It's been months now. I've been applying to dozens of jobs per day, adjusting my application to the position, working with agencies, getting feedback from recruiters, trying to network, improving my skills, volunteering as a research coordinator, etc. I've had interviews but unfortunately haven't received any offers. I know it's a matter of time and luck, but I just don't know how to keep my morale up at this point. Does anyone have any recommendations to share for myself and others going through this struggle?

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[–] Donjuanme 2 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (3 children)

What is your education level? You're looking for a research coordinator position, do you mind if I ask in which field? If you're post doc I don't know where to begin, if you're bachelor's you may want to consider going for a lower level position somewhere you really want to work, you'll be a much better candidate when a position opens, or a new position is created with you in mind to fill it.

The research and development field has been hammered with cuts and uncertainty the last year, everyone is reorganizing and tightening the fiscal belt. Especially industries that were thriving during covid time (other industries have looked at those fields and have also panicked-layed off, rather than hiring the experienced people that are looking for work).

If you're fresh out of college it's not going to be a good time.

What country are you in, and what field do you want to work in?

Edit: it will get better, and you will find yourself looking back from where you are, and be amazed at the journey you took to get there. Every volunteer position you take will be part of your story, and the people you work with will remember your actions, save you'll meet them again some day and have wonderful "remember when" and "whatever happened to" conversations

[–] Plantfoodclock 3 points 10 months ago (2 children)

I've been applying to research assistant and administrative assistant positions in healthcare and industry, though my field in psychology. I currently have a bachelor's degree so I'm not really expecting any higher roles than that, but just want to get some more experience and pay more of my student loans before going off to grad school. I'm in Toronto so there are plenty of those jobs, but lot of competition. I thought I'd have better chances having managed the research project, co-developed design, and written a manuscript, but hell I'm still struggling

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago (1 children)

A ton of competition and local universities are freaking out over the loss of international students money with the federal changes.

Have you tried looking at various operations/analyst type roles in Toronto outside your usual search? You'd probably do decently well in those roles. Even project management.

[–] Plantfoodclock 4 points 10 months ago

Yeah I've been applying for some operations and analyst roles, though not as much as the healthcare/science/nonprofit stuff, but I definitely should try anyways. I guess I am a little discouraged not having a background in finance or anything, but I've worked retail and warehousing/factory work before so I could try to find positions closer to those industries (not that I'm begging to go back).

And funny that you mention it, but iam taking Google's PM Coursera too and utilizing the tools in my current research work, for experience and to improve project processes. I hate the corpo style of PM classes (at least Google's presentation of it) but I do enjoy managing projects. Demonstrating this kind of Initiative and experience hasn't given me much of an edge though. Just sheer bad luck on my end I guess