Latest news with #jobseeking
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Driven by finances, more workers join the job hunt
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. In June, 34% of the U.S. labor force said they had engaged in some type of job-seeking activity during the past 90 days, up from 27% in January, according to a July 17 report from CompTIA. Workers cited a changing financial situation as the top factor for seeking a new job, including concerns around job security and layoffs. Many job seekers said they considered openings in the same field, as well as a career shift to a new field. 'The sheer scale of active job seekers — more than 50 million — means we're seeing a wide array of experiences, perceptions and motivating factors, sometimes even conflicting ones,' Amy Carrado, senior director of workforce research at CompTIA, said in a statement. 'This presents both opportunities and challenges for employers and workers alike.' In a survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults, which was evenly split between active job seekers and non-seekers, training and upskilling appealed to workers across the board. Among non-seekers, nearly half said they want to build their skills for career maintenance or career advancement. In addition, 88% of all workers rated digital fluency skills as important for today's workforce. At the same time, job seekers are growing tired: Search-related mental fatigue rose to 43%. Generation Z workers also applied to jobs online at a lower rate while increasing their search for information about training and skill-building. This could represent frustration with non-successful applications and a shift to upskilling to improve their chances, CompTIA said. Beyond mental fatigue, candidates reported challenges such as finding the time to apply, undergoing lengthy hiring processes, being screened out by automated systems and balancing the job search with work and family demands. Even so, job seekers remained generally optimistic about the labor market and their prospects, even slightly improving since January. This could correlate with an increase in the volume of job listings compared to last year, according to the report. Although salary remains a top influence for many career decisions, work-life balance and professional development opportunities also play a major role, according to a SHRM report from earlier this month. While workers said they've had to sacrifice their time and health to advance in their careers, organizational support can help mitigate those trade-offs, SHRM found. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Independent Singapore
14-07-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
‘Why did HR ghost me after my job interview?' — Jobseeker asks and gets advice from career coach, who also advises HR to stop ghosting interviewees
SINGAPORE: You prepped hard. You nailed the interview. You smiled, thanked everyone, and walked out with hope in your heart. Then… nothing. Radio silence. Not even the courtesy of a 'thanks, but no, thanks.' Welcome to modern job-seeking purgatory—otherwise known as being ghosted by HR. On Channel NewsAsia (CNA)'s Work It podcast, host Tiffany Ang and career counsellor Gerald Tan dissected the all-too-familiar agony of job interview limbo. In particular, they addressed an email letter from a listener, 'Gary' (not his real name), who poured out his frustrations about being ghosted after going through multiple rounds of interviews. So why are job seekers getting ghosted? Gerald Tan didn't mince his words: 'You're certainly not the only one that's haunted by this ghost.' Many job seekers, he says, 'send in tons of applications, and they really don't know where the applications go.' Platforms may show your application as 'under review' for weeks or months, with no follow-up, and even after multiple interview rounds, many companies go quiet. 'The most common reason this happens,' Gerald explains, 'is very simply—sometimes HR forgets to close the loop with the candidates.' That's right. Forget. While they're busy pushing successful candidates through to the next round, others are quietly shelved and left to refresh their inbox in vain. Some companies even state outright: 'We'll only contact you if you're shortlisted,' which, let's face it, is corporate speak for 'Don't call us. We'll call you, or rather… We'll ghost you.' However, ghosting has consequences. 'I think he [Gary] probably has a very bad impression of the company right now,' Gerald says, and he's not wrong—job seekers do talk. And tweet. And leave company reviews on Glassdoor . So here's Gerald's plea to HR professionals everywhere: 'Please, please, please close off the loop with all your candidates… also tell them what areas they may have been unsuccessful. Where did they lose out, so that they have some closure?' How long should you wait before following up? Gerald's rule of thumb is two weeks. However, 'there's no hard and fast rule about this,' he clarifies, 'but I would recommend not waiting anything longer than two weeks.' That said, don't assume rejection just yet. Hiring can be a sluggish beast, especially during peak travel or holiday seasons. 'The hiring manager might go overseas… and that's where some of the recruitment gets hung in the midst of the air,' Gerald explains. 