how many rejections is expected as new grad with a bs and ms in CS but no relevant work experience?

[craggy ore]

So I've sent out 50 or so applications for a position in software engineering or something adjacent to that, my goal is to send out 100 (everyday 20 until I reach 100). So far I've already been rejected by 15 of those 50, at what point should I stop trying to apply and focus more on developing my resume. I have multiple programming languages, and full stack projects listed in my resume. I appreciate any advice, guidance and honesty. 🙏

[spark wasp]

173 apps, 3 interviews, 1 offer in fall 2022. Gonna take a lot of applications

[wooden fiber]

50 is nothing

especially with folks being laid off, more folks trying to transition into the field, college grads, etc etc

i wouldnt ask “how many rejections” cus at the end of the day nobody knows

its all a numbers game with a hint of luck/rng

either need to

1. take time to try and find connections with VPs, recruiters, HMs etc etc and get in via friendship/referral
2. blast out way more applications. especially if ur desperate for a job

[craggy ore]

I just ended tonight with 78 apps so far out of those I’ve been rejected from 24. How much would be too little to take as an offer and not worth accepting even in my situation?

[light mountain]

don't think "how little is ok?". If a company is interested in you, they'll offer you well beyond a livable wage. It is up to you to assess if that's doable for you. We don't know your Cost of Living and what kind of companies you're looking at right now.

Also, 30-40 apps a day every week day is probably good. Don't stop until you get hiring. Put aside about 2-3 hours to apply, 2-3 hours to interview, and 2-3 hours to study/leetcode. Do not work on this for more than 8 hours a day.

Also start connecting with recruiters. Recruiters can basically act as a reference and get you better interview rates.

[craggy ore]

Even without any internships or relevant developer experience should I still apply for positions that require 2-3 years of experience or is it unrealistic that they’d reach out and give me an interview? I’m in the NYC are btw

[spark wasp]

The worst they can say is no

so, yes

apply

[light mountain]

Well time to move.

Thats just gunna eat your tc up for nearly no reason.

[quaint plinth]

i've found that in the time it takes to read a job description and filter myself out, I could have applied to that job, and in some cases, at least 1-2 more.

just focus on applying... let the companies worry about filtering you out. thats why they have ATS and recruiters

[wet trail]

As many as it takes.

[rigid rose]

i would say you can try at the beginning; thats what i did and still do; but if i consistently receive rejections AND if there are other opportunities i could be applying to that i am qualified for (make it much more likely i would actually progress with those opportunities), then i say skip the ones u obv don't meet minimal quals for

i think especially for new grad (with 0 YoE) applying for a job that requires 2+ YoE

i think they will 99.9% filter ur resumé out immediately

i think its smarter to get more breadth and get exposed to more companies with 0 YoE, new grad/ entry level / university requirement roles than to apply to 2+ YoE roles

cause its higher likelihood you havent seen some new grad roles

than you will get an interview for 2+ YoE role with 0 YoE

@craggy ore also, on LinkedIn, you CAN reach out to people who work at company X and send a short, 3-5 sentence blurb about yourself with a link to the job posting asking for a referral.

referral is v good

LinkedIn -> search for company name -> click People tab -> LinkedIn shows you people most relevant for you at the top -> request connection with your message