I Spent Weeks Applying Everywhere... Then I Tried This
Honestly, job hunting right now feels like shouting into a void. I spent weeks blasting applications on LinkedIn and job boards… and got zero replies. Total waste of time.
Then I changed my approach and started actually working smarter, not harder:
Target companies you actually want to work for – Forget “apply to everything.” Make a short list and focus your energy there.
Go direct – Apply on the company website and find someone on the team to reach out to. A short, genuine message about why you fit goes a long way.
Show, don’t just tell – Include links to your portfolio, GitHub, or projects. People want proof, not buzzwords.
Tailor your resume – One size doesn’t fit all. Match keywords and highlight measurable results. Even 10–15 minutes customizing can make a difference.
Follow up politely – A single polite email after 1–2 weeks can get you noticed. Most applicants don’t do this.
The key is: stop blindly sending resumes. Focus on quality and connections, and suddenly the doors start opening.
Is it common for candidates to freeze during interviews? What do hiring managers actually think when it happens?
I recently had a couple of interviews where my mind just completely blanked out mid question. I knew the answers I’d practiced them, even talked them through with friends beforehand but in the actual interview, it felt like my brain shut down for a few seconds. I tried to recover and keep going, but afterward I just felt embarrassed. Now I keep wondering how that looks from the other side. Do hiring managers see it as a dealbreaker, or do they realize it’s probably just nerves? I imagine they’ve seen a lot of candidates get anxious, but I don’t know how forgiving the process actually is. If anyone here works in HR or interviews candidates regularly, I’d really like to understand how much weight that kind of moment carries. Is it something people can bounce back from in the same interview, or does it stick in your mind as a red flag.
Jobadvisor
It is absolutely common for candidates to freeze or blank out during interviews, and you are far from alone in this experience. Interviewing is a high-pressure situation, and the "freeze" response is a well-documented physiological reaction to stress, often referred to as "interview paralysis" or an "amygdala hijack," where your brain's emotional center temporarily overrides the logical part responsible for recall and articulation.
Here's a breakdown of what hiring managers and HR professionals generally think when this happens:
1. It's usually not an immediate dealbreaker.
Empathy and Understanding: Most experienced interviewers have witnessed this many times. They know that even the most qualified, practiced, and composed individuals can be struck by nerves. They often realize it's an anxiety response, not a sign of incompetence or lack of preparation.
A Focus on Recovery: What often matters more than the brief freeze is how you recover. Bouncing back demonstrates self-awareness, resilience, and composure under pressure—all desirable professional qualities.
2. What they are actually looking for:
Resilience and Self-Management: Can the candidate manage their stress and re-engage? Simple, professional recovery techniques are often seen as positive signs:
Acknowledge and Pause: Saying something like, "That's a great question, let me take a quick second to gather my thoughts," or "My mind just went blank for a moment, let me refocus," shows you're aware and in control.
Taking a Breath: A visible, slow, deep breath is a good self-soothing technique that buys you a moment without looking panicked.
Asking to Revisit: "Could we perhaps come back to this question? I have the answer, but it's just slipped my mind right now." This keeps the interview flow moving.
Clarity of Thought (Before and After): They will look at the rest of your interview performance. If you were articulate, thoughtful, and prepared for all the other questions, that brief lapse is highly unlikely to outweigh your overall demonstration of skills and fit. The body of evidence matters more than one stressful moment.
The Difference Between Nerves and Knowledge: A freeze is different from genuinely not knowing the answer. If you can recover and articulate a strong, relevant response, the freeze will be relegated to a footnote of "candidate was nervous." If the silence is long and followed by a weak or irrelevant answer, it is harder to dismiss as just nerves.
3. When It Can be a Concern (The "Red Flag"):
Poor Recovery or Escalation: If the candidate cannot recover, panics, or allows the freeze to derail the entire rest of the interview, the hiring manager might worry about the candidate's ability to handle high-stress situations on the job (e.g., client crises, tight deadlines, unexpected challenges).