'Good recruiters will keep the candidates warm… they will tell them, 'Hey, we need a bit more time.'' In fact, some candidates have received callbacks two months later. Yes—two months. 'I heard of cases where people thought that the job is done and dusted… two months later, ding ding, they get a call.' One such delayed offer came from a major multinational tech company. So, patience may pay off—just don't bet the house on it. Don't put all your interview eggs in one job basket Gerald's advice to Gary and every jobseeker out there stuck in limbo: Keep the momentum going. 'Don't put all your eggs in one basket or one job row just because you've gone through several rounds,' he advises. 'Keep interviewing so that you get multiple offers and can properly evaluate which is best for you.' In other words: Don't let one ghost stop your hustle. Move on, apply elsewhere, and keep your options open. That next interview might just be the one that sticks. Should I drop a follow-up note? Tiffany then posed the million-dollar question on behalf of all ghosted job seekers: 'What happens if I don't hear back after two weeks? Should I drop a note?' 'Yeah, you should most definitely drop a note,' Gerald affirms. 'Politely inquire about the status… whether you made it through the next round.' The keyword here is 'politely' because 'Many jobseekers, out of anxiety… send multiple emails,' Gerald cautions. 'Then it gets irritating for the HR person.' One email is enough. Maybe two, max. Don't cross over into 'Hey, just following up for the 5th time this week' territory. Nobody likes a clingy candidate. Can I mention I have other job offers? What if you're on a ticking clock and need to make a decision? Tiffany asked, 'Should I be honest and say, 'Hey, I'm considering something else, so it would be good to know if I'm still on the KIV list'?' Gerald's take: It depends—just don't sound like you're issuing ultimatums. 'It's okay for you to say that if that's really the case,' he replied, 'but don't say that as a threat… they might think you're trying to push them and call you out on your bluff.' Honesty is still the best policy. Just keep it humble and sincere. You want to be remembered as the one who followed up gracefully, not as the one who strong-armed a decision. Don't take it personally: Ghosting isn't about you As personal as it feels, ghosting often isn't a personal attack. Sometimes it's bureaucracy, sometimes it's disorganisation, sometimes it's just plain neglect. Either way, don't take it to heart. Stay professional. Stay persistent. Most importantly, stay sane. Because in the unpredictable jungle of modern job-hunting, ghosting is unfortunately part of the terrain, but with good strategy and resilience, you'll come out on the other side—with a job that actually values you enough to write back. Meanwhile, in a time when layoffs are becoming the new normal and artificial intelligence (AI) is the new office colleague who never takes a coffee break, Singaporean millennial Jeraldine Phneah has a story to share — one that's equal parts sobering, sincere, and surprisingly uplifting for those who are facing the terrible fate of retrenchment like she did. You can read Jeraldine's full story here: 'How I coped facing layoffs as a millennial' — Singaporean shares her 'retrenchment story' as a reminder that even in 'difficult seasons — growth and renewal are possible'
CNN
25-06-2025
- Business
- CNN
Monster and CareerBuilder, once popular with job seekers, file for bankruptcy
Monster and CareerBuilder, once two of the most popular websites for job seekers at the height of the dot-com era, have filed for bankruptcy. The two sites, which merged last year to become one entity named Monster + CareerBuilder, voluntary filed for Chapter 11 Tuesday, announcing that the company is selling various parts of its businesses to several buyers as part of a court-supervised process, a press release said. Monster and CareerBuilder were some of the biggest companies in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the former brand so popular that it often bought Super Bowl commercials promoting its services. However, both have fallen out of favor for job hunters with the rise of competitors like Indeed, Glassdoor and Microsoft-owned LinkedIn in recent years. Jeff Furman, CEO of CareerBuilder + Monster, said in statement that its 'business has been affected by a challenging and uncertain macroeconomic environment' and determined that 'initiating this court-supervised sale process is the best path toward maximizing the value of our businesses and preserving jobs.' The most recognizable part of CareerBuilder and Monster — their job boards — is being sold to JobGet, a platform for gig and hourly workers searching for jobs. Monster Government Services, which provides software to state and federal governments, is being sold to Canadian-based Valsoft Corporation. Also, its media division — the two companies own and — is being sold to Canadian media company Valnet. All purchases require court approval, with the sales subject to higher offers. Furman said the company is 'making difficult but necessary decisions to reduce costs and help ensure a seamless transition of our businesses,' including layoffs. It has received $20 million in financing to keep operating during the bankruptcy process. Monster and CareerBuilder, once rivals, merged last year with private equity firm Apollo Global Management taking a minority stake in the company.
