HOUSTON
– For many Americans looking for work, the job search has become an exhausting cycle of applications, silence and rejection.
On social media, job seekers shared their frustrations with Stephania Jimenez about sending out dozens — sometimes hundreds — of applications without hearing back.
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“My wife has been looking for over a year. Don’t see anyone interviewing her or trying to help her,” Abel Gallardo wrote on Facebook.
Others echoed similar experiences.
“My daughter graduated summa cum laude from the University of Houston business school,” Esther Vandergaag Burchert wrote. “She has applied for countless jobs. The result is always the same.”
“I’ve applied to several on Indeed and not heard from them,” Elizabeth Gonzales wrote.
Federal data suggests those experiences are not uncommon. The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that people who were unemployed had been out of work for an average of about 25 weeks.
At the same time, the U.S. Department of Labor reports there are roughly 7.4 million job openings nationwide.
The contradiction has led some job seekers to blame artificial intelligence.
Many companies now use AI-powered software to screen resumes and help identify candidates who move forward in the hiring process. For applicants, that can create the perception that a machine — rather than a person — is deciding their future.
However, experts say the reality is more nuanced.
One job seeker’s frustration
“Lynn,” who asked that her identity be concealed because she is still searching for work, said she has submitted more than 150 applications within a six month period.
“I have the experience. I have a degree,” she said.
Still, finding employment has been difficult.
“I’ve probably applied for over 100 jobs, probably close to 150 at this point. It’s frustrating,” Lynn said.
Lynn, who has experience as a project manager, special education teacher and business owner, believes many of her applications never went before a human.
“That’s frustrating because I feel like they’re not seeing a qualified applicant, somebody that could thrive in the company,” she said. “AI is bypassing it.”
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Despite the setbacks, she remains determined.
“I am ready,” Lynn said. “I’ll work seven days a week if I have to. Fifty-plus hours. I am not afraid of work. I’m a hard worker. Strong work ethic. I’m ready.”
“You get to a point where you’re worthless. It’s like nobody wants to hire me. What is the problem?” said Lynn.
Her experience highlights something statistics cannot fully capture: the emotional impact of prolonged unemployment.
When job seekers spend months applying for positions without success, rejection can begin to feel personal rather than professional.
Why finding a job feels harder
Steven Craig, an economics professor at the University of Houston, said today’s job market presents challenges that did not exist a decade ago.
“It’s really, really hard,” said Craig.
Craig believes job seekers are having a more difficult time today than they were ten years ago. Part of the challenge stems from technology and automation, which have transformed both hiring and job searching.
“The greater technical automation is a barrier,” Craig said.
Job seekers must navigate multiple platforms, determine where employers are posting openings and compete in systems that often prioritize specific keywords and qualifications.
Craig said technology allows applicants to submit hundreds of applications quickly, but that strategy may not be effective.
“For everything except entry-level jobs, you want a write specific to that job,” he said. “That means you have to rewrite your cover letter every time.”
Generic resumes and cover letters often fail to stand out, particularly when employers use software to identify candidates whose skills closely match job descriptions.
“The technology exists. I can put out a thousand job applications today,” Craig said. “But the bot would never pick me out because if I just wrote a generic letter, I wouldn’t show up with the right set of skills.”
As a result, he said, job seekers often need to customize both resumes and cover letters for every position.
“Looking for a job is a full-time job,” Craig said.
Still, Craig cautioned against viewing AI as the enemy.
“AI is a tool, and we need to learn how to use it,” he said.
Making AI work for job seekers
To better understand how applicants can navigate today’s hiring landscape, Lynn met virtually with Tiffany Bell, vice president of Swipejobs.
Bell said one of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is relying solely on online applications.
“When you see a company hiring and you see a specific job that you’re interested in, go in and follow that company,” Bell said. “Who’s posting that job? Is it a recruiter? Connect with that recruiter.”
Networking remains one of the most effective ways to stand out, she said.
“A lot of when you’re in the market and trying to do a job search, it is networking as much as you can,” Bell said.
Bell also reviewed Lynn’s resume and offered advice on improving its visibility in applicant-tracking systems.
“When you’re looking for a project management role, they’re going to look for what did you deliver,” Bell said. “What were your KPIs? They’re going to look for measurable results.”
Rather than listing duties alone, applicants should emphasize accomplishments and outcomes.
“You need to look at what the job description is and tailor your skill set to that,” Bell said. “You’ve got to have the skills, but you want to tailor it appropriately, so it’s picked up.”
Her advice to job seekers is straightforward.
“Adapt AI. It’s here. It’s not going anywhere,” Bell said. “Make it work for you. Don’t be afraid of it.”
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Three ways to improve your chances
Experts interviewed for this story recommended three key strategies:
• Customize your resume for each application.
• Highlight measurable results, accomplishments and outcomes.
• Build relationships by networking with recruiters and employers.
For many people, finding a job is about more than earning a paycheck. It is about stability, confidence and feeling that their experience still matters.
While AI is changing how employers identify candidates, experts say the most important part of the hiring process remains human. And in a job market where searches can stretch beyond six months, networking, relationship-building and personal connections may be what ultimately opens the door to the next opportunity.