I Knew Finding a Job Wouldn’t Be Easy, But I Didn’t Expect to Face So Many Robots

Finding a job isn’t easy, and facing numerous automated tools adds to the challenge. After years of freelancing, I realized it was time for a more stable position. The freelance opportunities were dwindling, and the pressure to find consistent work felt overwhelming.

I started exploring job sites with the hope of landing a stable role that offered benefits and some perks. Initially, my expectations were high, but soon I understood that I needed to adjust them.

The Changing Job Market

The job market has drastically changed since my last job search six years ago. The combination of an unfriendly economy and advancements in artificial intelligence has made competition fierce. I found that many of the positions I applied for had hundreds of other candidates, which was both shocking and a bit comforting.

I kept applying for a variety of jobs, sometimes overqualified or underqualified for the roles. I put in a lot of effort into customizing my resumes and cover letters. However, I was not prepared for the array of new hurdles that came with the application process.

The Rise of AI in Recruiting

One of the more frustrating aspects of my search was the introduction of personality tests. After submitting an application, I quickly received an email inviting me to complete a virtual interview with an AI. This consisted of answering behavioral-based questions while adhering to character limits.

After the interview, I received a report from the chatbot summarizing what it believed about my personality. Its conclusions about my preferences and work ethic were far from accurate, leading me to empathize with characters like Sarah Connor from the movie Terminator 2, who famously opposed AI.

Other experiences included unnecessary skill assessments that seemed patronizing given my extensive background in communications. I was unexpectedly directed to identify basic computer parts, an experience that felt both demeaning and absurd.

The Frustration of Fake Job Listings

Additionally, the presence of fake job advertisements was frustrating. Many recruiters post roles that do not exist to create a facade of company growth or simply to gather data on job seekers. A study revealed that a significant number of recruiters engage in this practice.

I found some comfort in sharing my experiences with the /recruitinghell community on Reddit. It was a place where job seekers and recruiters vented their frustrations regarding AI tools and impersonal recruiting practices.

Hope and Triumph in Job Searching

Despite the challenges, I managed to secure some real interviews. One interview included an office tour and a detailed discussion about the coffee machine, but ultimately, I did not get the job. Just when I thought things were hopeless, I finally landed a position that felt right. It involved a straightforward application process and an interview with actual people.

As I wrapped up my year of job hunting with a work Christmas party that featured cookies and cheer, I felt relief at finally shutting off job alerts. To all those on the hunt, I hope you find your light at the end of the tunnel soon!

job, AI, recruitment