7 job search memes that are just too real

The job search process can be frustrating — we get it. But we like to find a little humor in the situation, so we compiled this list of seven memes that perfectly describe how you feel during the job search.

The job search process can be frustrating — we get it. But we like to find a little humor in the situation, so we compiled this list of seven memes that perfectly describe how you feel during the job search.
CareerBuilder surveyed 4,505 U.S. job seekers and 505 Canadian job seekers, as well as 1,505 hiring managers and recruiters, about virtually every aspect of the recruitment process — and we found out a LOT of interesting information about candidate behavior. Here, in random order, are some key findings.
Nearly 5 in 10 job seekers feel resumes are impersonal. Only half feel that resumes accurately portray them as a candidate.

The biggest frustration job seekers face is employers not responding (45 percent). Job seekers say that 4 out of 10 of their applications never receive a response or any type of communication.

On average, job seekers say they spend about 11 hours a week searching for jobs.

The majority of employers (62 percent) feel candidates are well-prepared for job interviews...

…but that doesn't mean it's always smooth sailing during the interview.

As you can probably relate, a constant job-seeker struggle is waiting (seemingly) endlessly to hear back after an interview. While 81 percent of employers say it takes them less than a week to notify other candidates that weren't selected once an offer has been accepted, 9 percent claim they don't ever notify the other candidates for various reasons — they want to keep their options open, they don't have enough time, etc.

More than half of employers (56 percent) say they give extra attention to candidates who call to follow up after applying. However, 27 percent of employers feel candidates are persistent and annoying.



Make sure to follow CareerBuilder on Instagram and Twitter for more job search memes.

What to know about a company before you interview

 

Know these 5 things before you arrive for the interview.

As a job seeker, you're often told how essential it is that you research the company before a job interview. But what exactly should you be looking for? Here are five things you should know about a company before you arrive for the interview.

1. The quick facts
Nothing's more embarrassing – or a surer deal breaker – than simply not knowing the basic facts about a company and the position by the time you reach the interview.
It may be hard to believe, but many hiring managers will tell you that sometimes candidates come in and aren't even sure of the name of the company. Basic facts like the industry and scope of their business, how the position you're interviewing for fits into the corporate structure and, of course, the name of the company are all crucial to your success in the interview.
2. The skills they want
Your main ultimate goal in a job interview is to convince the interviewer that you are the best candidate for the position. To do this, you need to have a good idea of what they would consider an ideal candidate and highlight the ways you fit that bill.
Sometimes you'll get lucky and the employer will literally include a "qualities of an ideal candidate" section in the job posting, but even if that's not the case, you can still piece it together. Carefully read and reread the posting, particularly the typical duties and responsibilities. Ask yourself which of your skills and experiences match up with these, and how you can articulate that connection to the interviewer.
3. The company culture
Being the best fit goes beyond just having the necessary skills and experience. In fact, one of the biggest benefits of a face-to-face interview is the interviewer can get a better feel for your personality and how well you'd fit in with the company culture.
Employers know that culture can be a huge selling point for potential job candidates, so finding info on a company's culture shouldn't be difficult. You can often find an overview in the "About Us" section of a company's website. Their mission statement and core values are often available there as well. Corporate social media accounts can be a good indicator of the culture as well.
Of course, the messages on these channels are often controlled by the company itself. If you want a less filtered point of view, check out employer-rating sites like Glassdoor, or find current employees on social media.
4. Recent news
Employers like candidates who are eager to hit the ground running, so coming in with an understanding of industry conditions, recent moves or changes made by the company and other relevant events is a great way to show the interviewer that you're serious about the position.
A simple web news search for the company is a good place to start, although for some companies this may not turn up much. You should also look on the company's website for a "Press Room" or "News" section, where you can often find press releases put out by the company.
5. Competitors
What sets this company apart from its competitors? Companies are often eager to showcase what makes them unique or superior, so again, finding this information shouldn't be difficult. But rather than simply parroting their own messaging back to them, a committed job seeker will take it one step further.
Identify some of the company's chief competitors and research them in much the same way you've research the company you're interviewing with. Weigh the claims the company makes against the claims of their competitors, and come to your own conclusions. What differences do you notice?
A genuine interest in the position is one of the most important things employers are looking for in job candidates. Coming to the interview with a solid working knowledge of the company, it's industry and the requirements of the position is a great way to set yourself apart and up your chances of getting hired.

Show CareerBuilder how you #WorkHappier

Follow @CareerBuilder on Instagram. Show us how you #WorkHappier. Win a GoPro Hero4. More details below!

There's a fairly simple idea that pops into my head just about everyday I'm sitting in my cube: How can I add more happiness to my day at work?
According to the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation, the average American spends 1,790 working annually. When you consider that's roughly 30 percent of the time you'll be awake each year, I hope it becomes clear you should strive to be happy while you're on the job. You'll eventually spend a giant chunk of your life working; why not improve those times as much as possible? Why save happiness for when you leave the office?

Take action and #WorkHappierMuch like a job search, much like your career development, you must be active in your pursuit of happiness. You can't just sit and do nothing but hope you find happiness tomorrow, next week or next year. You have to go after it.
That's where the idea of #WorkHappier comes in. When the going gets tough at the office, how do you remain positive? When things become stale, how do you lift up your spirits and those of your co-workers?
The actions you take to add happiness to your workday don't have to be complicated. They can be as easy as saying thank you to a co-worker who makes your job easier. Working happier can mean taking a walk when you're out of ideas or simply need a break but don't think the walk to the vending machine is enough. Even getting out of the office for lunch with your co-workers will help you #WorkHappier. #TheMoreYouKnow

Show us what you've got!Now that you're basically a #WorkHappier expert, we want to see how you add happiness to your days. Submit a photo on Instagram using that hashtag before Oct. 16, 2015, and you could win a GoPro Hero4 Session, a pair of Shure SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones, and more to make your work life better.

Here's how to get started:
1. Follow @CareerBuilder on Instagram.
2. Photograph how you add happiness to your workday.
3. Post it on Instagram, tag it #WorkHappier, and mention @CareerBuilder. You're now entered to win!
See official contest rules (and a really awesome landing page) here.

Additional inspirationIf you were an expert before, these tips will make you a bona fide guru of working happier:

• Explore your surroundings. Try that new place for lunch even if there's a line. Take a walk and don't follow a route you've taken before.
• #TreatYoSelf. Don't settle for snacks out of the vending machine. Reward yourself with a gourmet snack after completing a hard task… or just because.
• Take your breaks, and use your vacation days. You're given both for a reason. Recharge when you have the opportunity to do so.
• Get more sleep. You'll have more energy, better ideas and an improved mood when you go into the office.
• Welcome distractions from time to time. Distractions allow your mind to wander and they'll often boost your mood. Sometimes, those will be enough to help you break through a roadblock or solve a complex problem.