CNN
25-06-2025
- Business
- CNN
Monster and CareerBuilder, once popular with job seekers, file for bankruptcy
Monster and CareerBuilder, once two of the most popular websites for job seekers at the height of the dot-com era, have filed for bankruptcy. The two sites, which merged last year to become one entity named Monster + CareerBuilder, voluntary filed for Chapter 11 Tuesday, announcing that the company is selling various parts of its businesses to several buyers as part of a court-supervised process, a press release said. Monster and CareerBuilder were some of the biggest companies in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the former brand so popular that it often bought Super Bowl commercials promoting its services. However, both have fallen out of favor for job hunters with the rise of competitors like Indeed, Glassdoor and Microsoft-owned LinkedIn in recent years. Jeff Furman, CEO of CareerBuilder + Monster, said in statement that its 'business has been affected by a challenging and uncertain macroeconomic environment' and determined that 'initiating this court-supervised sale process is the best path toward maximizing the value of our businesses and preserving jobs.' The most recognizable part of CareerBuilder and Monster — their job boards — is being sold to JobGet, a platform for gig and hourly workers searching for jobs. Monster Government Services, which provides software to state and federal governments, is being sold to Canadian-based Valsoft Corporation. Also, its media division — the two companies own and — is being sold to Canadian media company Valnet. All purchases require court approval, with the sales subject to higher offers. Furman said the company is 'making difficult but necessary decisions to reduce costs and help ensure a seamless transition of our businesses,' including layoffs. It has received $20 million in financing to keep operating during the bankruptcy process. Monster and CareerBuilder, once rivals, merged last year with private equity firm Apollo Global Management taking a minority stake in the company.
CNET
16-06-2025
- Business
- CNET
Is Final Round AI Legit? Ace Your Job Interview at a High Premium
If you've done any job interviews recently, you know how much preparation goes into them. Researching the company, prepping your answers to potential questions and figuring out how to express your skillset is all part of a good interview strategy -- but sometimes, the reality doesn't equate to what you prepared for. The jittery, anxious pre-interview feeling is all too familiar. Maybe, like me, you start to dissociate from the overwhelming conversation, losing a sense of connection with the person you're speaking to. Imposter syndrome can show up -- and take you down -- in seconds. Unexpected questions can throw you off. It would be nice to have support during the call to keep your confidence up and focus intact while pitching yourself to someone who has (likely) never met you in person. Enter: Artificial intelligence. What is Final Round AI? Final Round AI, a tool that helps you prepare for your interview and polish your skills. The suite of AI-powered tools offers real-time "on the fly" interview transcription and support, mock interviews and resume building across 100-plus roles in consulting, marketing, finance, software, product, data science and dev ops. It also offers resources like a blog with tips and commonly asked questions, plus guides that provide visual and written how-tos for common tech-related issues. Final Round AI is a new tool that joins the ever-growing number of AI-powered companies and platforms for job seeking — founders Michael Guan and Jay Ma launched it in late August 2023. While still in its infancy, Final Round AI is designed to offer many ways to support your career-related needs. If you're looking for an all-in-one job seeker-support system, this could be it — or, at least, a worthwhile attempt to navigate your professional journey (and inner turmoil). But after attempting to navigate the platform, my stance on it changed. How to use Final Round AI Screenshot by Carly Quellman/CNET Final Round AI's Interview Copilot allows you to create various types of interviews across multiple fields, and can access analytical reports for each one. Here's how to try it out: Log into the free version for Final Round AI with a Google, LinkedIn or Twitter account, or sign up with your email. Once you're on the platform, select Mock Interview. Here you will be prompted to upload your resume and select from the optional drop-down Role and Specialization menus. You will be asked to connect your credit card, even while on the free trial experience. This is when