I've been in HR leadership for over a decade — Director and Regional Director level, 75+ locations, 2,000+ employees, multi-state compliance, M&A integrations. Since September 2024 I've submitted roughly 2,000 applications. I've had interviews. No offers.
I know the market is rough right now. The sharpest demand declines are hitting the senior generalist and HRBP layer specifically. Applicants per posting have nearly doubled since 2021 while completed hires keep falling. I get it. But 2,000 applications with no landing feels like something more than bad luck.
So I'm asking directly: what am I doing wrong? Is it the resume? The level I'm targeting? The industries? Am I applying too broadly, or not broadly enough? I'm open to honest feedback, brutal if necessary. At this point I'd rather hear something hard than keep doing the same thing.
For context: SHRM-CP, U of WA HR Management Certificate in HR, Seattle market. Targeting any role.
What would you do differently?