Software Engineer Job Hunt

[eager apex]

Current status, I am looking for junior software engineering positions (mainly frontend, but applying for all front, back & full stack) in Philadelphia. Got on LinkedIn today and applied to four positions. I soon will go through a list of top 1000 Fortune companies and try to find positions that closely align with my experience and skills

[eager apex]

Day 2, didn't apply to jobs on my way to work this morning as I am not working from home today and was late, but I do plan on continuing leetcode practice and applying to more jobs later as I am off tomorrow. I am still grateful for the current position of where I am, but I do need a job that is able to support me financially. I love being a software engineer and do love my current boss. Also, I received a message from a recruiter it seems like on LinkedIn this morning as well. Will look at this later

[polar kiln]

Fwiw I'm from Philly too and needed to leave early in my career to start making money

[eager apex]

Did you end up moving to a different state as well? It seems hard to find a position in Philadelphia right now. Not too sure how it is in different states though I do know the job market isn’t the best right now

[polar kiln]

I moved to NYC.

Philadelphia doesn't have the economy to support me. I imagine I'll either be remote or commuting NYC my whole career.

[eager apex]

Ahh okay. Completely understandable! Funny, I actually moved from NY to Philly lol

[polar kiln]

During COVID or earlier?

[eager apex]

I moved in 2022, so after all the restrictions and everything have lifted. Was born and rasied in NY

Day 3: Spoke to a recruiter from Motion Recruitment. Not sure about how legit they are, but still happy I was able to speak to people who are willing to help me in the job hunting process\

[strong terrace]

Take homes suck, I've passed a few. I recommend setting a timer if this is for frontend as it's good practice.

Motion recruitment is legit and can find good contacts if you have rapport with the recruiter. I always advise people to inform the recruiter of what things you can do right now if hired at a job and your interview skill

[eager apex]

Yeah, I had 24 hours to create a full front end application with some functionalities. Most time was wasted because I only had a chance to work on it after my 9-5 was over lol

And good to know! I normally ignore recruiting companies because most of them are usually fishy/scammy to me. Especially when I get people outside of the US contacting me for roles within the US... I know it's possible, but scenerios like that do seem weird

[eager apex]

Since I'm treating this as my diary, I also want to express how frustrating the job search was when I was looking for my first ever SWE job and how it is now. I remember graduating college, listening to podcasts to try and encourage myself throughout the job hunt because I knew that getting your first role as a Software Engineer is hard, especially during the pandemic. Some stories used to discourage me though because I ended up finding out most of the time it's not about what you know, but who you know. I remember struggling with a bachelor's in my hands while hearing people on podcasts simply say they attended a short bootcamp, or always had a friend in the field that recommended them, and that's how they ended up being a software engineer. Most of the time, it was "I got bored and decided to try it out". Things like this used to hurt me because I have a passion for technology and would want to use that passion professionally, while others did not have a single care in the world, and most of the times hated it, but just liked the pay. After finally landing a job where I am now, I currently am working with someone who graduated from a bootcamp and struggles on understanding data structures/algorithms, the basics of coding, and overall is not that good of a coder (Not to trash him or anyone who goes to a bootcamp or is currently learning. We all start somewhere and definitely will grow with practice. I am still learning and growing myself), but it makes me think about how unfair these companies are, especially since he does get paid more than me (He got hired as mid-level, and my position is junior), though I always end up picking up his work. I try not to complain about though because although unfair, it does help me become a better developer. Bittersweet.

Forgot where I was going with this, but I guess I'll leave it at that for now. I'll be back tomorrow for Day 4 update

[polar kiln]

I don't think there's much value comparing to coworkers honestly. We're fighting for the right to just work, there are people who are making many times what you or your coworker make while doing even less work because they have capital to start.

I'd just focus inward personally

[eager apex]

This is true. I'm constantly comparing myself to others and their journey instead of focusing on my own journey at times. I'll have to keep that in mind especially when it comes to bettering myself

[eager apex]

Day 4: So, the recruiter from Motion Recruitment was looking for more of a senior developer, but she was great enough to forward me to another recruiter who does assist juniors and he said he'll keep in contact with me (Hopefully I don't get ghosted), but I also spoke with another recruiter via LinkedIn from Motion Recruitment as well, and will be speaking to them on the phone tomorrow (I'm hoping this is for a different position). This week will be pretty hectic as I am moving from Delaware to Philadelphia, but hopefully I can keep up with everything. Also planning to apply to a couple of jobs during lunch.

[polar kiln]

I've worked with Motion before, they're not bad.

[eager apex]

What would you say your experience with them is like?

[polar kiln]

Like I said, not bad. They're who my contract is with now. They had a happy hour the first week I started and I met a few of the recruiters there, they were reasonably personable there.

[eager apex]

Okay

[glossy sand]

Hi @eager apex
Thanks for your writing.
Reading your article have new confidence again.
I am a full stack developer with 6 years of experience.
I have not yet been able to find a job after my contract with the company ended in August of this year.
However, I am trying to find a job through various channels such as linkedin.
I, too, started my career as an intern and have experienced the same hardships as you, so I completely understand your feelings.
I think such unfairness exists everywhere.
Cheer up.
If you work hard, good things will happen.
Looking forward to your updates.

[eager apex]

I am so happy I was able to give you some sort of confidence! I really do beleive as iron sharpens iron, so does man sharpen man so I'm looking forward to learning more about your journey as well! Please do come back with updates 🙂

Day 5 Update: I have been very sick and busy with moving since the last time I updated, so unfortunately I did not apply to any jobs since then. Still in the process of moving things from Delaware to Philadelphia as well, but I will apply to a couple of jobs tonight. Also spoke with someone from Motion Recruitment today just so they can a receieve a status update regarding my current status. They've been very cool so far.

[polar kiln]

Great to hear they're being cool.

Remind me, have you lived in Philly before?

[eager apex]

No, my first time in Philly. I'm from New York, but I love it here so far! It is a major upgrade, especially after moving from boring Delaware lol

[polar kiln]

I can give recommendations, I grew up there before moving to NYC.

[eager apex]

Please do!

Sorry for the late response, for some reason I am not getting any notifications from this channel

[polar kiln]

Okay, idk what part You're in but University city is my favorite part to walk around. The halal carts outside Drexel's gym are really good, tampopo over past Penn is great if you like Korean or Japanese

People go out either downtown, south street or fishtown typically, but everywhere gets shady after sundown. Especially south street during the summer

If you go too far north from fishtown you'll hit Kensington and that's definitely not recommended

A lot of good donuts, coffee, pretzel places all over and food is much more affordable than places with tech industry like NYC or the bay

Oh, museums. Camden aquarium is worth going to, Philly zoo is nice during fall and spring, Franklin institute and muhter museums are worth stopping into if you like science

[eager apex]

I made a todo list and will definitely check all these out! Thank you. I’m in northeast Philly and 5 minutes from Grant Ave so I started going to fusion gyms (Known as the Alpha Land of the East) and I’ve seen a lot of cool spots around here as well. Def will try these out

Day 6: Still in the process of moving. Going on vacation next week, planning to apply to as many jobs as I can right now though as I hear after Labor Day there is a resurgence of jobs.

[polar kiln]

Oh, yeah, my dad's in the northeast. That's pretty out of the way, why move way up there?

[eager apex]

I have coworkers that live in the northeast and they have been telling me about how they love it, so I decided to move out there once my lease in Delaware i

[polar kiln]

Ah, hopefully that's true for you. For me it's always been all the worst parts of the city (taxes, poor schools, poor infrastructure) with none of the benefits (people, bars, restaurants). My recommendation for new people is almost always off the MFL or a little north of it.

[eager apex]

Thank you! How do you like New York?

Day 7: I'm definitely discouraged, but still learned to be grateful for everything that I have. The economy is not in good shape right now, there are many layoffs that have happened/are happening, and I still get to call myself a software engineer. I am definitely grateful for that, but I've also found myself in financial hardship and currently the company that I am in is not good in helping me out of it. I always want to buy something nice for my friends and family, or at least myself, not worry about the next meal I have to eat after I pay rent, or my account going into the negatives after paying bills. Student loan payments also begin in two days... Opened up a new credit card today to assist me, hoping I use it wisely and it doesn't further my debt though. I know the economy is in rough shape, there are barely openings for Jr SWE positions, and if I do find one, I typically get a rejection email, but I can't let that stop me. I do plan on applying to a lot of SWE roles tonight

[polar kiln]

I like NY but housing that costs $2000 in Philly would be $6000+ here, plus I don't think I could raise a kid here so I'm moving back.

