I'm still looking for a job 8 months after my layoff. I have 20 years of experience and can't get hired — I'm scared.

Jennifer Gittelman says one regret may be holding her back from getting hired.

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• Jennifer Gittelman faces prolonged unemployment after a mass layoff in healthcare administration.
• Despite extensive job applications, Gittelman struggles with lack of responses and feedback.
• Gittelman has one regret which she believes may be impacting her ability to get a job

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jennifer Gittelman, 44, from Philadelphia.