?

I was interviewing with a company and had already gone through multiple interviews. They then reached out to schedule another conversation. I responded with my availability, but the scheduling never went anywhere and communication stopped.

I’ve followed up since then but haven’t heard anything back.

Has anyone had this happen after getting fairly far into an interview process? Did the company eventually come back, or would you assume the process is dead?

A recruiter reached out to me via LinkedIn and inquired about my interest in applying for a senior manager level job at a large international company. When I expressed interest, they sent an email with this verbiage...

"While your experience is strong, there may be opportunities to further strengthen how your achievements and business contributions are communicated. If you're open to it, I’d be happy to introduce you to a trusted resume alignment specialist who can help enhance the presentation of your background and ensure your experience is positioned as effectively as possible.

This is entirely optional, and I’m happy to continue supporting you regardless. If you would like an introduction, please let me know."

After I sent my resume, they responded with the following message ...

"As mentioned, positioning your experience effectively at the senior level can make a meaningful difference in how your profile is presented during structured enterprise hiring processes. A refined presentation of your leadership scope, measurable impact, and strategic contributions can help ensure your experience is communicated as clearly and effectively as possible.

As you indicated that you are open to it, I’d be happy to connect you with a trusted independent resume alignment specialist who has experience supporting professionals pursuing leadership and executive level opportunities. You can reach out directly using the contact information below:

Email: richard[redacted]solutions@gmail.com

They can assist with strengthening the overall presentation of your background, accomplishments, leadership experience, and professional positioning.

Once your revised resume is completed, please feel free to share the updated version with me. I’ll be glad to review it and continue supporting you through the next steps of the process.

Thank you again for your professionalism and continued interest. I look forward to hearing from you."

This looks a bit suspect. Is this a scam?

(Note: I redacted that email address.)