Why your job search feels harder than it should right now

Our latest Working Parents Connect Flexible Work Survey proved there’s a particular kind of frustration coming up for job seekers right now.

You told us you found a role that looks right. You met the requirements. You tailored your application. You put real thought into how your experience fits.

And then… crickets.

Or a response that doesn’t quite match the effort you put in. Or a process that starts but doesn’t move forward in the way you expected. Almost mirroring the stories from single friends.

And it’s just exhausting, especially when there seems to be no shortage of conversation about hiring, skills gaps, and opportunities in the market.

This experience was echoed through our survey responses, with many candidates describing the same pattern of actively looking or open to new opportunities, applying thoughtfully, and still finding it difficult to gain traction. For full transparency, this survey was researching the job market and application process in general, not just the experience with Working Parents Connect.

Which tells us there’s clearly a gap that needs some explaining, and working on.

Part of that picture sits in what candidates are seeing day to day. Roles are visible, but fewer feel like a genuine fit. Job descriptions don’t always reflect the reality of the role. Applications go in without much visibility into what happens next. Over time, it becomes harder to tell whether the issue is the market, the process, or your own positioning.

At the same time, there’s another layer to this that isn’t always visible.

Across conversations with employers and in the employer survey results, a different set of pressures comes into view. Hiring is happening, but often with more caution than in previous years. Many organisations are focusing on replacement hiring rather than expanding teams. Workload is being absorbed internally where possible, with teams already feeling stretched or close to capacity.

Before opening new roles, there’s often a pause. Work is redistributed. Existing team capacity is stretched a little further. In some cases, hiring is delayed altogether.

So from the outside, the market still looks active. Roles are posted. Activity continues. But the pace of movement underneath has shifted.

This shows up in subtle ways for candidates.

Roles can stay open longer while internal decisions are being made. Application volumes build as more people apply for the same opportunities. Response times slow down. Some processes don’t progress as quickly as expected, or change direction partway through.

Even when your experience aligns well, that alignment doesn’t always translate into momentum.

Over time, that can understandably start to feel personal.

It can feel like you are missing something, or that your experience isn’t landing in the way it should. It can lead to second guessing decisions about what to apply for, how to position yourself, or whether to keep going in the same direction. But we can say with absolute confidence that this is not a reflection on you. And understanding this of course doesn’t remove the frustration. It does, however, give some context to why the process can feel harder than it should right now, even when you’re doing all the right things.

So what can be done?

Our first suggestion is to follow up. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone or email the hiring manager or recruiter to ask for an update or even to ask questions before you apply, which not only confirms your interest and provides an opportunity for more insight into the process, but also allows you to close the door and move on sooner should the news not be in your favour – rather than waiting for an email that may or may not be sent after application.

From the employers and recruitment agency side, transparency has never been more important. Taking the time to outline the hiring process and timeline in the job ad, sending an update to applicants to loop them in if things change internally and there are delays. Communication is paramount to not only respecting the time and effort of applicants, but also protecting your brand as an employer.

Searching for your next flexible role? Be sure to register for job alerts, search our jobs board, or reach out to one of our recruiters who can provide industry advise on resumes or available opportunites.