you'll learn that to access all aspects of Interview Copilot, you need a paid Premium account. How much is Final Round AI? We reached out to Final Round in June to check the latest pricing (which isn't made clear on its website unless you create an account), and the company gave us this breakdown of subscriptions: Interview Co-Pilot Plan: Starts at $60 AI Job Hunter Plan: Starts at $25 (but doesn't include access to the live interview copilot) (but doesn't include access to the live interview copilot) Pro Plan (3-Month Bundle): Billed at $96/month for 3 months for a total of $288 God Mode Plan (Semi-Annual): Starts at $81/month, and is billed every 6 months for a total of $486 White Glove Service: Premium custom support package starting at $7,000. Final Round didn't respond to a request for information on what's included in each plan. The company does have a scholarship program, which provides those who secure job offers with the help of Final Round AI's Interview Copilot to receive a "scholarship" that waives 100% off subscription fees afterwards (in the form of a $488 Amazon Gift Card). At the time of writing, Final Round AI is also offering 10% off any subscription for students, veterans, first responders and medical professionals, as well as anyone recently laid off. This can't be used for the God Mode scholarship offer, or your scholarship will be disqualified. Screenshot by Carly Quellman/CNET The actual free aspects of Final Round AI include access to potential interview questions, where you can enter a keyword concerning a company, job position and technical or general topic; an AI Resume Generator, which can provide Applicant Tracking System optimization (and is currently in beta mode); a ChatGPT-style AI Career Coach; and Guides, where it shows you how to launch a live or mock interview alongside a step-by-step visual example. While robust in quantity, I can't say these features offer anything incredibly innovative or new from other AI platforms. Who should use Final Round AI? I don't think a virtual interview can truly gauge if you're the right fit for a company — particularly when you're not in person. So while some may see aspects of Final Round AI's platform as a copout for knowledge and expertise, or a potential mishap (if the AI-generated text is incorrect), I see it as a real-time note-taking system with feedback. I have vivid memories of performing poorly in interviews because I was trying to do just that — perform to the best of my abilities rather than have a conversation with another human. This has made me a staunch advocate for anything that can alleviate overwhelming feelings attached to the unknown. Final Round AI attempts to do just that. However, my two issues with Final Round AI are… significant. The "bright and shiny" aspect of a new company that is innovative, yet potentially problematic. With the number of lawsuits that have circulated in response to other areas of AI like voice impersonations and copyright infringement, I am wary of the safety concerns that may arise when it comes to the company's Interview Copilot — an AI-powered tool that you can use on your end during your real interviews that gives you live tips on how to answer. For instance, if an interviewer isn't aware that artificial intelligence is listening and responding to their voice, where's the line between what's supportive and what's legal? And in the case of illegal use, who is liable — companies like Final Round AI or the interviewee? Secondly, its free versus paid membership service is misleading. Final Round AI advertises itself for its Interview Copilot, with a button referencing the ability to "Get Started [for] Free." Yet, as soon as you navigate to this part of the platform, you're unable to do more than upload a resume before being prompted to "upgrade your membership." I respect transparency. As someone excited to trial this portion of the platform, this turned me off as a potential customer. With its platform barely a year old, time will likely answer these questions and hopefully rectify its other challenges. (Final Round AI didn't respond to my request for comment by the time of publication.) Until then, I wish anyone job seeking well. May your resumes be immaculate and your interviews be handled with confidence and ease… with Final Round AI's help or not. (Remember: Meditation is, actually, free.) For more ways you can use AI (for free) to help with your job-hunting journey, check out CNET's pieces on how to use AI as a career coach, create a resume using ChatGPT, use Figma AI to design a resume, find the job of your dreams using ChatGPT, use AI to write a cover letter and negotiate a starting salary using AI.
