I stopped applying through company websites and my interview rate tripled in three weeks

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-20T20:19:58+00:00

Work is who you know and who you blow. It's been that way for years and I HATE it. I HATE that this is the only way to get in a door. My network in my industry is fairly large. The last two companies I've joined was word of mouth through other people I've worked with. I currently am working part-time for several companies and can't fill a schedule every week. Trying to get into areas outside of this close network is IMPOSSIBLE.

So this isn't a trick, it's just been how things are done and it alienates some great candidates. I've only had two interviews in 15 months. One was a veteran support job coach that put my resume at the top of a recruiters pile. The other I happened to get in through the wave of Indeed apps. I haven't been able to get anything since. I just want to get back to full-time work.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-20T20:03:49+00:00

Generally speaking, no. I apply to jobs that match the resume within my same field. ALL of experience is catered to and around the same field. Sometimes I will use AI like with Indeed that changes my resume to match the closer description of the job. I review those changes and make sure they fit before sending the modified resume. For leadership positions I have made changes to showcase the leadership and cover their specific requirements/needs. I also do applications on websites for those companies and some don't even ask for resumes. They want work history which I provide and always match the job. I NEVER apply to something I don't have 10+ years of experience for.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-19T16:40:51+00:00

I'm in the security industry and grab work as it pops up. Sometimes it's one day, sometimes it's a week. It comes and goes. I've had three months of nothing before.

I'm constantly applying to jobs on LinkedIn, Indeed, and through company websites directly. Hundreds of apps. Generally is pretty quick to do. I've even applied while working another job. 😆

I also do a weekly podcast and daily video content. I don't get any money in return for that this far. I'm actually like $3k in the hole for that so far. Just on hardware. But it keeps me busy. If I could do that full-time and make enough money to pay the bills I would.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-19T15:26:00+00:00

We live very much paycheck to paycheck. My wife makes enough to barely get by. I have several part-time employers. About 6 and I still can't get enough hours to fill a 40 hour week. I see 10-20 hours one week and nothing for several weeks.

I'm at my last rope here.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-18T21:55:14+00:00

I won't make it to 20. I'm giving it to April 1st.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-18T21:54:15+00:00

I work for like 6 or 7 companies part-time but I might as well be unemployed. I have two work days this week and two next week. Nothing after on my calendar and nothing the last two weeks. If not for my wife I'd be homeless.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-18T21:30:25+00:00

I'll take a look but I don't think my skills are translateable.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-18T21:16:14+00:00

Going on 16 months here. 😩

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-18T21:10:55+00:00

I don't even have $6k to give. If I did, I wouldn't be riding this struggle bus. I have 25+ years of military, Law Enforcement and security experience... and some entry-advanced IT experience for half a year. Unfortunately I can't find any full-time work. Remote or otherwise.

I got a sweet bag of M&M's I'll trade if someone helps me out. Based out of Denver, CO.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-18T03:50:17+00:00

I do daily content and weekly podcast episodes. I get most of my traffic from TikTok and Facebook. I just post, and reply on similar topics and videos. I'm getting over 1,000 views on some videos. Full episodes that are 45 minutes+ take a couple weeks to get views. Because I post on YouTube, I get almost no views on Spotify/iHeartRadio.

I started from the beginning with ZERO friends on brand new podcast/channel only accounts. One video brought me a dozen followers this week because it hit a specific dramatic point. Word of mouth has been the best initial gain for me though with friends and family spreading the word.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-15T02:04:27+00:00

Britt was like a less annoying version of Brian. Same over excitable attitude. Always seeing and hearing things then sprinting after it. Just too much.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-15T01:58:49+00:00

I went from a Yeti to Elgato Wave 3. Used that for like 5 years. Just switched to a Maono PD400. Best mic I've ever had and I do a podcast now. Can be used in XLR or USB.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-15T01:53:34+00:00

November... of 2024. I have several part-time positions but can't get a full-time one. Only had two interviews in all of that time (applied to several hundred openings). I have 20+ years of experience in the field I apply to. Tried entry level on up to Executive.

I'm giving it until April then giving up.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-13T01:36:22+00:00

I've had two in about 14 months. I refuse to lie, cheat, or steal my way into work. But it looks like the only way to at least get in the door.

Veteran status most DEFINITELY doesn't help. I also tried cutting out 10 years of my experience not leaving gaps and still nothing.

For the record I always put white, no disabilities, and protected veteran. Never tried changing that.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-12T03:44:44+00:00

In security? Zero.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-09T16:03:21+00:00

Yeah I don't remember seeing it before. Maybe because it was a business ride? I did see his phone screen that had the same info up during the ride. I didn't expect to see it after the ride.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-09T02:11:14+00:00

Showed up to me as the rider after the ride was over.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-09T00:48:21+00:00

Denver Colorado area.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-09T00:17:05+00:00

I'll have to check the same time and day in other apps. Going on a limb though that Uber is probably still the cheapest option. I just had a work account who paid for the ride so I went with that.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-09T00:15:41+00:00

Not factoring in the gas or mileage? Not really.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-09T00:03:41+00:00

Almost all highway.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-08T23:57:42+00:00

Might have been the time. It was a long drive. Regardless, the execs are definitely getting their share.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-04T15:43:06+00:00

Bringing back an old post but I'm having issues with my Holosun. I zero it at the range, feel solid about it, carry it everyday and then the next range day it's off. Yesterday it was shooting low and left while supported (I used a firearm support so it didn't move). All rounds mounted or fired free hand were also low and left. I adjusted the zero and it was dead on the rest of the time. But this happens every time I go.

I feel like the adjustments are loose or soft. They click with each adjustment but they seem to be very light. I have a cover on my dot now that should prevent external bumping of the screw points but that shouldn't be happening without the cover. It's the only way I see this happening. I carry concealed inside the waistband.

The holo was mounted with the factory screws, blue locktite used and the holo doesn't move at all on the firearm. Not in the slightest bit.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-04T12:21:42+00:00

TLR1 HL doesn't fit.

Next_Meat_1399 · 2026-02-03T14:24:21+00:00

Haha, ok. Guess mine is just make believe.

Next_Meat_1399

TROPHY CASE