I don't know if you want to talk about it so publicly but it seems like you're really struggling financially in a way you shouldn't be even as someone new to career. Can I DM you to ask more?

[eager apex]

Sure no problem! Please feel free to. And yeah, it's the cost of living, especially in the city that gets everybody. I'm from Rockland County, NY where the price of everything is/was honestly fair. Not too sure what it's like now. If you wouldn't mind commuting, I'd suggest looking into maybe White Plains or Nyack, New York (Also in Rockland County, and I graduated from college there! Nice place).

I have Discord on my phone, but I'm on so many channels I get too many notifications and ended up muting notifications from Discord so if I take a while to respond it doesn't mean I'm ignoring you lol, just haven't opened Discord yet

[uneven depot]

@eager apex what is your hourly rate?

[eager apex]

$28.85

[uneven depot]

I'd like to help you get a job.

[eager apex]

Thank you! I’m open for any help/suggestions

[eager apex]

Day 8: Definitely not consistent with this as I thought I would be, but I just came back from vacation and recently my friend referred me to the company he currently works at and I believe I will have an HR interview with them soon as well. Also have been applying frequently to more positions. I've been slacking on leetcode, but I plan on getting back to it this week as well also. Juggling from moving to a new city (Philadelphia) to being sick and coming back from vacation

[eager apex]

Day 9: Still applying. Work kind of got met annoyed today, so I made sure to keep throwing in a lot of applications, hoping one sticks. Also plan on watching Neetcode videos as I fix up the apartment I just moved into so even though I cannot Leetcode right now, I can at least retain knowledge by just listening to other's solve and explain problems

Also had a friend message me today to catch up. He's currently working for Amazon as a product designer, so that was really great to here and good motivation for me to continue to work hard

[magic bone]

Hi @Boxx
I am very interested.
DM me.

[limpid hemlock]

@eager apex Keep going! I am also trying to find something new. Day 6 of LC (doing 1 easy a day to build momentum). But I will start applying over the weekend and hopefully I can build momentum in that regard as well!

[eager apex]

The process definitely is tiresome, especially for someone like me who only has one year of professional experience under their belt, but I do wish you all the luck! Do you have a thread as well? Would love to follow your journey

Day 10: This company did not give us off on veterans day lol. Definitely will be catching up on some Leetcode today and applying. My interveiw with the company that my friend referred me to is on Monday, so I will be trying my best to prepare but I also don't have high hopes as I am used to getting HR interviews, then getting ghosted/no reply after them most of the times. I always do good with HR interviews though. Trying to ensure that this is not my only option and want to obtain as much opportunities as I can.

[eager apex]

SN: Also very greatful for your replies, and messages! Happy for everyone who has given this thread attention! Whether it was a reaction to my messages here, encouragement to keep going, or a personal DM offering help. Thank you guys!

[polar kiln]

FWIW I work at a bank right now and still didn't get the day off

[eager apex]

That's crazy! I used to work at Chase bank and get all the holidays off lol. Banks are usually more leniant towards holidays also.

[eager apex]

LinkedIn and Wellfound so far have been my main means of applying to open positions, but LinkedIn's filtering SUCKS. I'll put in entry level jobs and then the description requires 3-5 years of experience (Just how exactly is that entry level?) and as for Wellfound, I am unable to find good positions for junior software engineers.

[polar kiln]

I worked at JPMC corporate, they give it

My current bank doesn't somehow

You can use Javascript to filter too

[eager apex]

Ahh yeah JPMC definitely had good benefits and pay

How are you using JS to filter through LinkedIn?

[polar kiln]

https://www.reddit.com/r/linkedin/comments/nhzcyz/comment/hrdq2fk/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

[glossy sand]

Hi @eager apex
I've been unable to use this platform due to personal matters.
I've reviewed your message.
It seems like you're going through a tough time and facing challenges in your job search. However, I firmly believe that you will overcome these obstacles and find success.
Please keep us updated with any progress or good news.
P.S. You said it's challenging to find a job as a Junior Software Engineer, which I agree with. Many companies nowadays are indeed looking for mid-level or senior engineers.
Could you please tell me how much experience you have in this field?
I'll be sure to ask around among my friends and neighbors for their advice on securing a job with minimal experience.
All the best.

[brisk sandal]

@eager apex intrested

[eager apex]

Thank you so much! I know I will overcome as well very soon. Currently I only have 1 year and a month of professional experience. Most jobs are looking for 2-3 years at the moment

[glossy sand]

You are welcome @eager apex . My pleasure.
May I send a DM?
I would like to have a more in-depth discussion with you.

[eager apex]

Yes, of course!

[eager apex]

Day 10 updates: Still looking/searching. In 3 days it'll be a month since this thread started, and also my birthday. Continuing on leetcoding and applying. The interview was barely an interview, just a "We'll let you know if an opportunity shows up" call.

[warm glen]

How many applications are you typically sending per day? I'm in a slightly similar situation though I'm a bootcamp graduate with no college degree. I was laid off my first job after around 1 year of experience as a Web Developer. I mainly did frontend but worked on some backend tasks near the end. I haven't received any responses for interviews in around 1.5-2 months of applying and I've been mainly using LinkedIn/Otta.

[full comet]

@warm glen hello

could you show me your resume and cv?

[eager apex]

Haha I send as many as I can a day (where I believe I meet the requirements) to be honest. If I had to give an accurate number, probably around 5-7

[eager apex]

Day 11: This process truly is stressful. Not letting it break me though, still applying, trying my best to network and leetcode.

Also going to try looking on Indeed instead of LinkedIn as I have had no luck on LinkedIn.

[warm glen]

Do you mind if I ask if you have a degree? Personally I think I've decided on going to college for a 4 yr degree before it's too late.

Also I was applying to 10 job postings a weekday and I felt like that was a low number compared to others. Considering I wasn't writing CVs the applications were done in like an hour.

[eager apex]

I do recommend getting some sort of degree as they do hold weight and I have seen a lot of companies ask for masters as of recently in entry level positions (So crazy). There are also a lot of companies that take people from coding camps or just through referrals as well.

I have my bachelor's in IT since '21

I started off as CS, then switched to IT as my advisor told me it's essentially the same thing, I would just be doing less math. I kind of feel like just Computer Science on the resume instead of Information Technology holds more weight though, even though I went through classes for IT learning data structures & algorithims, did a bunch of programming classes, etc.

Though the math is important

And also, I think it's better to spend money on getting a degree than spending money on a coding camp, especially if the coding camp holds no weight in it's name

[warm glen]

I agree but I already graduated and paid for bootcamp 2 years ago. Afterwards I landed a job for 1 year. The cost isn't the big issue at the moment, I'm more so concerned about whether I'm walking backwards. I'm told a degree is to get your foot in the door in the industry but I feel like I've already gotten that from my job experience. I'm trying to compare whether a 4 yr time investment would ultimately be worth it compared to let's say 3-4 years of job experience. I'm still leaning towards starting college, but I really hope I'm not spending too much time trying to just get started in coding.

[eager apex]

If you already have professional experience I’d say use that. Definitely network and use your professional experience. You’ve proven that you are capable of getting and doing the job

Also I’d say don’t leave a gap on your resume (Show that you’re still working at the company that you recently left) I’ve seen many people do this. Hell, even a lot of people that have left my company or have been fired from the company I work at still say they work here if they haven’t found a job yet

[polar kiln]

It's not as simple as just using work experience though.

I think two internships and a degree are more likely to get an interview than a job for a year, no degree unfortunately

[eager apex]

Yes, I would also say this is true

[limpid hemlock]

I’ll post here if I end up making one. Right now I’m on day 11 of daily LC and I have a call with a recruiter next week, casually applying. I’m slowly ramping up applications

Also worked on a side project on Sunday, I want to carve up more time for that too but it’s less of a priority

[eager apex]

Nice!

[eager apex]

What kind of project?

[eager apex]

Day 12: Exactly a month since I created this thread and also my birthday. Still applying, leetcooding, and building my network/profile.

[eager apex]

Some good birthday news, interview coming up on Wednesday. Definitely going to have to prepare

[polar kiln]

Dope. Good luck dude

[brisk sandal]

@eager apex intrested

[limpid hemlock]

It’s just a react front end. I’ve hooked up React front ends to Node/Express backends in the past. But I want to try hooking this one up to a Spring or .NET backend

[eager apex]

Ahhh okay

I've heard a lot of concepts from .NET were taken from Spring, so maybe try Spring first?

