I got laid off for the first time in January after a stable 12-year career in IT. My resume is solid, showcasing a diverse skill set in scripting, cloud technologies, and more, along with a glowing reference from my previous boss. Unfortunately, my former company had to downsize significantly due to losing major clients. Since then, I've been applying to numerous jobs, yet I've only landed one interview in four months despite getting calls from recruiters. Each time it seems like I'm about to secure a job, the position vanishes, or I get ghosted. I'm 32, well-educated, and have experience across various sectors, yet I'm struggling to find work. My IT friends in New England are facing the same issues. What's causing this sudden employment crisis? How did I seemingly become unemployable? If things don't improve by winter, I might even consider applying for helpdesk positions.
5 Answers
It’s definitely a tough time in the industry. Many are turning towards helpdesk roles for the sake of practicality. If those jobs could lead to better opportunities later on, it might be worth considering. Keep applying, network like crazy, and explore all options—even if they aren't what you originally wanted.
Exactly! You could even leverage helpdesk experience to climb back up the ladder later on.
It seems the IT job market has been in decline for about a year now. Economic anxieties, hiring freezes, and the impact of AI are causing uncertainty in hiring. Many companies are tightening their belts due to rising interest rates, making them hesitant to hire. Plus, the influx of candidates optimizing their resumes using AI is flooding the market, making it harder for honest job seekers like you to stand out. It’s definitely an employer’s market right now.
I agree. The shift in 2022 after the interest rates started going up particularly impacted tech companies that relied on cheap debt. We've now got a saturated job market, and companies are cautious.
Absolutely, and with the influx of laid-off workers, it looks like an employer's paradise. It’s disheartening for skilled professionals.
Honestly, the job market has changed rapidly in the last few years. Companies that expanded during COVID are now cutting back. Plus, the number of applicants is notably higher now than it was pre-pandemic, making competition fierce.
And let’s not forget, some positions are ghost jobs—listed only to meet legal requirements while the company has no intention of hiring.
Exactly, it’s like the tech boom was short-lived. Now I'm seeing a flood of applicants for each job posting, many of whom are just as qualified.
You're definitely not alone in feeling this. So many experienced tech workers are in the same boat as the job market is now oversaturated. Companies are often looking for ways to cut costs, which includes downsizing their IT departments or hiring less experienced workers at lower wages. The economic downturn likely means many companies are unsure about future hiring needs, creating a ripple effect of uncertainty.
That’s exactly what I’m seeing, too! Companies are freezing jobs because they don’t want to overextend, especially with the recession fears looming.
Yes, and then you also have overseas candidates ready to work for lower pay—they're making it harder for local talent.
Many professionals are facing the same challenges. I left my job earlier this year and have encountered similar struggles; lots of interviews but nothing materializing. The climate feels very much like a mix of economic downturn and the shift toward AI replacing roles traditionally filled by humans.
Totally feel you. It’s discouraging to see all the changes and lay-offs happening in the tech sector that are affecting us all.
You're right; it’s not just recession fears but a life of uncertainty in hiring and how companies are changing their hiring practices.
It’s frustrating to think about downgrading, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to stay afloat.