Job Relevance: For roles that are inherently high-stakes and require quick, on-the-spot thinking and performance under pressure (like a client-facing sales role, emergency services, or high-volume trading), a severe or unmanaged freeze might carry slightly more weight as a performance indicator.
In summary:
Your embarrassment is a normal reaction, but try to reframe it. What you felt like was a "brain shut down for a few seconds" was likely interpreted by the interviewer as "the candidate got a little nervous."
The moment is absolutely something you can bounce back from in the same interview. Focus on acknowledging it calmly, taking a breath, and then delivering a strong answer when you regain your footing. Your overall demonstration of competence, communication skills, and fit for the role is what will stick in their minds far more than a momentary slip due to nerves.
Thinking About Leaving IT to Become an Electrician at 36
Hey everyone, I’m 36 and have been working in IT for about 12 years, the last 8 with the government. It’s a stable and easy job, but I’ve never really enjoyed it. I’ve hit the salary cap, there’s no room to grow, and honestly, I’m just bored out of my mind.
I’ve always told myself that if I could go back, I’d get into a trade. Lately, I’ve been seriously thinking about becoming an electrician. Has anyone here made a big career switch later in life? I’d really appreciate any advice or stories you can share.
Jobadvisor
That is a huge decision, and it's completely understandable to feel the pull for something more engaging after 12 years, especially when you feel capped and bored. The good news is that people make successful career switches to the trades, including becoming an electrician, at 36 and later.
Here's a summary of advice and experiences shared by others who have made a similar switch, particularly from office or IT jobs:
The Realities of the Switch
You Won't Be the Oldest: Many people in their late 30s, 40s, and even 50s start electrical apprenticeships. Your age is often seen as a benefit because you bring professionalism, a strong work ethic, and life experience that younger apprentices may lack (showing up on time, taking criticism well, following through).
The Apprenticeship/Training is Key: Becoming a qualified electrician is not a quick process. It typically involves a structured apprenticeship (often 3-5 years, depending on your location and union/non-union path) that includes both classroom study and extensive on-the-job experience. Be wary of very short "fast-track" courses that claim to fully qualify you without the necessary practical hours.
A Pay Cut is Likely (Initially): Be prepared for a significant drop in income during the apprenticeship period. This is the biggest hurdle for older career changers, especially those with family and mortgage commitments. You need to crunch the numbers and plan for this financial transition. Many advise saving up a cushion.
It's Physical Work: The job involves significant physical labor, especially as an apprentice ("pulling long cables," carrying heavy tools, climbing ladders, bending over frequently, and working in varied and sometimes uncomfortable conditions—hot, cold, tight spaces). Your body will adjust, but it can be a shock after a desk job. Starting a workout routine before you start could help.
Leveraging Your IT Background
Your IT experience isn't worthless! The electrical trade has growing niches that intersect with tech:
Low-Voltage/Control Systems: Think about working with PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), SCADA, automation, industrial controls, data centers, network cabling, smart home technology, or EV charging stations. Your knowledge of logic, systems, and problem-solving from IT could give you a massive advantage in these more technical, higher-paid areas of the trade.
Professionalism: Your background in a professional environment is a huge plus. Being reliable, organized, and a good communicator can set you apart from other new hires.
Steps You Can Take Now
Talk to Electricians: This is the most important step. Try to find an electrician who will let you shadow them for a day or two, or work as a helper on weekends to get a realistic sense of the day-to-day grind before committing.
Research Training Paths: Look into your local options for apprenticeship programs, including:
Union (IBEW): Often provides great pay, benefits, and structured training, but can be competitive to get into and have long waiting lists.
Non-Union/Independent Contractors: You would enroll in a technical college for the classroom portion and find an employer to sponsor your on-the-job training.
Find a Niche: Start thinking about what kind of electrical work appeals to you most: residential, commercial, industrial, maintenance, or controls.
Save, Save, Save: Plan your finances around a lower apprenticeship wage for the first few years.
Many people who have made the jump report a huge increase in job satisfaction, as the work is engaging, constantly varied, and provides a clear, tangible sense of accomplishment. Good luck with your journey!