I recently got laid off for the first time after a solid 12-year career in IT. Despite having a strong resume that includes various skills like scripting, cloud technologies, and automation, I have found the job search incredibly challenging. There's been only one interview in the last four months, even though I'm actively applying for a wide variety of positions. I have solid references who speak highly of my work ethic, but it feels like every potential job I get close to vanishes—either the position gets pulled, they hire internally, or I just get ghosted. I'm 32, with a degree and extensive experience, yet I'm facing the same problems as several friends in the industry around New England. How did this happen? Why do I feel suddenly unemployable? If I don't find a position by winter, I might need to consider applying for helpdesk roles or similar positions.
4 Answers
The IT job market has really tanked in the past year or so. Economic anxiety is causing a lot of hiring freezes, and there's also a fear of AI taking over jobs, leading companies to hesitate on new hires. Plus, interest rate hikes have tightened the budgets for many organizations. You're not alone—many are facing similar challenges with a saturated job market and hardly any movement from employers.
And let’s not overlook the government layoffs flooding the market with skilled workers, making it even tougher for everyone to find a job.
The economy is shaky, and businesses are tightening their belts, which results in fewer job openings and rejections. So many people in tech are stuck in this limbo, constantly applying without much success. Networking might be your best bet right now—reach out to people in your circles and see if any opportunities pop up that aren't widely advertised.
Definitely! Relying solely on LinkedIn or job boards isn't getting results. You might find better luck through personal connections.
Right? Nobody wants to hire in an uncertain economy, so working on those connections is key.
I hear you! I've also been job hunting since January and keep getting feedback that they went 'a different direction' or nothing at all. The market is brutal right now—high competition, increased layoffs, and just the general uncertainty about the economy makes it challenging to find good roles. It's frustrating for everyone in IT.
Same here—just ghosted or tossed aside after interviews. Companies seem to be focused on reducing costs and hiring cheap labor where they can.
Exactly! Pushing for cheap hires really affects the wages and opportunities in the US job market.
In addition to the overall recession fears, many companies have been laying off employees, especially in tech. The market is oversaturated right now, and it's tough with so many highly qualified candidates competing for the same positions. Many of those laid off are struggling just like you, and it feels like a larger trend of companies downsizing in anticipation of economic uncertainty. It’s disheartening, but be persistent.
Exactly! The market is insane right now. Getting interviews seems to be an uphill battle when there are so many applicants for every role.
Yep, the downturn seemed to start late 2022, mainly affecting tech companies that relied heavily on cheap loans. Now, companies are Just playing wait and see with hiring.