What makes finding a job so frustrating in today’s hiring market? Mike Ingberg shares his experience returning to the job search after more than 30 years in public relations, marketing, social media, sports PR, agency work, and corporate communications. He discusses the disappearance of personal follow-up, the growing problem of ghost jobs, employer reputation, automated rejection messages, networking, ATS systems, and the emotional toll of searching for work. The conversation also explores why empathy and human connection still matter in an increasingly automated hiring process.
Mike’s profile
Key Takeaways
Mike brings more than 30 years of communications, public relations, marketing, and social media experience to his current job search.
The ability to personally follow up with employers has largely disappeared, making it harder for candidates to differentiate themselves and build relationships.
Networking and relationships with former colleagues have become increasingly important for finding opportunities and reaching the right people.
Ghost jobs can damage an employer’s credibility and eventually cause candidates to question whether its openings are legitimate.
Mike believes job platforms, employers, and policymakers need to take greater responsibility for protecting job seekers from misleading job postings.
Silence and lack of responses can take an emotional toll on candidates, especially after investing significant time in applications and customized materials.
The timing and impersonal nature of automated rejection emails can make an already difficult experience feel even less human.
Job seekers need ways to release frustration, clear their minds, and refocus when the emotional pressure of the search becomes overwhelming.
Mike questions whether ATS technology and automated application tools are preventing qualified candidates from getting genuine consideration.
Behind every application is a real person investing time, energy, and hope in finding their next opportunity.
Timestamps
01:05 Mike’s communications background and job search
03:14 What feels different about hiring today
05:32 The growing problem of ghost jobs
06:38 Who should be responsible for ghost jobs
08:14 Frustration with employer silence
10:37 The problem with automated rejections
11:31 Finding hope during the job search
12:47 Handling the emotional pressure
14:03 What needs to change in hiring
14:29 ATS systems and automated applications
Keywords
job search, ghost jobs, hiring process, candidate experience, employer reputation, ATS systems, job seeker frustration, networking, automated rejection, human-centered hiring
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