ADVERTISEMENT

Unless you're a trust-fund kid, won the lotto, were born into extreme wealth, or have someone else to help pay the bills, chances are high that you need to work to live. Over 161 million people are employed in the U.S. according to data from late last year. More than 7 million people don't have jobs. There's a big group of people seeking work, and it includes some who are currently employed.

But as they've discovered, navigating the recruitment process can sometimes be hell on earth. From dumb job descriptions to ridiculous requirements and expectations from recruiters, and endless interviews that go nowhere slowly, people seem to be going through the most.

Online community Recruiting Hell has over 770,000 members, all commiserating with each other about the horrors of job hunting and/or hiring new talent. "We'll pay you in experience!" reads the page, before inviting people to share their nightmarish stories of searching for work.

Bored Panda has picked the best posts from the community, and we can only hope you have the good fortune of not having to encounter any of these situations anytime soon. Don't miss the chat we had with Resume Genius Career Expert Nathan Soto, about how to navigate the sometimes rocky hunt for jobs.

Landing a job is no walk in the park, and some recruiters will make you feel like you're jumping through narrow hoops of fire. To get some tips for job seekers, Bored Panda reached out to Nathan Soto. He's a Career Expert from online resume building platform Resume Genius.

"To stand out in today’s job market, job seekers should focus on three essentials: staying on top of industry trends, building genuine connections, and nailing interviews," Soto told us during our interview.

He adds that job seekers should follow companies and industry leaders online to stay current on the latest developments in their field. "Networking (both online and in person) can lead to advice and referrals you wouldn’t find otherwise," advises Soto.

"When it comes to interviews, do your homework on the company, practice answers that highlight your skills, and come ready with smart questions about the company and position to show you’re serious about the role."

RELATED:
    #2

    Anyone Relate To This?

    Anyone Relate To This?

    jsstansel Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Guess Undheit
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The main job notice site for foreigners where I live is FB, and the one running the group says "no salary, we delete your job posting". Employers get pissy about it, but too bad for them.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Soto says job seekers should think twice about responding to job ads that are more than 2 months old, because they might be ghost job postings. "Ghost jobs are positions that are advertised but aren’t actively being recruited for," explained Soto. "Check the company's website or social media accounts to verify that the job you want is cross-posted there."

    The expert says a major red flag during the recruitment process is receiving extensive pre-interview assignments where you're asked to do work that could be directly used by the company to make money.

    "Another potential red flag is when you’re interacting with hiring managers who can't clearly answer questions about the role, and interviewers who haven't looked at your resume," he cautioned.

    #3

    I Will Drink To That

    I Will Drink To That

    MrChonkers Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    $13 is nowhere near a living wage in 2024. Min wage here in Portland is $15.95. It's even higher in California but the federal min wage is still $7.85. It's crazy.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Soto tells Bored Panda that employers are looking for candidates who have the skills they need. "Whether you show it through your experience or through qualifications, what matters most is that you have those skills," he said.

    "Impressive experience can usually make up for a lack of qualifications, and likewise the right qualifications can often make up for a lack of experience in a specific job."

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    Funny How The Language Changes Between People And Businesses

    Funny How The Language Changes Between People And Businesses

    DanPriceSeattle Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Luke Branwen
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This guy right here is more or less the only CEO who should be spared the Luigi treatment

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    More than 60% of the American workforce doesn't have a college degree, but that's not stopping them from earning big bucks. According to CNBC, many of the country's top companies, including Walmart, Amazon, Apple, GM, Bank of America, Uber, Nike, Delta Air Lines, and Target are removing degree requirements from job postings.

    CNBC adds that it's becoming more common for companies to hire based on skills rather than qualifications.

    #7

    I Have Been Interviewing With A Company For Over 6 Weeks And Have Talked To Ten Different Interviewers. Emailed Today Saying I’ve Moved To The Next Round. Finally Sick Of It

    I Have Been Interviewing With A Company For Over 6 Weeks And Have Talked To Ten Different Interviewers. Emailed Today Saying I’ve Moved To The Next Round. Finally Sick Of It

    its233am Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kendall
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I swear I wish my brain could work like this. All they wouldve gotten outta me was "nah I'm done,". Maybe I should go back to school, my burns would be soooo much better

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #8

    Can I Get A Second To The Motion?