Had another interview today with a pretty small company, but was pretty easy. Two questions, and the first one was just to reverse any input string lol

[oblique plume]

Hey bro how's your experience been so far?

I'm 6 months in at a company, and thinking of taking a break to do post-grad for a bit

Are you trying to go straight into something else quickly, or are you trying to move away potentially at the start of next year Feb/march?

Rn I'm applying for stuff starting in June next year

I hope everything goes well though, 1 year experience sounds doable

[dire trench]

Do not advertise yourself here @small path use #1101165099521151126

[hexed wren]

@eager apex you mentioned you were underpaid at your first position, do you mind disclosing how much your pay was?

[eager apex]

Sorry I have been inactive on this thread, been busy and coming back from holidays. Had the second round of the interview today, but it was basically a customer solutions engineer position lol. Definitely not interested, but if they do pay way more, I don't think I'd knock it down.

[eager apex]

Thank you so much! Right now, I am not in too much of a rush, but I hope I can get something quickly also. I don't know how the demand for workers go though as I've heard demand usually goes up after labor day, and in January-Spring the demand is usually dead

[eager apex]

Currently making 60k salary as a junior software engineer, although I've seen that the avg salary for Software Engineers in Philadelphia is around 90k. When I first started, they said that they "go based on market", and it's been over a year so far and no raise either.

[hexed wren]

Can you tell me without breaking any NDAs what kinds of things you've been able to do in the past year, what you've worked with, etc

[eager apex]

I’ve been working Kotlin to create a full stack React application, but I’m mostly front end. Worked with ReactJS/Javascript, HTML, CSS, database is MySQL, using Java Spring, Kubernetes

[polar kiln]

If you were interested in IBX I know they pay significantly better than that and are flexibile around work location.

[eager apex]

I definitely would be interested in IBX

I think I applied once through a recruiting firm, but then opted out because it was contact to hire which didn't seem secure to me

[polar kiln]

Can you find a job you're interested in? I'll ask my friend there who the manager is.

[eager apex]

I'll try to later tonight if I can! Thank you so much

[polar kiln]

No problem.

[eager apex]

Sorry forgot to mention earlier, but I checked their (IBX) career page and didn't find anything regarding software engineer

I guess they only do contact to hire through recruiting firms

[opaque pewter]

https://ibxhome.referrals.selectminds.com/landingpages/information-technology-20

"IT" is generally a catch-all that includes software for non tech companies. Doesn't look like there's anything open for our level of experience tho

Unless there's another IBX that's in mind LOL

[polar kiln]

That's weird, I'd expect them to be hiring for more roles in general

[eager apex]

Yeah. Job searching recently has been pretty stagnant for me lately. With the end of the year/holidays, familiy/friend events and constant going back and forth from New York to Pennsylvania, I've been slacking with leetcode and applying to jobs

I definitely need to get back on my grind though!

[eager apex]

Day 13: Things have been feeling slow for me, but I will be catching up on Leet/neetcode and applying. Today Spotify and Twilio announced a major cut (Spotify for the third time this year), so it looks like the competition scope has increased.

[polar kiln]

Fwiw, I wouldnt worry too much about that. Few of the people cut will be competing with you for jobs.

[eager apex]

That's also true. People were cut from many different positions and levels

Day 14: Applied to some jobs today. Also doing some leetcode right now. Had another company get back to me yesterday, I sent them a follow up 3 minutes after and got no response. Sent them another email today. Hoping for at least the opportunity to show them my assets

[polar kiln]

I don't think you necessarily should follow up that soon.

A lot of people can't respond that quickly (or don't want to) but don't necessarily need a reminder.

[eager apex]

Well he first emailed me wanting to know the earliest date I could start if hired

Today I just messaged him letting him know that I would be interested in the company and would love an opportunity to could be of assistance

[polar kiln]

Yeah, I wouldn't do that.

Imagine he sends 10 emails out to the people they're thinking about interviewing.

He doesn't need two responses to the same email within a day from each person.

[eager apex]

Hmm true

[polar kiln]

Either way, good to be getting responses.

[eager apex]

Yea! I definitely just have to continue applying and leetcoding to be honest

[polar kiln]

What would you say your app to interview rate is?

[eager apex]

Yikes probably 1 in every 15 applications maybe lol

[polar kiln]

That's not bad

7%?

I'd take that over my own, just gotta up your volume then

[eager apex]

Yeah most definitely

[eager apex]

Day 15 of updates: Applying and leetcoding, being consistent. Today I haven't found any good positions open, not too sure if it's a LinkedIn thing or just something in general with jobs around this time.

Also started working on a project to post on LinkedIn, that'll display how much I have grown as a developer since I started my professional career, hoping that will get the attention of some recruiters as well.

This is the old project: https://richflix.netlify.app/

This is currently how the new project with the same concept looks. Just started, so UI/UX is ofc bad (WIP), but the project structure and code is better than before

[polar kiln]

It's getting late in the year, things will slow down til January.

[eager apex]

Yes, so it makes more sense to just be patient and prepare til then honestly

[glossy sand]

Hi @eager apex !
Your project is good but not enouth to emphasize your skills and experience, I think.
Could you use more well-looked design?
I hope you will suceed in job applying.
Everything will be fine.

[polar kiln]

I agree actually. What is this project supposed to show me?

[eager apex]

This is WIP and I just started. This will not be the official design for the project

And the project is to demonstrate the difference between how I created this video streaming like application before and after professional experience acquired. A lot of things I have picked up will be demonstrated from the repo to the web application. There will be more implemented features, better designs, and a better project structure as compared to the first one

[eager apex]

Day 16: Applying, leetcoding, and working on my project. No major updates

[polar kiln]

I'm not a big worrier about the design necessarily, but I guess my question is how you show those features intuitively

[eager apex]

There will be login features, working with local storage, displaying things depending on local storage, I will work with the UA and display certain things regarding that as well lol

[polar kiln]

That sounds good. I think a way for someone going there to understand the significance of the features would be helpful in the ability to ingest this info.

[eager apex]

I'll definitely make a LinkedIn post showing the before and after lol and pointing out the difference

[polar kiln]

This is something I'm thinking about though.

How many people will see that? How many of them have jobs to offer you?

On the flip side, how many of the people who have jobs to offer will look at this? If they do, can they intuit its significance without the context of a separate post?

[eager apex]

That's also a good question

Then there would be no point I feel like in even making projects to be honest lol cause if I were to put my feet in the shoes of a recruiter, I'd just be around LinkedIn looking for qualified candidates and not their personal projects. My friend who worked at Microsoft as a recruiter told me that's basically what she did, and then would scope out their portfolio for a brief moment

[polar kiln]

I'm definitely not saying don't do it but it's worthwhile to consider these things as you build a portfolio.

[eager apex]

Back after the holidays! Did a video interview, and have another interview today. Still pushing, applying where I can and trying to leetcode when I can

[eager apex]

Day 16: Back on track. Applying, leetcoding and watching neetcode when I can. Sending out as many applications as I can, as I am determind to move up. Next week will be 3 months since this thread started

[eager apex]

Day 17: Vigorously applying on LinkedIn, Wellfound, and YCombinator. Sent many applications, and will continue to throw my resume wherever I can. HR interview with a recruiting company for a contact to hire position, and still waiting back on two other companies to notify me on my status

Also have to submit my code assessment for another company tonight

Just got a message back from one of the startup companeis I applied to and had an HR interview with, moving on to the next step with the team

[polar kiln]

On the come up, love to see it

[eager apex]

Day 18: Looking forward to some interviews and responses. Still applying and Leetcoding.

[eager apex]

Still applying and on LeetCode. What's meant for me will be for me

[eager apex]

Test

[eager apex]

It's been almost 5 months since this thread has been made, this job search is very hard. Constantly throwing my resume everywhere, expanding my network and leetcoding though. Trying my best to stay consistent

[polar kiln]

I think most of us can empathize with this.

All you can really do is keep going.

[eager apex]

Yea, discipline really does play a good factor because there are times when I want to give up, but can’t because of how I disciplined myself

[flat nimbus]

How many interviews do you have in a day?

[zenith jewel]

anyone know where if their is a job board in this discord for us to find links to apply at

[eager apex]

Sorry, I have been very sick lately and just now recovering so I have not seen this message til now.

