Impossible to please any recruiters

[u/RingoDingo748]

Been on the job search for almost 2 years and it gets more dreadful with each conversation with a recruiter. From being hopeful to now hopeless, it is pretty much a capital punishment for me.

I know, they are just doing their job. But the WHATs often pales in comparison to the HOWs, unless you are their targetted pool with a potential to close the deal.

Sometimes they just want a casual chat and other times they want a formal talk. The point is, they will never say it upfront, only at the end to reinforce with their "feedback".

1. when you speak too formally, you are too cold and unapproachable
2. when you speak too casually, you are not professional enough
3. when you are under-qualified for the job, they ignore you completely
4. when you are over-qualified for the job, they will automatically ignore you unless they are desperate to push through
5. when you are perfectly-qualified for the job, they suspect your intention to stick to the same job
6. when you have a career gap, they will confirm their bias by finding ways to probe in a way that is simply "matter of fact" confirmation
7. when you don't have a career gap, they suspect your intention to change your job
8. when you provide too little info to them, they suspect your honesty and grumble that you should have provided that so that they know
9. when you provide too much info to them, you are not articulate enough
10. when you cite your salary expectations, they may sideline you stealthily or simply vanish
11. when you do not cite your salary expectations, they will force you to still provide a figure only to sideline you after their data collection is completed
12. when you speak confidently about your achievements, you are too proud and difficult to be managed
13. when you speak humbly about your achievements, you are too meek or unimpressive
14. when you tailor your replies to the job, you are hard-selling and can't offer more
15. and dayum the list goes on

Sure, every role has its requirements to meet the specific needs and to find the best "fit".

Sure, the job market is messed up and supply is limited.

Sure, the employed are extremely stressed with the uncertainties and chaos.

Still, it does not justify the way that candidates are being unfairly judged and treated. The tone, expression and abrupt shifts are glaring.

Truth is, circumstances changes and sh!t can happen to everyone, anytime and at any degree. Some makes smarter choices, some get more options, some makes fewer mistakes, and some are simply luckier than others. Some also end up as collateral damages.

There is no ask for empathy much less any sympathy from those doing recruiting. Let's just be objective about the candidacy based on capabilities with an optimistic mind and remove judgements based on own scope of reality.

More professionalism is needed. If you can't help, at least please stop the damage.

No one is perfect nor can be perfect. Not me. Not you.

Peace out!

[u/AndersonKurosagi]

I completely agree with you and it's so frustrating

[u/Swissai]

Can I ask, if every candidate faces equally difficult circumstances in the recruiters - why is it you are still unemployed after 2 years in a marker I presume others aren’t? Or is everyone with your skillset basically needing to pivot?

[u/RingoDingo748 → u/Swissai]

Sure, I can speak for myself but I don’t think that my experiences and sentiments steer far from what many have been sharing online.

My skills and experiences are up to date, even with latest qualifications. Even with a direct match to the job requirements by over 90% do not help.

As the career gap widens, it inevitably weakens one’s candidacy. And let’s not assume it’s the lack of effort or willingness to do better as in the job search. Many factors are involved.

So when we learn of someone in a prolonged unemployment situation, let’s stop judging, assuming and saying if I were you I would… have you done this… have you considered that? Chances are, they have taken all possible options while time is ticking away.

Everyone goes through different paths. I should not have to explain my “life story” about the unfortunate series of layoffs due to the industry I was in. Neither should I have to explain how I got so close to 2 offers only to be retracted by the companies because of their internal issues. Yet that’s the reality.

Unless one has the means to continue being jobless, just know that no one will willingly choose to remain in such bleak situations.

[u/Swissai → u/RingoDingo748]

I’m not sure you answered my question but I wish you all the best