    Can I Get A Second To The Motion?

    gatadeplaya Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG I would love to see Muskrat do that. Would he apply at Tesla or Space-X or Xitter? Doesn't matter, he's not qualified to work for any of them. He's not qualified to change a lightbulb.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    We Need To Make Discussing Salary Normal

    We Need To Make Discussing Salary Normal

    Inhumansoflate1 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Alexia
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The only reason the salary is confidential: there are inequities between people on the same position and experience level.

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    “Gen Z job seekers are increasingly foregoing college and seeking out meaningful, lucrative work that doesn't require a university degree," revealed another Resume Genius career expert, Eva Chan, in a press release.

    "Along with a shift from experience-based hiring to skills-based hiring, this creates the perfect conditions for people to consider a variety of fulfilling roles they may have never considered before," added Chan.

    #10

    Robert Half Being Called Out On This Linkedin Post

    Robert Half Being Called Out On This Linkedin Post

    Soo_ee_sauce Report

    #11

    Counterpoint: If It's Taking 6 Months For An Upper Manager To Fill A Position, The Company Should Be Looking To Fill 2 Positions

    Counterpoint: If It's Taking 6 Months For An Upper Manager To Fill A Position, The Company Should Be Looking To Fill 2 Positions

    mattwallaert Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Hodge Elmwood
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the manager doesn't show up to work, the work still gets done. If the staff doesn't show up, nothing gets done. Hope that clarifies things, employers!

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #12

    The Truth About "Nobody Wants To Work" (That We All Knew Already)

    The Truth About "Nobody Wants To Work" (That We All Knew Already)

    MrZJones Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Pencil
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We need to talk about 'ghost jobs', too: "More than 40% of hiring managers said they list jobs they aren't actively trying to fill to give the impression that the company is growing. A similar share said the job listings are made to motivate employees, while 34% said the jobs are posted to placate overworked staff who may be hoping for additional help to be brought on." Source: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240315-ghost-jobs-digital-job-boards

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Resume Genius recently released its "10 Highest Paying Jobs Without A Degree In 2025" report. Topping the list is an elevator and escalator installer and repairer, who has a median annual salary of $102,420. Instead of a college degree, recruiters are looking for those with a high school diploma and a 4-year apprenticeship, along with a state license or certification.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Transportation, storage, and distribution managers aren't faring too bad either, with a median salary of around $99,200. There are about 211,800 jobs available in that sector and the typical educational requirements are a high school diploma with no work experience needed. Of course, that varies from company to company.

    #13

    Hiring Managers And Recruiters

    Hiring Managers And Recruiters

    ShubhraDalakoti Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not going to happen. They figured out they can replace HR with AI and they aren't going back.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #14

    This Should Be Mandatory Training For All Interviewers

    This Should Be Mandatory Training For All Interviewers

    allmyaliasesweretaken Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    UKDeek
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Conscious and unconscious bias is a massive issue when interviewing. I have seen it so often, as both candidate and being part of an interview panel. It isn't just a racial thing either... I have seen bias for gender, sexual orientation, friend status, etc.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #15

    I Just Want A Paycheck While Not Having To Join A Cult

    I Just Want A Paycheck While Not Having To Join A Cult

    RaxKingIsDead Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    michael Chock
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you stop only being here for profit, then we will talk about MY attitude.

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    If you're an electrical power-line installer and repairer, you could rake in $85,420 a year. Again, no degree needed. But you will need a high school diploma or GED, as well as an apprenticeship and hands-on classroom instruction.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    If you fancy life on the edge while serving and protecting, you'll be glad to know you can earn around $74,910 as a detective or criminal investigator. You'll need a high school diploma, and some fairly stringent police academy training. According to Resume Genius, there are more than 790,000 jobs available.

    #16

    UNO Card

    UNO Card

    Ebadd Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Ruth
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have asked employers for access to speak with some current employees. I’m interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing me.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #18

    That's It

    That's It

    RDPCG Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    UKDeek
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When ever I've been the recruiting manager for a role, I have always contacted candidates personally to let them know the outcome, and I have always offered feedback following the interview. Just common decency, and allows candidates to understand the reason(s) why they weren't appointed.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #19

    After 22 Online Rejections And Ghostings, I Finally Got An Interview! When I Arrived I Was Told They Had No Intentions Of Hiring Me And Just Wanted To Encourage Me To Continue My Education

    After 22 Online Rejections And Ghostings, I Finally Got An Interview! When I Arrived I Was Told They Had No Intentions Of Hiring Me And Just Wanted To Encourage Me To Continue My Education

    damntheelctricfence Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    P1 No-Name
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is the most abysmal thing I have read here, the words 'not nice' just don't cover it. I would be reporting them to the authorities and spreading the word everywhere I could about their truly unprofessional conduct. Frankly Tracy & Terry need to be fired immediately.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #20

    This Guy Gets It

    This Guy Gets It

    [deleted] Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Brian Herold
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I...I'm honestly amazed it's taken so long for me to see something like this. It works so well...

