why getting a job is hard

[Stacey]

I’ll be honest: getting a job right now feels like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. The first thing you need to know is that the competition is fierce and employers have raised the bar. In my experience, even entry-level roles now ask for 2-3 years of experience, a huge hurdle for fresh graduates. A recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that 68% of employers prefer candidates with prior internship experience. That means if you didn’t snag an internship during college, you’re already behind. I’ve sent out over 100 applications and only got 5 interviews. The applicant tracking systems (ATS) filter out resumes that don’t have exact keywords from the job description, so I’ve learned to tailor each resume. It’s exhausting. Also, remote work competition is global – I’m competing with candidates from all over the world for the same role. To give you a clearer picture, here’s a table of common challenges I’ve faced:

Challenge	Impact
Experience requirements	60% of entry jobs require 1-2 yrs experience
ATS filters	75% of resumes rejected before human review
Global competition	Remote roles receive 500+ applications on average

I’ve had to network aggressively, attend virtual career fairs, and even take online certifications to stand out. It’s tough, but I’m staying persistent.

[Roy]

After 10 years in marketing, I thought switching industries would be straightforward. Instead, I’m facing age bias and skill mismatch. Recruiters often assume I’m overqualified or too set in my ways. I’ve had to pivot my narrative to highlight adaptability. According to a 2025 LinkedIn report, 45% of hiring managers admit to unconscious bias against older candidates. I’ve learned to focus on results, not years.

[DelJuniper]

From my side of the desk, the hiring process is broken in many ways. We receive hundreds of applications per role, and our A