Securing a job can be challenging, especially if you've explored various career paths. Companies often prefer candidates with a straightforward career trajectory. However, if you’ve had the courage to explore different paths and then returned to a more conventional route, or in general if you’re struggling to get interviews, this guide is for you.
Here’s a summary of my job search history:
1. Cliniconex (15th Jun'23 - through reference): Screening call -> Rejection
I have been actively applying for internships since 2019, but I started applying for full-time jobs in March 2023. By August 2023, I had applied to nearly 270 full-time jobs and received only 3 interviews:
2. Greenhouse Software (1st Aug'23): Screening call -> Rejection
3. ABB (15th Aug'23): Screening call -> Rejection
4. Trend Micro (6th Nov'23): Screening -> Interview with manager -> Technical interview -> Rejection
I paused my job search from November until March 2024.
5. Nasdaq (11th Mar'24 - company reached out to me): Screening call -> Take-home assessment -> Interview with manager -> Technical interview -> Case study / system design round -> Technical & management round -> Rejection
From April to July 2024, I applied to only 37 jobs but received approximately 7 interview calls:
6. Index Exchange (18 Jun'24): Screening call -> No reply
7. Entrust (20 Jun'24): Screening call -> Interview with manager -> Technical interview -> Offer!
8. Lightspeed (25 Jun'24): Screening call -> Coding round -> System design round -> Interview with manager -> Offer!!
9. Altrio (2 Jul'24): Screening call -> Technical interview -> Rejection
10. Warner Bros (2 Jul'24): Screening call -> Position closed
11. Fullscript (4th Jul'24): Screening call -> Rejection
12. Robinhood (8th Jul'24): Interview scheduling pending
What changed?
I made a plan and set the deadline on May 31, 2024:
On my efforts level:
- I focused on building real industry-level skills, not just pretending to have skills on my resume.
- I simplified the styling on my resume for ATS friendliness, making it in Word with simple text and formatting.
- I laser-focused my resume and removed all the unnecessary details. I took out experiences that weren't relevant to the jobs I was applying for, even though I was proud of them and wanted to keep them.
- I built an awesome portfolio and used this opportunity to show that I can build!
- I started posting on LinkedIn about things I know or learn. This showcased my technical skills and who I am as a person.
- I focused on quality over quantity when applying for jobs. I only applied to positions I believed I was a good fit for. Then, I reached out to every person I could find within those companies (recruiters, developers, managers) and didn't settle until I got an interview call. I know I'm an excellent fit, and I won’t let them miss out on me.
- It's easier to get interviews if you have some prior experience, so I sought out opportunities to gain experience, even if it meant working for free.
On the mental level:
- Be in a constant state of attracting. Believe that the job you're seeking is getting closer to you day by day. It's just around the corner.
- Let every achievement be just a byproduct of your self-improvement. Don't make your life dependent on that new job. Remember, self-improvement is your ultimate goal.
- Set a goal, tell yourself, and write it down every day: "You'll get your new job in the next 3 months!"
On the time management level:
- I focused 70% of my time on improving my technical skills in RoR and React.
- I dedicated 20% of my time to applying for RoR-specific jobs and reaching out to people in those companies.
- I spent 10% of my time writing blogs, posting on LinkedIn, and updating my resume and portfolio.
- Always: Take care of yourself.
I'm thankful I went through all these troubles. I learned and grew so much!
Rushi Patel