    #21

    Saw It Online

    Saw It Online

    tiangolo Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Tucker Cahooter
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope they applied for the job just to see what would happen. "Sorry, we found a more experienced applicant"

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #22

    Enough Said

    Enough Said

    friesxo Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    David Marchisotto
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Companies want the ability to fire you on the spot because they know many times the firing isn't justified and they fear retaliation in the form of people erasing hard drives or sabotaging equipment or outright theft, that's why they hustle you out the door BUT also ask you for 3 weeks notice if you are resigning.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #24

    I’m Done

    I’m Done

    danielmarven Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Chich the witch
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Back in the 80s recession it was very hard to find work and bank interests rates got north of 20%. F*****g Ronnie ray-gun and thatcher. Had a friend in the same field I was in. No job and he contacted dozens of employers. Kept all the rejection letters in a drawer.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #25

    Job Ads Nowadays. Sorry If Repost I Didn’t Find It In Search

    Job Ads Nowadays. Sorry If Repost I Didn’t Find It In Search

    Bosquito86 Report

    #26

    Got An Email From A Recruiter Today. I Was Interested Until They Disclosed The Pay. It’s Seriously Insultingly Low For The Role And Requirements. So I Told Them Just That Over Email

    Got An Email From A Recruiter Today. I Was Interested Until They Disclosed The Pay. It’s Seriously Insultingly Low For The Role And Requirements. So I Told Them Just That Over Email

    missmolly314 Report

    #27

    As An Autistic Person, I Despise Everything About This!

    As An Autistic Person, I Despise Everything About This!

    TenNinetythree Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #28

    Interviewing For My First Recruiting Job - Why Did I Start This Life??

    Interviewing For My First Recruiting Job - Why Did I Start This Life??

    ryin_matiaz Report

    #29

    This

    This

    Wajeehrehman Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    CK
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you desperately want to interview people so you can pretend you did something, you can hire actors to come in and interview for the job.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #30

    We Don’t Count Internships As Experience Here, So Let’s Just Forget All Of That

    We Don’t Count Internships As Experience Here, So Let’s Just Forget All Of That

    virtadpt Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Sand Ers
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's two strikes in one swing. If internships don't count as experience, than wtf are they for?

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #31

    Who Were You In Your Past Life?

    Who Were You In Your Past Life?

    Wajeehrehman Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Tucker Cahooter
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well I guess that makes you overqualified for the job, unless you were applying to replace an abdicated monarch

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #32

    A Company Found Me On Linkedin And Reached Out To Me, This Was My Response

    A Company Found Me On Linkedin And Reached Out To Me, This Was My Response

    mtlmike85 Report

    #33

    Felt So Good To Talk Back For Once

    Felt So Good To Talk Back For Once

    sabasena Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Hodge Elmwood
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a feeling that at this company, "limited bookkeeping" means that's all you'd be doing!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #34

    Burn

    Burn

    Wajeehrehman Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    similarly
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    See, my philosophy is that a GAP in a resume is nobody else's damn business. It's not work, so why do they need to know?

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #37

    Better Start Hiring Then

    Better Start Hiring Then

    alaskastardust Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Verfin22
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "We're short staffed cause I just fired five people and nobody wants to work"/s

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #38

    People Are Human And Human Things Happen

    People Are Human And Human Things Happen

    RDPCG Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    BannedFromABoatShow
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’ve been so worried about going back to work after 16 years, during which time I developed epilepsy, had 2 kids - one of which has a condition so rare it took us 8 years to get a diagnosis - moving twice for my husband’s jobs, multiple family members died… So yes, hiring manager, I do in fact know how to perform under stress.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #40

    Opinion

    Opinion

    infamouszgbgd Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Hodge Elmwood
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Boomer here. We are not all like that. Please, please don't generalize. It's divisive. In my time I've been treated way worse by managers and others much younger than me. It's not an age thing.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Note: this post originally had 90 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda