Washington ESD unemployment rate low but still can't find work - what am I missing?

I'm looking for administrative/office work. I have 5 years experience but seems like every posting wants 10+ years or specialized software I don't know.

That's exactly the issue - employers got picky during the pandemic and haven't relaxed their requirements yet. Consider temp agencies or contract work to get your foot in the door.

Right?? I feel like I'm going crazy hearing about this great job market while I can't even get interviews.

The 'low unemployment' includes gig work and part-time jobs that don't pay enough to live on. Real full-time positions with benefits are still scarce.

Wait what is Claimyr? I've never heard of that before.

It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD phone agents without waiting on hold for hours. I used it to talk to someone about my job search requirements and they pointed me to some WorkSource programs I wasn't using.

Is that legitimate? I'm always nervous about third-party services when it comes to my unemployment claim.

This is so true! I had an interview where they literally said 'with unemployment so low we can afford to wait for the perfect candidate.

Exactly! They act like we should be grateful for any crumb they throw us while demanding PhD requirements for entry level positions.

Yes I'm doing way more than three per week. I'm applying to like 10-15 jobs weekly and attending virtual job fairs. Still nothing.

That's good you're exceeding the requirement. Have you tried contacting employers directly after applying? Sometimes following up makes the difference.

There's some truth to that. Labor force participation is still below pre-pandemic levels in some demographics.

I wonder if I should just take any job even if it's way below what I was making before. But then I'd lose my unemployment benefits.

I'm getting desperate enough to try anything. How much does it cost?

I don't know the exact cost but my sister said it was worth it to avoid spending entire days trying to get through on the phone. She got connected to an agent in like 20 minutes.

YES this is totally happening! I applied to the same job posting three times over two months and never heard back. It's still posted.

Some companies are required to post jobs externally even when they're promoting internally. It's frustrating but legal.

I've been applying to remote jobs too but those seem even more competitive. Hundreds of applications for every posting.

True, but at least you're not limited by geography. Keep trying both local and remote - something will stick eventually.

Thanks for the encouragement. Some days I feel like I'm never going to find anything.

I felt the same way. The right job will come along - just keep at it and don't let the statistics make you feel worse about your situation.

I'm in! At least we'd have people who understand what we're going through.

That's actually not a bad idea. It's isolating when everyone acts like jobs are everywhere.

Wow that's awesome! I'm definitely going to look into it now. What kind of lead did you get?

It was for a temp-to-perm administrative position that wasn't posted publicly yet. The WorkSource specialist had direct contact with the hiring manager.

That's what I keep trying to tell myself. Thanks for the reminder.

Absolutely right. Focus on your own search and don't worry about macro statistics that don't reflect your individual situation.

I understand the frustration but the numbers aren't fake - they just don't capture the full picture of job market quality.

Whatever helps you sleep at night. I know what I'm experiencing and it doesn't match their rosy statistics.

I've been to a few virtual networking events but they seem to be mostly other job seekers. Haven't found any actual employers.

Keep trying different events. Industry-specific ones tend to have more actual hiring managers than general job fairs.

Right?? It's like they're living in a different world than the rest of us.

they probably all have family connections to get their jobs anyway

Thank you! It helps to hear from someone who actually found something. What finally worked for you?

Honestly it was pure luck - I applied to a company the day they posted the job and got in before hundreds of other applications. Timing is everything.

I thought I had everything filled out but I'll double check. Thanks for the tip!

Also upload your resume there if you haven't already. The more complete your profile, the better chance of being found.

OMG yes! Like I'm passionate about paying my rent, not your company's mission statement about revolutionizing paper clips.

I hate those applications that ask why you're passionate about working for them. Because I need money to live, Karen!

Thanks everyone for all the advice and support. At least now I know I'm not crazy for struggling in this 'amazing' job market. Going to keep pushing forward and maybe try that Claimyr thing to talk to Washington ESD about other resources.

Good luck! Feel free to update us when you find something. We're all rooting for you.