[eager apex]

When I was very active, I'd have an interview like 1-3x a week, but I haven't had any luck in landing an interview lately; Just a lot of rejection emails lol.

Currently updating my portfolio, still applying and leetcoding, but at a point this does get very discouraging and sometimes a wavering thought of changing the trajectory of my career does come in mind. Only thing pushing me right now is how I have disciplined myself to constantly apply

[eager apex]

Lost track of days, but it's been 4 months and 3 days since I created this thread. This process sure is tiring. Someone recently put me in contact with a consultant, not sure if that was the best choice to take but it does seem like my horizons have expanded a bit regarding getting my resume out. Even with being put on with a consultant, I still am applying to positions myself and working on my portfolio site

I do wonder if this is normal though: To cosntantly send out resumes, be in and out of interviews for months and not being able to land a role.

[polar kiln]

I don't think it's too unusual.

What's been your interview success rate at each level?

[eager apex]

I'd say my success rate is prety moderate

[polar kiln]

That's good. I think you're okay, multiple people here haven't getting callbacks.

[eager apex]

Yea kinda sucks though

[polar kiln]

Right there with you.

I don't think there's a personal solution. Just be happy we've got work at the moment and aren't applying while unemployed I guess.

[eager apex]

That's also very true lol. I am definitely grateful for where I am/how I started, but not satisfied. I want to continue climbing up

[cerulean spear]

Hi @eager apex , how are you doing?

[eager apex]

I'm doing well, how are you? Sorry for the late response, the job hunt has been making me not as active on here

[eager apex]

Day ...: Not sure, but I know I've been at it since October, and still have no luck. Friday, I had two recruiters reach out to me for positions which I am well qualified for, probably overqualified to be honest but the pay was great. Tried reaching out to them yesterday for an update, and no response

Still looking, applying, and searching, but I've also noticed that there aren't that many positions even open now

[eager apex]

Continuation from yesterday: Recently I found out that I will probably be getting laid off soon due to project in which I am working on will be facing a huge budget cut. Looks like I have til the end of the month. I have been applying vigorously, but no luck

[polar kiln]

You okay dude?

[eager apex]

Yeah lol I can’t be upset/stress about things I can’t control

It won’t do anything except raise blood pressure and age me haha. I just continue applying and leetcoding. Though the job market’s not the best, I know I’ll find something

[polar kiln]

Are you going to stay in Philly or move back to NY?

[eager apex]

Don’t know yet to be honest

Small chance I don’t get laid off, small chance I find a job in Philly before I get laid off, etc

[polar kiln]

This is really unfortunate. I hope things work out, the market is really making things difficult.

[eager apex]

Not going to lie, I am tired though. Constantly applying only to be rejected even when you know you are qualified (and if not qualified, more than qualified) for the positions you're applying to.

[polar kiln]

I completely understand that, I'm there too. I know everyone keeps saying it but the market isn't what it was in the past.

In addition, companies have made getting hired significantly more difficult than it should be.

There's not much to be done about that but I feel better knowing it's not a me problem

[eager apex]

Yeah, knowing it's not a me problem does make it a little better I'd say

Just wish this process wasn't so annoying

[polar kiln]

Agreed on that sentiment

[eager apex]

How many jobs a day would you say you apply to?

[polar kiln]

I've been in a lull recently

But I've applied to like 300 in a month and a half

So like 6 or 7 per day on average

[eager apex]

hmmm okay

[eager apex]

Just left an interview, have an interview tomorrow, spoke with a recruiter from Microsoft as well yesterday and they had me send my resume along with some form. One of the recruiters someone put me on to also is trying to get me a position in Meta, and I have an assesssment from Barclay's due as well. Things are looking better, but I still am actively applying and leetcoding incase nothing works out.

Both Microsoft and Meta are in Washington state though. Hopefully relocating isn't a hard process, especially since I would probably have to break my lease

[polar kiln]

Good luck! Meta as an E4?

[eager apex]

Thank you! And yes

[polar kiln]

Sick! Watch out about headcount, it looks like it's dropping fast at Meta.

[eager apex]

I'll definitely look out for that. That's scary honestly

[polar kiln]

@eager apex I put in a message to one of my old directors for a SWE position in JPMC Digital.

I saw your linkedin post.

[eager apex]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it

[polar kiln]

No problem. Don't know if anything will come of it but we'll see.

[eager apex]

Sorry for the late response, I've been off Discord for a while, just been so busy

Either way, I'm thankful that you even thought of me

[polar kiln]

Nothing came of it unfortunately 😦

My friend told me they've been outsourcing much much more than when I was there

[eager apex]

Yeah a lot of companies have been outsourcing

My boss tried to put me on with Comcast and the position was also outsourced lol

[polar kiln]

Hard to see. That's America though. I imagine things will get worse.

But nothing to do but keep on right?

[eager apex]

RIght lol

I'm waiting to hear back from one company, and I have another round with another company on Monday

Still throwing my resume wherever I can though, hopefully I find a good opportunity

[blazing turret]

I think I can help u with this tho, just dmed

[eager apex]

Still here and wanted to give an update on the blog: This job search is really stressful, but it definitely is motivating. Still leetcoding, practicing interviews, and working on personal projects. Last week I had 3 companies reach out to me. One ghosted me, the second one I did amazing during the interview, but then was told they wanted someone more backend focused (even though the position was a jr position and I was able to answer questions and do the technical???? made no sense to me) and the third one was with Visa... I guess my resume wasn't thoroughly looked at because as soon as I gave an introduction and YOE, I was cut off and told that they're looking for someone more senior level for this position.

This week (starting on 04/20) so far I've received no callbacks, applied to 77 jobs that are mainly frontend focused and are looking for 2 YOE or less and have been rejected by 4 of the companies so far.

The job hunt/interview process can be very annoying, especially when you're applying to positions you know you are qualified for (and if not, more than qualified) and even if you're not deemed qualified by HR or the seniors, you still have skill and can learn along the way (i'd assume that's the whole point of JR /2 YOE or less positions, right?)

[polar kiln]

I agree with all of this. Frustrating experience made moreso by organizations that are poorly run.

[eager apex]

What's even more annoying is that mid interview at a well established company, I explained the difference between the JS forEach and Map method to one of the seniors because she didn't know anything about it and was searching on Google during the interview while I was explaining to her the difference between these methods... It kinda sucks that these are the people who test your skills as a developer and determine if you're a "worthy" candidate (I have a lot to learn myself, not saying I'm a know it all, but I'd expect way more from someone who's senior level)

[polar kiln]

It happens. There are a number of methods, no one can know all of them. I have met people that I was surprised was in the positions they were when I worked with them though.

You're applying all over right?

[eager apex]

Oh yeah definitely agree, but as a well established/Senior level JS developer I'd think they'd at least know that and if you didn't, why even ask me a question you don't know the answer to lol

My main focus so far has been on LinkedIn. I apply to companies and then search their competitors and see if they're hiring

[polar kiln]

They didn't make the evaluation criteria most likely

[eager apex]

I'm trying to do Wellfound, Indeed, and many other JobBoards but it does get tiring after applying all day on LinkedIn

[polar kiln]

I get that.

I don't have much advice, it seems you're doing everything right.

[eager apex]

Yeah, I've also been keeping track of companies/# companies I've applied to

Since March 8th I've applied to 433 positions

Well... at least

[polar kiln]

That's a lot.

All there really is to do is apply to more.

This is mine, eventually something will catch on

[eager apex]

Yeah lol that's the daily inbox for me

Do you also track companies you apply to?

[polar kiln]

I don't

But I've applied pretty much every major org that has an office in NYC or is remote

[eager apex]

Ahh okay

Looking at your email makes me want to go apply to these companies also

[polar kiln]

Get it brother.

[compact orbit]

Applying to that many positions, how much do you tune your resume/CV (if you do at all)?

[eager apex]

Honestly I haven't been tuning my resume per application to fit them descriptions/qualifications because I believed my resume is mainly frontend focused so I saw it as a general fit

[compact orbit]

do you try to reach out to recruiters and 'grease the skids' for your application or are you going through the usual process? I think networking with recruiters and hiring managers would only benefit a more tailored resume and approach. More sniper, less shotgun

[eager apex]

I have reached out to recruiters before, they usually haven't responded to me. I have found luck with just the "regular" method of applying, it's just that as of recently I haven't gotten anything back

[compact orbit]

how about directly to hiring managers that are 2nd or 3rd LinkedIn connections from you, any luck there?

