30 Painfully Relatable Posts From “Recruiting Hell” (New Pics)

"Millions of jobs are open, but actually landing one is a different story," Resume Genius' Career Expert Eva Chan tells Bored Panda during our interview. Chan explains that most companies now use what's known as applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a human even sees them.

"If your resume doesn’t have the right keywords, it might be rejected automatically — no matter how qualified you are," she says. "Right now, competition is also intense, as remote jobs and entry-level roles get flooded with applicants, and many companies prefer internal hires or referrals over strangers applying online. Sending out applications without connections can feel like shouting into the void."

The expert adds that the skills gap is adding fuel to the fire. "A lot of job seekers just don’t have what employers are looking for," says Chan. "Fields like marketing, HR, and finance now favor candidates with digital literacy, AI experience, or industry-specific software skills. If your skill set hasn’t kept up, standing out is even harder."

Chan says if you're a job seeker who has applied for dozens of positions without any response, something is very wrong. It’s not just bad luck, warns the expert, adding that something needs to change.

"First, take a long, hard look at your resume and other documents you’re sending for each role. If you’re using the same one for every job, it’s probably getting filtered out before a human even sees it," advises Chan. She says tailoring your resume to each job by highlighting the right skills and measurable wins makes a huge difference.

"But even a perfect resume won’t help if no one sees it," cautions the career expert. "Most jobs aren’t posted publicly, and referrals often get priority. If you’re only applying online, you’re missing out. Connecting with hiring managers, networking, and working with recruiters (who are usually free for job seekers) can get your name in front of the right people."

Chan says it's also important to make sure your skills are up to date. "Many industries now expect AI literacy, data analysis, or industry-specific software skills — even in non-tech jobs. A short course or certification could be the boost you need," she explains.

Among Chan's top tips for job hunters in 2025 is to keep learning. "AI tools, digital platforms, and data analysis are becoming standard in most jobs — even outside of tech. Picking up new skills, whether it’s AI-powered marketing, project management, or industry-specific software, can make a huge difference."

The expert advises that you also network and use recruiters. "Connecting with hiring managers and working with recruiters (who are usually free for job seekers) can get your resume in front of the right people," she says.

"Lastly, stay flexible," adds the expert. "If your field is shrinking, look at jobs where your skills still apply. Retail workers can transition into customer success, and journalists can shift into content strategy. Career changes are more common than ever — but to do it right, you’ll need to plan ahead and make sure you can financially support the switch."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that 19 million positions will become available every year until at least 2033, and there are various reasons for this. “Most openings come from the need to replace workers who leave permanently, either to exit the labor force or to transfer to a different occupation. But others are from employment growth: that is, newly created jobs,” notes the BLS site.

But as we already know, not all jobs are created equal. Depending on your industry and experience, you might be looking at an annual salary that’s either way below or way above the median wage.

If you’re not familiar with that term, “a median wage is the point at which half of the workers made more than the amount, and half made less,” explains the BLS, adding that the median annual wage for all occupations in 2023 was $48,060.

Resume Genius recently published its 2025 In-Demand Jobs Report. The report details the 15 careers expected to see the highest demand over the next few months and ranks positions according to strong hiring potential, salaries above the U.S. median wage, and long-term stability.

It also gives some insight into whether or not we should be worried about AI stealing our jobs and how to stay relevant in the face of working robots. Keep scrolling for a glimpse into the report... and to find out where your industry ranks.

"Our study found that healthcare, tech, and business management are the top industries for 2025, offering the most job security and long-term career growth," Chan told Bored Panda.

“Workforce trends are shifting toward high-skill, high-impact roles,” added Geoffrey Scott, Senior Hiring Manager at Resume Genius, in a press release.

“AI and automation are handling routine tasks, but that’s driving demand for workers who can analyze data and make the decisions that AI provides. That’s why jobs like software developers, market research analysts, and management analysts are growing — businesses need people who can turn data into strategy."

According to the report, those in healthcare and logistics shouldn't feel threatened by the robots. "[Those] roles remain essential because they require hands-on expertise that automation still can’t replace,” revealed Scott.

In fact, nurses rank second on the Most In-Demand Careers for 2025, in particular, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. These roles have a 40% job growth projected from 2023 to 2033. That's much faster than average. If you're not familiar with the positions, "nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia and manage pain, nurse midwives specialize in childbirth and women’s health, and nurse practitioners diagnose and treat patients, often acting as primary care providers," explains the report.

The United States, like many countries, is currently facing a nurse shortage. And it's only expected to intensify. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) explains that "​​as Baby Boomers age... the need for health care grows. Compounding the problem is the fact that nursing schools across the country are struggling to expand capacity to meet the rising demand for care."

"Healthcare is booming thanks to an aging population and ongoing provider shortages," says Chan. "Nurse practitioners, mental health professionals, and specialized medical workers are in high demand... This shift is huge for rural and underserved areas that need more healthcare access."

She adds that it's a trend we will see for years to come. If you're already in the industry or are considering breaking into it, Resume Genius puts the median annual salary at $129,480, adding that there are a projected 29,000 job openings each year. You will typically need a Master’s degree, though.

If nursing isn't your cup of tea, and you prefer a corporate gig, you might want to consider a General and Operations Manager role. As per the report, they "oversee multiple departments or locations to ensure everything within the business stays on track," and they top the list of Most In-Demand Jobs for 2025.

"Businesses constantly face new challenges, such as layoffs, rapid AI growth, and changing policies," notes Resume Genius report. "That’s a major reason why operations managers are in high demand — they help companies streamline inefficiencies and adapt to these changes."

"Business management is key to keeping companies efficient and profitable," adds Chan during our interview. "General and operations managers are in demand as businesses work to cut costs and manage hybrid teams. With online shopping, automation, and remote work reshaping industries, companies need strong leadership to stay ahead."

The median annual salary for these positions is $101,280, and you'll typically need a Bachelor’s degree, but it varies by industry. Job growth here is expected to be 6% between 2023 and 2033, with around 320,800 positions advertised each year.

Software developers come in at number 3, with a median annual salary of $130,160 and projected job growth of 17%.

"Tech isn’t just for tech companies anymore," says Chan. "Companies are hiring IT specialists, marketing researchers, and data analysts to help them modernize and stay competitive. Even roles outside of traditional tech — like finance, marketing, HR, and education — now favor candidates who can navigate digital tools and automation."

Next on the list are heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, who could earn around $54,320, give or take. And at number 5 on The Most In-Demand Jobs for 2025 are registered nurses, with around 194,500 registered nurse positions expected to be advertised annually.

These aren’t as specialized as the previously mentioned nurses, but they typically require a bachelor’s degree. The median annual salary is $86,070, and job growth until 2033 is expected to be 6%.