My (SWE) job search this year has been exceptionally slow compared to past years. It's discouraging when the statistics don't reflect that, and pundits talk about correcting high salaries for devs — for those of us without jobs, we're having a hard time getting an interview at all, forget about salary negotiation.

I'm not sure how aggregate job posting statistics are collected, but the difference compared to a couple years ago is pretty stark. There are fewer job postings, for one, and more agency postings — meaning, 10 agencies posting for the same job. Except I can't get them to call me back either.

Many positions I apply for just disappear without the usual automated "thanks, maybe next time" email.

The one promising lead I had (with multiple interviews) went poof — they didn't fill the position; just stopped interviewing for it.