[eager apex]

Still on the job hunt. It's getting to me. I don't know what else to do but keep applying and get rejected.

[polar kiln]

You've tried applying to jobs and tried reaching out to people in your network right?

What else do we have left?

[eager apex]

Haven't tried reaching out to people within my network

Just been applying. Only today I messaged a recruiter asking for advice to be honest

[polar kiln]

You should reach out to people in your network and separately get referrals from others.

[eager apex]

Yeah, this is a good idea. I will try if possible

[polar kiln]

I've also used Blind for this but fair warning that place sucks.

[eager apex]

Blind?

[polar kiln]

TeamBlind.com

[eager apex]

Will look at this. Thank you lol

[opaque pewter]

Does this work without an active company account? I assumed boxx didn't have one

[polar kiln]

You don't need one

It may force you into read only mode now that I think about it?

But I'm pretty sure you can post general things

[pale bobcat]

Hi Boxx, I'm also looking for junior software engineer jobs. I've been searching for 6 months now, ~600 applications and 0 offers. Just here to connect and I think we gotta keep trying.

Have you had any interviews yet?

Just to share, out of all my applications I got 2 interviews with one failed in early stage and the other rejected after final round...

The first interview failed because the company expected me to have more experience in AI research while my skills are more on the application side.
The second one is with a biotech startup. They wanted someone with 3 YoE to start with, but still interviewed me since one of my projects matches their product. I passed the first two technical rounds and they seemed very happy with me, but in the last round, I was asked to work with a front-end framework which they knew I do not have experience with. The communication wasn't smooth, since I never worked with a designer and did not know which questions to ask. I managed to complete the task, but the result was not perfect and I probably wasted too much time on it. A week later I received the rejection letter explaining that they do not have the bandwidth to onboard a junior like me even though my technical skills are good, plus that they want someone who works better with ambiguity.

Not a lot happened besides that. I spend time building projects, coding, posting a dozen blogs, and sending out applications on job sites including LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter and YC. About networking, I tried talking to recruiters and professionals on LinkedIn but heard back from none. I do have an account on TeamBlind but I am read only with an edu account.

I think a lot of the discussions here are relevant to me as well. I will follow your post and share my experiences in case it helps

[eager apex]

Thank you so much for sharing your story with me! I do hope you continue to share you experience as well. This job hunt is no joke, and it definitely can take a toll on the mind as well

Even from hearing that Tesla laid off over 14k people in one day, just thinking about the percentage of them that might be SWE's, and now having to compete with those people as well. I do wish you luck on your journey as well. We can connect on LinkedIn too if you'd like

[pale bobcat]

Sure, just DM me

[shadow marsh]

Hi Boxx.

Can I join your topic?

[eager apex]

Of course!

[eager apex]

Continuing this thread: It's been almost 2 months since I've been laid off, I'm happy that I'm able to get some interviews, just annoyed that I'm constantly going in and out of them. Last week a company in California made me go through 4 rounds and I ended up not getting the job. This week. I currently have no interviews and have had no companies reach out to me, so I'm just still applying, updating my resume, leetcoding, working on projects and doing what I can in order to remind myself that my employment status doesn't define me or who I am as a SWE

[polar kiln]

Good to read you're able to know that. People will argue but for most people the externalities are greater than the things you control when it comes to getting a job in your career.

Wish there was better news though.

[eager apex]

Yeah, not many companies are hiring and those that are, are looking for people more experienced than I am and if I do find a role that I'm suitable for, I'm just faced with a rejection email lol

[oblique plume]

Hey bro, I just started applying again recently

I've got about 1 year experience, I was just considering this recently though

What sort of titles for your jobs do you write on your CV?

I write "junior software developer" and it's just occurred to me, that some people are going to brush off that title

Or might scrutinize it as "doing less work than a normal software developer" -- which is far from the truth. So I've changed my CV to just say "Software Engineer"

(Noting that, I've seen some HR people reviewing CVs, who have no understanding of how to differentiate between a lot of these titles a fair amount of the time)

[oblique plume]

Actually probs doesn't matter, the other guy in another channel said that titles shouldn't matter too much

[eager apex]

Even though I was a junior, I just put Software Engineer. I don’t believe the level should be a priority

And I wish you luck on your journey! Keep us updated 🙂

[oblique plume]

Good luck to you too

I just got my first declined email! Let's go!

[eager apex]

Lol that's the spirit

Are you also in the US? If so, east, west?

[eager apex]

I have an HR interview for a big insurance company in Philly tomorrow, so I'm currently going over some Java Spring Boot stuff and thinking about this whole application process, it's very annoying. Many companies have different tech stacks, different positions open, and are hiring at so many different levels. You really have to narrow things down, and when you do narrow down for a job where you're a perfect fit, you're met with a rejection email and if you're not met with a rejection letter, you're then expected to have knowledge on the tech being used all-while competing against God knows how many other candidates for this one role

Like I have less than 2 YOE, and I've seen so many Associate/Entry-level positions requiring 3-5 or 2 YOE. I find a position that's less than 2 or maybe requiring exactly 2, then it depends whether it's front, back, or fullstack. After that, then it depends on the stack that specific company uses... and so much more. A lot of times leetcoding is completely irrelevant depending on the company, and you never know what to expect even when you've used Glassdoor.

I've gone over a variety of languages, frameworks, design patterns, etc...

[polar kiln]

Independence???

[eager apex]

No lol

Chubb

[oblique plume]

Nah nah I'm from New Zealand

Yeah, I've started to realise that the application and interview process has just always been ass

I compared my CV to someone I know who landed a job at Jane Street, and we have relatively similar achievements. Yet I haven't managed to land anything

But I found that the 1 only major difference was that he had a GitHub repo that had 5000+ stars on it.

So I've been thinking that I should spruce up my GitHub, and maybe try make something that other developers would like to see/use or contribute to

Only problem is that, I already am making something I think people would want to use, but it's for my own start up

Just grinding it out slowly over the last 5 months

[oblique plume]

All of those superficial retirements and from what I've seen of others. It's made me realise a bit that, it's not enough to just be a good developer anymore, but also about how superficially we can advertise our abilities.

One core example, I met someone who started a web development club at our university. It got quite popular, and all he did was teach the basics of html+js once every month or 2, and hold a contest once a year. That gave an extremely favourable look on him, getting some nice photos for the LinkedIn. Even if he didn't actually have that much knowledge or deeper understanding of coding.

That being said, giving out a tutorial once every month or 2, is still great for getting people involved and interested in coding. And it still requires putting in the time to make a somewhat good tutorial, and requires being well spoken.

But it doesn't nearly take that much effort, it just superficially appears that this is a large effort process + wide reach impact and accomplishment.

Though (totally not jealous at all), jealousy aside, it's a good case study that I've learnt from now. And I'm probably just gonna copy him, and start setting up my own algorithm/leetcode contest, where first place just gets like some cash or something

[polar kiln]

Chubb is good too! I have friends working there now

[oblique plume]

Srry for, taking over thread btw lol, I just brain dump sometimes about the stuff I'm learning atm

[oblique plume]

Do u work at an insurance company? What's the sort of development work like there?

I just work on a lot of government contracts myself tbh

[polar kiln]

I used to, but I don't think this is the topic of the thread

[oblique plume]

Fair enough

[eager apex]

Trust me it's fine. I enjoy reading other stories haha

[eager apex]

Really? You think I can get any insights from them if possible. If I get this one, it'll be great for me

[eager apex]

And yes, I agree. Definitely about how well you can market yourself. In the job market, you are a product. We must be able to sell ourselves well. This is a sad reality, as it definitely doesn't display how well you are as a developer. It's also a lot about who you know rather than what you know. The amount of stories I've heard about people with NO experience, no degree, and never had any sort of interest of technology getting a job into tech was sort of disheartening... Especially during 2020/Covid. So many podcasts where people would say "Oh yeah I was a xyz and didn't know anything, but my friend had an opportunity and reached out to me and so that's where my journey begins"

Or I've heard stories like where someone who was a music major just made one simple website about music and got a job at Google through connections while others who have aspirations, are extremely qualified, went to school to learn algos&data structures, design patterns, etc. are struggling to find a job.

[polar kiln]

Let me check my LinkedIn

[eager apex]

And I agree it doesn't come from a place of jealousy and I'm not saying a group of people should be prioritzed more than others as everyone is just trying to make it, but the whole "who you know, not what you know" thing doesn't necessarily level the plainfield

[eager apex]

Thank you!

