Job Hunting: My Experience So Far & a Call for Change

The job search. How would I describe my experience so far.....well it feels like a grueling marathon of applications followed by .… mostly silence.  

As someone who has spent their whole career working in the talent and employee engagement area, what I am experiencing now is troubling me ...it feels that there is a disconnect between job seekers and recruiters.   

I have spent the past couple of months feeling unheard, undervalued, and, frankly, at times, disrespected. This isn't just about "candidate experience"; it's about basic human decency. 

Now, I know recruiting is a high-pressure role. Recruiters often juggle hundreds of applications, tight deadlines, demanding hiring managers, and demanding line managers (I was one of those). This isn't about recruiter-bashing; many recruiters are fantastic and truly care about candidates. 

 But, I believe that we need to acknowledge that things aren’t as they should be. 

Let's talk about some of the pain points that I have experienced:  

• The Black Hole: Submitting applications, tailoring your resume, writing cover letters… and then hearing absolutely nothing! 

• Form-Letter Rejections: "Thank you for your interest. Unfortunately…" Generic responses that offer no specific feedback on how to improve. 

Then there are the things that I hear others are experiencing, that I haven’t been lucky enough yet get to (can’t wait):  

• Last-Minute Chaos: Interviews cancelled hours before, with vague explanations or no apology. 

• The Unprepared Interviewer: Facing interviewers who clearly haven't bothered to look at the CV that you spent hours tailoring! 

• The Ghost: Having to go through multiple rounds of interviews, (this is a definite area that needs improving....I always think that if you are unable to decide on someone's fit without so many interviews, maybe you don’t know your culture well enough) feeling optimistic, and then… silence. 

• Unrealistic Expectations: Being offered well below market value or being misled about the reality of the role.  

These experiences aren't just frustrating; they can be deeply demoralising. The job search is an emotional rollercoaster, impacting confidence, mental well-being, and even financial stability. It also creates a negative perception of companies and the recruiting profession. 

So, what can we do? Here are some practical solutions to consider: 

For Us Job Seekers: 

• Target Companies who align with your values: Research companies known for behaving in a way that aligns with what you want ... 

• Network, Network, Network: Leverage LinkedIn and personal connections to connect directly with hiring managers, bypassing the initial application filter. 

• Practice Extreme Self-Care: The job hunt is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep this in mind and know that you will have to navigate disappointment...Remember, a lack of response doesn't diminish your skills and experience. 

• Find your community: Connect with other job seekers! Share your experiences and offer encouragement.  

• Know Your Worth: Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself...you are your best advert  

 For Recruiters (and Companies): 

• Embrace Empathy: Put yourself in the candidate's shoes. How would you want to be treated? 

• Provide Feedback: Even a brief, personalised rejection is infinitely better than radio silence. Explain why it wasn't a fit. 

• Be Transparent and Honest: Clearly communicate expectations about the role, compensation, and company culture. Don't oversell. 

• Respect Candidates' Time: Be punctual, prepared, and professional in all interactions.  

• Solicit Feedback: Actively ask candidates for feedback on their experience. Use that information to improve your processes. 

 We always talk about looking for the next opportunity ...but job hunting doesn’t feel exciting, or even something that will create a positive impact on the individual involved...surely it should!

I am a big believer in the power of a positive recruitment experience and genuinely believe that creating this type of experience is not rocket science!  By working together—recruiters, hiring managers, and job seekers—let’s create a respectful, transparent, human process that everyone can be proud of being part of, one that creates a bright future full of new opportunities for all of those looking for that next challenge. 

I would love to hear from others on your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. What are your biggest frustrations with the job search? What solutions have you found helpful?  

Let's start a conversation and see if we can help shape a renewed future for recruitment & job seekers alike ...