Why job hunting in 2025 is less than ideal
If you’re job hunting right now in Australia, you already know it, the vibe is off.
The process is no longer about simply submitting your resumes and waiting for an interview call back. It’s the constant cycle of applying and getting rejected by AI systems or getting to an interview stage and then getting ghosted by the recruiter. This can slowly eat away at your confidence, identity and mental wellbeing.
Why it feels personal
“It’s not personal. It’s just business.” But how could you not take it personally? Every time you send out a resume or make a new professional connect, you are actively sharing your skills, your experience, your effort. And when that gets ignored or rejected, it obviously stings.
Many job seekers describe the process as:
- Lonely — especially if all friends are employed and “moving forward”. You become the “unemployed friend”
- Exhausting — constantly applying, waiting, tweaking and repeating
- Dehumanising — feeling like another name in a pile of hundreds, especially when you see the number of applications already sent on Linked In
- Deflating — wondering, “What am I doing wrong?”
This emotional toll builds over time and can create a lot of self-doubt.
The mental health impact is real but often invisible
We’re getting better at talking about mental health in the workplace, but job seekers are still a group that often falls through the cracks.
According to Safe Work Australia, psychological injuries are the fastest-growing category of compensation claims, with stress related to work, job insecurity and transitions topping the list. And while many mental health supports are focused on people in the workforce, there’s far less attention paid to those trying to get back in.
A 2025 survey by EML revealed that 1 in 3 unemployed Australians report moderate to severe psychological distress, with feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, and hopelessness being common themes.
Why it’s especially harder now: the emotional chaos of uncertainty
A lot of people assume it’s easier than ever to get a job thanks to AI tools and online platforms. But the reality is murkier. Yes, more jobs are visible, but so are thousands of competitors.
There’s also:
- Uncertainty about roles (Do I need to reskill? Is this job stable?)
- Lack of feedback (Applications vanish into the void)
- Fear of gaps on your resume (maybe you were a carer or recovering from an injury)
- Confusion over changing industries or hybrid work
- Emotional whiplash, from excitement to rejection in a click
When your sense of direction is shaky, and your confidence is low, it’s incredibly easy to spiral, even when you’re doing everything “right.”
5 simple ways to protect your mental health while job hunting
Job hunting takes energy. Protecting your wellbeing should also be part of your strategy. Here are five simple things you can do:
- Create structure — time-block job search hours so it doesn’t take over your life
- Talk it out — even venting to someone who gets it (like a MTC coach) lightens the load
- Celebrate small wins — updated your CV? Networked? That all counts
- Be kind to yourself — You don’t have to be productive every single day. It’s okay to rest, take breaks, or not tick everything off your list
- Reach out — to friends and loved ones, to support services, or to us.
We see you. And we’ve got your back.
At MTC FutureReady, we are acutely aware of the pressure and fatigue of the job hunt. When you join us, you will have access to a dedicated group of people who can support you with the job search and more.
If you’re facing personal challenges or barriers, our Allied Health team is here to help you work through them, with care, compassion, and strategies tailored to your situation.
We know this might be a tough time, but you don’t have to carry the weight alone. Reach out to our Workforce Australia team and have a whole team ready to support you in finding your ideal job.