[polar kiln]

I'll lyk what he says.

[eager apex]

You're so clutch for this!

[polar kiln]

Just trying to help.

[polar kiln]

He asked what department you're trying to join.

[eager apex]

At this point I want to start connecting with recruiters, but I'm not too sure how to go about it

[eager apex]

So I have like 3-4 opportunities lined up and one of them that I really want is with Ring Security. They’re owned by Amazon and the position is SDE II. Was hoping if anyone here would have insight on the position by any chance

Like is Ring completely different with their interviews than Amazon, or would they be the same ? I’ve been going over System Designs since it looks like they’re heavy on that as well and they did give me a prep guide but it’s also so much to go over in little time😭

[polar kiln]

Sick!

You should reach out to some of the Amazon people in the server, they'll have info for you

[eager apex]

I didn't know there were Amazon people in the server lol

What section can I find them in?

[polar kiln]

Just post in big discussion, there's like a dozen

[eager apex]

Update: Trying to be consistent, but the job search really is discouraging in this poor market. I've also heard that jobs are tip toeing around hiring around election year because they don't know how labor laws will be impacted (? Not too sure how true this is, but it doesn't really make things any better anyways lol)

[polar kiln]

How'd it go with Ring?

[eager apex]

So many varying factors to this process. First, knowing if you want to do back, front, or full stack, then being able to have knowledge on whatever tech stack the job description requires... so many different technologies, then being able to nail the interview and from all the interviews I've had so far, not all of them are the same. Some interviews focus more on semantics rather than syntax and vise versas, then some of them are concerned about system designs, some or straight up Leetcode/Hacker Rank interviews, some have you implement a feature for them or debug their code... There are so many different ways to study for so many different types of positions

It's also annoying because some weeks you get calls, others you don't so then I'm studying, applying to jobs, and constantly updating my resume just to finally have an opportunity with a company that has an interview process that's the complete opposite of what I've study for. Just ranting, but this is a JOURNEY

[eager apex]

The position was like level 2/3. I was able to solve the first question and when I started working on the second question, time ran out unfortunately. Also, the practice questions they gave was nothing like the real interview question

[polar kiln]

What were the questions, not LC?

That's unfortunate.

Reassuring to get an interview still though

[eager apex]

It was LC before the interview though I focused all my time on design patterns instead of going over LC... I'd say the questions were medium/hard level on Leetcode. I don't mind putting them on here in case anyone would have a future interview with them

I'll brb, afk

[polar kiln]

Go for it, I doubt it'll matter much

Did this job just come from an application?

[eager apex]

No, a recruiter messaged me actually

[polar kiln]

Hmm

That's good.

Have you tried turning off "Looking for a job" on linkedin then turning it back on?

[eager apex]

No

I don't even know if I have that option on lol

Where would I go for that?

[polar kiln]

You must if people are hitting you up?

It's on your profile, open to work

[eager apex]

Oh that

Yeah I just deleted and put it back up. Not sure what that does though lol

[polar kiln]

I think it puts you on top of the stack for recruiters

That's what people here said

Maybe do it friday night and turn it back on monday, I think it takes longer

[eager apex]

Hmmm okay

[eager apex]

So far my main job board has been LinkedIn, WorkAtAStartUp.com and Wellfound. I know about ZipRecruiter and Indeed as well, but haven't been too active on those because I usually have a hard time finding associate SWE jobs on there. Trying to see if I can find new job boards, especially for remote jobs if possible, because cancelling this lease is like the last thing I want to do

[coral glacier]

Hey @eager apex I'm in a similar boat as you and some others who've replied in this thread; a junior who got laid-off. I noticed you have been through a few interview processes. I'm struggling getting any callbacks at all, got any tips?

[eager apex]

Only tip I can honestly give is keep applying. Altering your resume if possible for certain jobs and making sure you meet requirements. Also, have projects on your resume that are relevant and will catch the eye of Hiring Mangners/Recruiters

And also apply even if you miss some requirements lol. That's how I ended up getting my first role. I'm also sorry for the late reply, I've been trying my best to prepare for this interview with TikTok that I have coming up. I'm really hoping I don't slip up

[polar kiln]

TikTok, wow

Congrats

[eager apex]

Lol thank you

Hopefully the congrats can actually be for if I land the role... I heard they're very hard to get into just by somethings I've been reading.

I like the doflamingo profile pic btw

[polar kiln]

Thanks lmao

I was also considering this one.

Good luck, I hope you get the gig.

[eager apex]

I like the dog better lol

And I appreciate it bro! Def gotta keep grinding with Leetcode though.. it's just so much to go through and I'm not even sure what kind of questions would be asked fr lol I gotta get some insight if possible

[polar kiln]

Have you worked through their tagged questions?

[eager apex]

My Leetcode Premium JUST ran out so I gotta renew it by tomorrow lol

And it's a frontend focused role so I'm not too sure if it'll be heavy leetcode questions and system designs or more like creating frontend projects and them making sure I know React... I've seen some people say that their interview was mostly the recruiters pressing them on about React

[polar kiln]

I don't know of any tik tokers in this disc unfortunately but it might be useful to chat with someone

[eager apex]

It's okay! I had phone interview with HR lol I don't know if they're hiring multiple people for this position, but when speaking to the recruiter he said that although there are many candidates that are at the starting phase of the interview just as I am, there are many already ahead of us as well

I'm pretty sure they're going to find someone before I truly get a chance. Just gotta keep applying where I can and studying when I can

[eager apex]

About to be a month since I haven't updated, and almost 4 months since I got laid off, but here's an update: I'm still going. Market is hard and I have about 3 potential opportunitites... one with Comcast, but I honestly don't have my hopes up for either opportunity

At this point I'm applying not as vigorously as I when I first started, but still applying sometimes... Trying to get back on track with Leetcode as well, but it's all so discouraging. That's about it

[polar kiln]

GL brother, I have friends there that find it to be ok

[eager apex]

Working there or the interview process?

[polar kiln]

Working there, they've been there since precovid

It's not an org where people jump a lot

[coral glacier]

I feel you. It's so tough to maintain the same level of vigor for so long without any real positive reinforcement. I've thought before about making my own job search blog but I wonder if it'd even be healthy for me. Do you feel like it's been productive for you to document this journey?

[eager apex]

Yes, documenting this journey definitely does feel productive and healthy for me. Gives me hope to look back to something in the future because I know I'll get a job, and I would love to go back and read my journey to remind me of the process of getting the job

I'm getting it out the mud. Though hard, it'll be worth it and something I would love to look back on.

[eager apex]

Update: I should be hearing back next week on what the next steps are for the interview with Comcast. Trying my best to go over leetcode, design patterns, and react nuances all while trying to stay positive, but honestly I've been in and out of so many interviews, have always done good and still have not gotten accepted. Hoping this is a change and I get an offer, but still extremely discouraged by previous interviews

[polar kiln]

Gl brother.

[eager apex]

Well, looks like I've been ghosted again (?) Tried contacting recruiter two days ago via text and messaging them today after they told me they would let me know this week when the technical would be, but got no response from them

Very tiring... Trying my best to stay positive though. I probably applied to over 1k positions since March though and every single position, interview process is some bs

[polar kiln]

Some people seem to be having more luck now in tech chat. It seems like a good time to ask around for places that seem to be hiring right now.

[eager apex]

I'll look at that when I get back home tonight

[eager apex]

Update: Posting here to vent as I am very anxious. I think the interview last week went great and they said they would let me know this week (as they're interviewing candidates this week and the week prior) if they decide to move forward with me. It's been a long process so far and I am hoping that I get good news from them. I don't no if no contact from them is a good sign. I feel like they would've rejected me by now if they decided to move forward with someone else, but then again I've also been told that this company does move a little slow when it comes to their hiring process

[eager apex]

I tried contacting HR Friday, no response but my application on the candidate home still says under review. Idk what that means and if I should even send another follow up email, but I feel like I’ve probably been ghosted again

[tender rune]

Hi there! Just curious, have you been job hunting since last year?

[eager apex]

Yes, in October it'll be almost a year

I didn't start taking it serious til March when I got laid off though

[bold cliff]

This march?

