Young job seekers use derogatories to show that they really need a job

LinkedIn users have started posting #Desperate for work, as many have found themselves unemployed for months, with no hope.

The online platform, LinkedIn, has allowed users to highlight their job search by adding the #OpenToWork banner to their profile pictures in hopes of increasing their chances of finding a job in their field.

But since job hunting has become widespread, many have left months or years without work and turned to a new way of looking for work – now they declare they are #Desperate.

The job market has seen turmoil following the COVID-19 pandemic. The US unemployment rate in April 2020 was as high as 14.8 percent, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

By 2024, as more people entered the workforce earlier in the year, wage growth began to slow, unemployment lengthened, and some industries made more jobs. more than rent.

The unemployment rate rose to a three-year high of 4.3 percent in July, with more than 7,000 people out of work, according to the US BLS.

The job market started to feel like a scary place for job seekers, and LinkedIn became a safe place for them.

‘LinkedIn is designed for people to … find work. But it doesn’t make sense that employers and headhunters aren’t talking to you if you put the #OpenToWork banner up. It’s amazing,’ 29-year-old Elena Carballo told Fortune.

Some users on LinkedIn have started using the new DIY banner #Desperate in order to clarify their position. It is also said to be trying to retaliate against recruitment companies who have called the #OpenToWork banner a sign of desperation.

The new banner was created in September by 28-year-old artist Courtney Summer Myers from the UK, who had been laid off and was applying for up to 30 jobs a day.

With six years of experience, including working for companies like Disney, Universal, and Warner Bros., Myers found himself out of a job and not ashamed to say so.

Myers wrote: ‘Getting laid off doesn’t show a lack of skills, talent or work ethic – it’s just bad luck… Wear your #OpenToWork banner with pride, because to me, it just shows that you’re strong, you’re for sure. and optimism – qualities any employer would be lucky to have.’

Her post received thousands of likes and comments, attracting the attention of employers as well as those in similar positions to Myers.

Another wrote: ‘I find it ironic that we have to lie about needing a job… in a society where it’s hard to survive without some form of income. Yes. I long for more money. I tried to find a job that I really like. That often fails for many…’

Many comments stated that the #Desperate banner would be difficult for employers and would instead invite scammers and exploitative job opportunities.

The topic of what employers are looking for on LinkedIn is still a controversial topic, but Myers received a lot of attention and support for her bold choice of banner.

She wrote: ‘I’m really overwhelmed by the support I’ve received in the last week it’s so nice to know so many people want to help!’

The support he received for his plan reflected the real sentiment among the unemployed, and they are actively looking for work.

An artist and designer, 22-year-old Hanna McFadyn told Fortune that she applied for 20 jobs a day after quitting her remote job in April.

He found himself sending out applications and not getting a response, or going into interviews but not being offered the job despite giving the right feedback.

Many companies do not even mention salary on job applications. I live at home with my parents, but I could afford an apartment and rent. I have cell bills to pay, so I might be in a situation where I really need to know the salary – the fact that they don’t say that leaves you in the dark,’ he told the outlet.

McFadyn found himself a freshman, with little experience and unsuccessfully applying for first positions.

‘The hardest pill to swallow when it came to emotions wasn’t that I lacked any skills or abilities, it was that the successful candidate had more experience in the industry than me,’ she wrote on LinkedIn when he started using the # # Banner who are desperate.

However, the sign does not mean that they are willing to compromise on their goals.

“We’re still hoping to say to the employers: ‘Listen, we know we’re desperate, but we’re not going to be played because of that letter,'” he added.

One user, escrow manager Amanda Robinson from Texas, jumped on the bandwagon after finding herself ‘out of work longer than I thought’.

‘I will tell the truth. This is a tough post to write, & as hard as it is to admit, I’m #desparate to get back to work!’ you wrote.

Robinson found himself in a difficult situation after changes in his salary and a serious family emergency that required his attention.

He wrote: ‘The debts are piling up. Opportunities are scarce. I’m not one to ask for help easily, but sometimes, life forces you to humble yourself… I know my experience, skills and vision for the future of the industry still holds value… I hope that we will all get jobs!’

Many users are still undecided on what is the best approach for those #Desperate for work, Myers is fighting to change the stigma surrounding employers’ awareness of ‘desperate candidates’.

Myers told Fortune: ‘If I sit there and pretend everything is fine, how is anyone going to know I need a job or a career? How would they know that I need help in general, even just to have a conversation? People don’t have divination.’