Ben14h ago

If, like me, you've been actively seeking a job recently, you will likely be aware of the impact Ai has had on the job market. Virtually every other day is a msm news story about qualified and/or experienced people making hundreds of applications without getting anywhere.

Personally, although I've had a few interviews that didn't quite land (one I didn't really have enough experience, the others were pulled or lost funding), I've now applied for over 300 jobs over the past year. At this stage I'm quite philosophical about it and recognise it's not a reflection of my value.

Along with all the other current crises, there is now a looming employment and skills crisis. This is being framed as a benefits culture led by overdiagnosis of neurodivergence. Which makes me so very very cross it's difficult to put into words. I know that's not true. You know that's not true. *They* know that's not true. It's just a convenient demographic to throw under the bus to detract from the catastrophic damage being wrought by this new gold rush.

Urgh.

I've started typing this out a few times recently and always deleted. It's not something I feel very comfortable talking about. But I am really struggling with this and I figure that if I am there might be others. And I believe in visibility and not suffering in silence - been there and it was awful.

I know things will change at some point. And I know I've spoken to some of you separately irl about this (and thank you so much for your support), but just wanted to fire a beam out across Fedi to anyone else in this shitty situation. You are not alone. Always happy to chat offline if this is kicking your ass as much as it is mine! X

#jobs
#employment

Show threadMay Likes Toronto13h ago

@TheBreadmonkey The job search process sucks and it's a battle of the AIs on both sides. Meanwhile, the non AI users are getting hit in the crossfire.

It's shit all around. You're a lovely human and I hope that you don't get consumed by the process.

Show threadThe Doctor8h ago

@mayintoronto @TheBreadmonkey In the few interviews I've gotten, I've been told to "do something unexpected" to prove I'm organic while on a call.

Probably not surprisingly, the interviews don't go very far after that.

Show threadMay Likes Toronto

@drwho When I'm interviewing people, I look for 2 things:
- Can you do the job?
- Do I want to work with you?

Prep stories about how you've done similar jobs, or solved problems about scenarios A/B/C.

Be curious about my work and the people on the team. I'll probably want to work with you if you're not an asshole and are curious.

It's not generally that hard. Unfortunately, you're also up against other people. Keep practicing! You only need to get 1 job every time you go through this!

@TheBreadmonkey

5:58pmWeb
Show threadThe Doctor7h ago
@mayintoronto @TheBreadmonkey If I can just get past the baselines who think I'm trying to con them to get to the technical interview (because, for fuck's sake, trying to develop a theory of mind for somebody interrogating me, on the fly has nothing to do with the job they say they're hiring for) I've got it.