[eager apex]

Yes

Well, technically this April cause I got laid off Mar 28, basically the end of March lol

[eager apex]

Heard back from them today. I should know next steps next week because they’re still doing interviews

[polar kiln]

<@&334913404865085440>

[warped eagle]

abdullateef0888 was kicked. | look elsewhere

[eager apex]

Unfortunately didn't get it! Still going. Applying, updating my resume, trying to have my portfolio site up to date as well because it's old, and getting back to Leetcode

[coral glacier]

I'm curious what's your hit rate for applications? Seems like you've been having some luck with getting to the interview stage at least a few times

[eager apex]

My current issue is that I'm constantly going in and out of interviews. It always ends with me not having enough experience, being "more front end focused", etc.

But I've definitely applied to over 1000 positions from last year October til now. I send my resume everywhere that I can

A lot of the opportunities end with some kind of BS excuse

[coral glacier]

Well it's good that you're getting interviews at least. I've been struggling to get those.

Are you applying to junior level roles?

[eager apex]

Junior level 1 & 2 also... as long as theyre withing 1-3 YOE tbh

How long have you been applying for?

[coral glacier]

Almost a full six months now since I got laid off in March

In that time I've had a couple screening oa's, and only one full interview loop

[eager apex]

I also got laid off in March! I know how it feels, hang in there.

Especially since it's election year and companies are slowing down hiring around this time due to them not knowing how labor laws will be impacted a long with the fact that the job market is currently recovering. It's rough, but we'll make it.

[next mesa]

Love your attitude

[eager apex]

Only way to be! Either get a hold of the situation, or let the situation get a hold of you

[rotund pawn]

just reread this thread. having a lot of the same issues. feel like maybe I should start a thread as well

[eager apex]

I encourage you to. Creating this thread has definitely helped me out in many ways, especially mentally lol and I like how I've been helping out others as well with this thread

Reading other threads as well is good for me... reminds me that I am not alone and that A LOT of developers, especially during this time are going through what I am going through

I'd also like to share my LinkedIn with you guys as well! I'm not sure if that goes against advertising though, so honestly if anyone would like to connect and speak further with me, you can private message me

[rotund pawn]

PM me your linkedin

think my thread will be substantially different than most on here

[eager apex]

Update: Still applying, in and out of interviews... next month it'll be a year since I started this thread, and two weeks will be 6 months since I got laid off. I also got an interview with Google this Thursday, but it's for Site Reliability Engineer (level 2) role... I don't even know why I applied and why they accepted my application, but I'll go through the interview just for the hell of it to be honest

Also, kind of irritated that GOOGLE would accept my resume/application, and all these other companies send me rejections

Nonetheless, still trying to keep my spirits up and hopefully land a role soon. It's tiring.

Someone please tell me this is normal... I know a lot of people are going through this job search, many longer than I have, but I want to know how do people even do this

[tropic palm]

didnt realize u were also interviewing at google, best of luck!

[tropic palm]

and yeah felt this, google is my one and only process right now but other random companies wont even interview me

[coral glacier]

Can I dm you?

[eager apex]

Thank you!

[eager apex]

Of course!

[eager apex]

It's so weird lol. I'm qualified for one of the top global companies, but not for yours ?

[tropic palm]

ive been doing lots of mocks let me know if you want to do one some time

[eager apex]

I'd love to! Definitely need to get better with interviewing. Just finished round 1 with Google, it was a stack problem

I got the hang of it, but then he wanted me to switch it up at the end and kinda left me stuck... I don't know if I solved it how he wanted me to in the end though

[tropic palm]

oh are yo u already in the middle of ur onsite rounds?

[eager apex]

Yes lol yesterday I was in the middle of the interviews

They were all virtual though, not onsite

[tropic palm]

hope you hear back soon!

[eager apex]

Yes! Honestly I don’t think I’ll get it and if I don’t, still wouldn’t be disappointed lol it’s an SRE role and not SWE, so I wouldn’t really sweat it

[polar kiln]

<@&334913404865085440>

[warped eagle]

mastermind_123. was kicked. | No reason given.

[livid granite]

@eager apex wow man i commend you for continuing the grind. have you been applying fully for the year? how many applications have you sent

im a mid level engineer currently started my job hunt last week, i got a job now but i can't stand it anymore

[eager apex]

Thank you! I have sent various applications to many positions. Front, back, full, data engineering, etc. Definitely over 700+ applicatiosn by now lol. I throw my resume everwhere, even in positions that require more experience than I have

I wish you luck on your journey.

I got laid off in March, but was looking for a new position since around last year October, so it'll be almost a year technically.

Still am searching, had an interview today, gotta complete an OA for another company, and waiting to hear back from Google as well. It's tiring, but gotta keep pushing.

[hushed mist]

Hi Boxx I'm also searching for a software engineering job in the Philly area so I read through your whole post.

Very sorry to hear you were laid off. And I can echo all your frustrations with the job hunt and hiring processes. I'm barely getting responses and if I'm lucky, an automated rejection email. Best of luck with your ongoing interviews and job apps.

[eager apex]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I wish you all the luck with your search as well. This is definitely not an easy time

[opaque flame]

I'm in the same boat for being unhired for almost a year so far. I paused for 3 months in between because of some family issues but overall I've been trying hard to apply for jobs, up-skilling myself etc. It feels like the effort I made doesn't pay off well at this time. I've sent 300+ applications but only have attended 10 interviews, among which there were 3 or so where the job was closed after my 1st interview due to the position being filled. I finished the entire process for 2 of them and almost got hired, but not actually hired because of headcount issues or position being taken off. The rest of interviews have unbelievably demanding homework with broad open-ended questions, which took me a large amount of time to finish only to be rejected after.
Now I've been looking for and open to alternatives such as contract work, freelancing and hoping that I can get a better chance by making more production apps. At the meanwhile, I just spend minimal time to scan through jobs and apply for them without thinking every day.
Nowadays, I think there is very slim chance on getting a job, especially if it's a job that everyone wants, that leads to the situation of too much competition and you gotta execute perfectly to get the offer. Now I'm trying to avoid the places with too much competition so as to land on something first and look to move again when the market gets better. I just don't know what I'm doing anymore 😂

[tropic palm]

best of luck man

10 interviews in 300 apps is a lot better than me

im 300 apps 2 interviews

[opaque flame]

hang in there, we can make it 💪

[tropic palm]

yes !

the hard part is though:

even if we find a job theres decent odds we hate said job

:/

[opaque flame]

bro that is very true haha

[eager apex]

Keep going. I know it sounds cliche, but def keep going. I know how annoying and hard this has been for me so far, I can only imagine a year. What you said is true 1000% as well. A lot of these positions are such BS. Some of them are ghosts positions, some are companies already knowing they're going to hire internally, but they still put the position up anyways, some companies call me for an interview, but then they're already on the fourth round with another candidate

And I highly agree with not knowing what to do at this point. I just had a four one interview with Google one day (some BS) where I had to solve 3 questions (stack, matrix, and some other dsa bs). Honestly, there's no "one size fits all" answer for these interviews. Some ask leetcode questions, some require you to do take home assessments instead, some just resume grill and question you on the technologies, etc.

Like, it's hard to even prepare for these interviews (that's IF you're even lucky to get one in this competitive market). You have to be well rounded on the different technologies used whether front, back, or fullstack, all these algorithms, etc... It's damn near impossible

[opaque flame]

Bro, I cannot agree more on this. Some even asks about html & css... I had even attended an interview for a FS position that focus on the frontend (described in the JD), then onto the third round, the guy asked me to talk about a recent backend project that I had done... It really seems there is no any shortcuts or effective methods that can help us land a job right now. So I've decided to learn things that will benefit my career in general such as systematic and architectural stuff, instead of grinding leetcode.
Do you think if there is noticeable improvements on your coding skills after so much grinding? How much time do you spend on interview prep everyday on average?

[eager apex]

My coding skills definitely have improved a lot. From leetcoding, working on personal projects, watching many videos on dsa & system designs, etc. I have learned so much, and implemented many things that I have not done on a professional scale. On average, it honestly depends... There are days where I am so discouraged, I don't do anything. But the days where I am encouraged to grind and put in work, I find myself in front of my laptop for like 11 hours lol

Like, I go to the gym then just sit in front of my lap top until I go to sleep

[eager apex]

Did a CapitalOne coding assessment today and it was kinda rediculous... An hour to answer 4 coding questions

I got the first 2 but by the time I got to question 3 I only had 5 minutes left

Idk if they really expect someone to take 15mins per question... especially for a junior frontend position, but alas. The Leetcode grind doesn't stop. My other interview with Lowe's was pushed to Tuesday instead of Friday as well, and I'm still waiting to hear back from this Government job. Still applying, and practicing

Last two questions also involved 2d arrays

[pliant swallow]

Skimmed through this whole thread man, seriously wish you the best, seems like you've been grinding like crazy. We got this 😤

[pliant swallow]

I completely agree man, there's just so much to know and so much to be tested on. I made a fullstack project back in May and have barely coded since then apart from some leetcode here and there, and I realized it's so easy to forget stuff. But when you're applying to jobs, you always have to say on your feet to stay sharp because they will ask you in detail about technolgies you have experience with, on top of DSA

[eager apex]

Yes!

