Depends on the invidividual, I suppose. If you have problems getting motivated, then the job search might be challenging. If “selling yourself” and just plain writing is tough, then creating a resume and a cover letter that really sparkles might be harder. If being grilled in front of an individual or a committee makes you sweat, than the interview process may be the stuff of nightmares for you. Of course, the worst part for a lot of people is figuring out just how to survive financially while “between” jobs so that they don’t end up looking desperate when they do walk into a job interview and end up leaping on the first thing that comes along, even if it isn’t what they were hoping for.

For me it was actually finding a job that I thought I would (a) be able to do and (b) not mind having to get up every morning to go and do for 8-12 hours a day. You really have to look at your skills and your experiences (not necessarily all job related ones at that) and figure out how you can apply them in different areas of work.

Interviews. Because you simply don’t get any call backs and you’re not sure why. I always felt confident after every single interview, but still none of them were successful.

How did I get my current job? A recruiter that I had signed up with called me on a Friday if I could fill-in on Monday for someone who just up and left. They described it as a “working interview” in that there was not a real interview, but they would simply make the decision to hire me based on my actual work.

They hired me as a permanent employee two weeks later.

Waiting (Post Interview/Application.) Getting a letter informing you that you didn’t get the job is always better than hanging on to your hope for weeks/months and getting nothing/nowhere.

It really depends on the person and what sort of jobs they are applying for. I know for me that the hardest part is getting the interview. Once I’ve gotten the interview it is usually all gravy from there for me since I’m fairly confident in myself and I don’t have a problem talking to people.

Most of it’s hard, but for me it was the amount of jobs I had to apply to and the amount of knock-backs I got. It meant for me a had to apply for a ton of Jobs. I think not getting any of the jobs I applied for for a long time was the hardest part for me, It was disheartening. Good luck.

With all of the above, I concur. For me, getting a job is not hard, it’s keeping a job. I happen to have both Asberger’s and attention deficit, so though I have a very high I.Q., I don’t fit in well in many places.

I have no shyness in talking to people, and am able to convince others easily, to sell myself. It’s the staying power that I often find lacking. I can’t stand people disrespecting me, and I often speak out against dangerous conditions and unfair labour practices. Hillary was spot on about the arse kissing.

I think the most difficult thing might be persisting even when you don’t seem to be getting to where you want to be.

Hmmmm…for me..the hardest part is getting the interview. The job search is challenging too. but scheduling the interview is the hardest.

Job hunting is hard in general!

Where I live, job hunting for people in their early 20’s is a competitive industry. First, you have degree qualified people, then you have current students, then those with no further education but plenty of experience, then those who haven’t really worked much. And most of those people are looking for casual or part time jobs. Ewveryone thinks of the same places to look, and all Job search providers send you to the same places (Like Coles, Woolies or that fish and chip shop down the road looking for scallop makers).

I’m getting to the stage where I have plenty of experience in hospitality and sales, but none in the areas where I would like to work (ie, anywhere OUTSIDE hospitality). I search for jobs outside that industry and get knocked back, so I fall into desperation, go back to customer service, get a crappy job and gain more experience in the same field.

So I would say finding an interesting job, that I can get, in a field in which I have limited experince but am willing to learn. I would be the best damn employee if someone would give me a chance. I know it. I just don’t want to scan groceries or sell toothpaste anymore!!!! Give me a different job damn it!

Keeping it.

Definitely the interview for me. I have a good resume and can line up those interviews like you wouldn’t believe. Then I get to the interview and blow it. I’m still not sure how. ;)

The second worse thing is not getting a callback after a great interview where you are positive the position is yours. I had two of those last week, and still no word. It’s very disappointing, and I tend to hold back some on my job search if I’m sure that ideal job is mine mine mine! (yeah, don’t do that!)

Be prepared not to hear anything from them if they hire someone else. Even if they insist that they will give you a call and let you know.

Keeping the damn job!! ;)
(Which means basically getting a job worth keeping! Which means research & luck, & probably a positive attitude about it all!)

& keeping yourself inspired & motivated enough even if you disagree with how things are run there!

for me – the interview process…I analyze everything and never feel as if I say or do the right thing…good luck though and be yourself. Be professional but be yourself – if you are someone else, someone who makes promises and acts completely not like you usually do then it will show when you get a job…the goal is to not only get a job but to keep it :) Good luck :):):)

For me, the search is the most difficult part of this process. I feel confident in an interview, but I dislike having to ask for applications or find somewhere that’s hiring where I would like to work (or at least wouldn’t mind working).

Also, I agree with khyren – It is terribly disappointing to believe I have aced an interview, then not receive a call back.