US Job Search Harms Mental Health for 25% of Unemployed as 27-Week Hunts Drag On

1 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 22

More than a quarter of unemployed Americans are now classified as long-term jobless, a 27-week-plus search that can severely damage mental health, self-esteem and energy.
That strain is worsening even in a historically low-unemployment market because many applicants face "ghost job" postings, AI interviewers and little in-person contact during hiring.
The mismatch leaves job seekers spending months chasing openings that may not be real or navigating automated screening that offers scant feedback or human connection.
The result is a labor market in which low headline unemployment can mask a deeper psychological toll on people stuck in prolonged searches.

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Why are millions trapped in endless job searches while official unemployment rates remain historically low?

Could the AI algorithms designed to streamline hiring actually be discarding top talent and destroying applicant mental health?

What happens when the perfect role you spent hours applying for never actually existed in the first place?

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