And thank you so much. Wishing you all the best too man

[warped eagle]

stellar467 has been warned. || make ur own post

[eager apex]

Beat myself so bad last week for the first round of my interview, but they notified me last week that I would be mvoing to the second round which is today

[polar kiln]

Let's go, that's great news

[eager apex]

Thank you🙏🏾

[pliant swallow]

hell yeah dude congratulations

[tropic palm]

gl man!

[eager apex]

Thank you! I just finished I honestly don’t know if I bombed or did good

[coral glacier]

Nice, you got this

[quasi horizon]

https://tenor.com/view/erwin-smith-charge-scream-my-soldiers-push-forward-my-soldiers-scream-out-gif-23800679

[eager apex]

Updating here because I've been very anxious with another company once again. It's a tiring process. Went through a phone screening, met with the COO, CTO, and lastly the CEO this Monday with a startup in California and haven't received any word from them yet. I sent a follow up thank you email also, no response. Hoping I got the position, but atp I don't even know what to think

I'm still going in and out of interviews. Literally have one in 12 minutes, another one next Wednesday and I am constantly applying, leetcoding, working on personal projects, etc. but I'm exhausted. Something's got to give

[quasi horizon]

honestly take a one week break then

or take an indefinite break if it gets too muc

[tropic palm]

i respect ur hustle man

where do u find positions to apply to?

i mostly use linkedin and i see much more for entry level

[quasi horizon]

how many are those even open istg 70% of those postings are fake

[tropic palm]

i feel this

[tropic palm]

i meant to say i dont see many more new postings these past few weeks

[eager apex]

Thank you guys. I use LinkedIn, Indeed, WorkAtStartUp, Wellfound, and Ziprecruiter. I'm more on LinkedIn though

[quasi horizon]

its close to eoy so stuff are wrapping

but its getting ridiculous the amount of those fake postings that its make me like whats the even point

might as well apply directly if they can't even do a good job centralizing jobs

[polar kiln]

I began doing that in my last job search.

Just had a list of companies I'd apply for directly once a week

[quasi horizon]

honestly i might just that as well got enough yoe i can be more picky

[opaque pewter]

I yielded much better results that way, yeah.

[quasi horizon]

this might work proper for big tehc, startups many and hard to track around

[eager apex]

The company got back to me last night. They told me they loved me and want to give me the position, but they're now trying to prioritize a different position since they're still in the startup phase. but my role is still a priority and they'll get back to me in two weeks with an update...

Meaning I'm pretty sure in two weeks they'll message me to tell me that they miscalculated and no longer need me. Went through 4 rounds of interviews for nothing. It's always some BS. I'm honestly frustrated and exhausted.

[pliant swallow]

Fingers crossed you still have a chance man 🤞

[tropic palm]

sorry man at least u know ur doing something right

[eager apex]

Thank you guys, I appreciate the support. Definitely a tough time, and this job market doesn't make it any easier lol, but I can't wait to look back at these times in the future and remember how hard I currently am working for my future

[quasi horizon]

If you make it

You can use as excuse for future

I been through worst

[eager apex]

(I hope this doesn't go against the self promo rule), but I would really appreciate it if guys could like/repost my post on LinkedIn and help me if possible https://www.linkedin.com/posts/richardulysse_opentowork-activity-7259254369051623424--VA7?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

If this goes against the self promo rule I will delete and whoever wants to help me out, please message me lol. I think I'm at the end of this job hunt thing and I'm trying to get as much assistance as I can atp

[tropic palm]

dropped u a like

[quasi horizon]

Dropped a connect

[tropic palm]

i think 2025 could be more promising. i wish i had some advice for u but i dont think theres a "trick" to crack this job market.

[eager apex]

Thank you guys!

[eager apex]

Yeah I know, it really sucks lol

[quasi horizon]

boxx are you looking to jump

or got laid off

[tropic palm]

i think he is ng

[quasi horizon]

gotcha

[eager apex]

I got laid off in March

[polar kiln]

<@&334913404865085440>

[warped eagle]

petergeorge0727 was banned. | Scammer / Rule 2

[austere wren]

Hi @eager apex , I believe next year will be a great opportunity for you. I’m confident that 2025 will bring you the chances and success you're looking for. Keep pushing forward!

[eager apex]

Thank you so much! I do appreciate your kind words of affirmation. My mindset definitely has changed and do not plan on quitting on landing my job, just work harder every chance that I get to.

[rotund pawn]

LFG @eager apex keep up the good work

[eager apex]

🙏🏾For sure. Seeing y’all comments encouraging me to keep going help me a lot as well

[eager apex]

Thank you so much for the wishes. I wish you strength as you continue pushing forward as well! It's not easy

[eager apex]

Looks like this thread might be coming to an end this week. I should have updates by tomorrow or early next week

[eager apex]

Got my first offer! So happy. Also waiting back to hear from another company on Monday to compare the two offers

[coral glacier]

CONGRATS DUDE

[eager apex]

Thank you!!

[opaque pewter]

It's over

[eager apex]

Yes! Finally over

[eager apex]

Thank you Blazer!

[livid granite]

@eager apex good job!! mind if i ask what companies they are?

[eager apex]

Thank you! I will share the companies, just waiting for the second company's response by EOD

[inner heron]

congrats dude! as someone who graduated in 2023 were you applying for new grad positions?

[eager apex]

No, I was applying for roles that were around 1-3 YOE

[inner heron]

I'll keep that in mind as im gearing up myself

any tips and tricks you can impart

[eager apex]

Stay focused/locked in. Keep applying, grind on leetcode, create personal projects, and continue to expand your network on LinkedIn.

I just got my second offer today! They're paying me more than double my last job did and I don't have to move.

[inner heron]

Also did you have internships? Cause I got none after graduating so I'm at a disadvantage with that

[eager apex]

No internships

I did work on a lot of personal projects though

[eager apex]

So I accepted the second offer. No longer unemployed! 🙂 It's the end of the thread. It was between Analytic Partners and TaskRabbit, and I chose to proceed with TaskRabbit. I thank everyone who has contributed to this thread from words of encouragement, assistance, etc.

[livid granite]

best of luck at your new job!

[hushed mist]

Congrats dude!

[novel lodge]

Can you give us your process of finding jobs and applying for them?

[eager apex]

Yes, I'll try to send y'all what I did tomorrow probably. Currently busy cleaning up and stuff lol

[eager apex]

These were the main platforms I used for my job search: https://app.welcometothejungle.com/jobs
https://wellfound.com/
https://linkedin.com/
https://indeed.com/
https://builtin.com/

I made sure I kept adding people to my network on LinkedIn, joined groups that were relevant to me (Ex. Haitians in Tech. They had Software Engineers and Recruiters that were Haitian like me) and sent people in those groups a general message.

I also was on LinkedIn and if I applied to one company that I had interest in, I'd Google their competitors as well to see if they're also looking for Software Engineers (Why wouldn't they be if their competitors are)

And here's sort of like the template I used to send a message to recruiters/hiring managers when asked for 'Why I want to join', A cover letter, etc.

Dear Hiring Team,
I am writing to express my interest in the Software Engineer position at [company name]. My career started as a Software Engineer at [Company Name], where I have gained experience in a variety of technologies including [List of Technologies]. Working at [Company], my role entailed participating in a team that developed [Product] a web application […Desc of product]. Hired as a full stack Software Engineer, my responsibility was heavily front-end focused, and had a vital role of me collaborating with the product design team, marketing, and other developers within my team. I hope to be a quintessential candidate for this role as I am a driven Software Engineer, a promising investment to the company who constantly desires to elevate and push forward. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications in more detail. Thank you for your time and consideration.
LinkedIn: []
Github: []
Portfolio website: []
With gratitude,
[Name here]

[inner heron]

oh shit a fellow haitian glad to see some one else interested in swe

got a link to that group?

[eager apex]

Yesssir lol there’s a lot of Haitian Software Developers

And I’ll send the link to you