Back in April I had some issues with my current employer. False harassment case that got me demoted from a position i just got promoted too. Was proven by hr to be false but nonetheless demotion still occurs. I was beat up but my supervisor was like, hey your smart youll bounce back. They were right, I bounced back and found another opportunity. I wasnt concerned about pay to much as I wanted to get similar pay but more experience.
Probably close to 50 applications
12 initial screening
8 phone interviews
5 in person interviews
4 job offers.
Didnt get the one I really wanted, but got the consolation prize
Biggest things ive learned in this job cycle
The market right now is absolutely brutal. Macro backdrop isn't strong right now. Labor market is in a low hire low fire kind of cycle.
Leverage the crap out of AI. With the help of Claude, AI job search engine, I was able to tailor my resume and cover letter to every job I applied for.
Interviews have to go perfect. No more where if you dont answer 1-2 questions okay but not the best. To progress to an on-site or even get an offer you have to be spot on and well researched on every single aspect of what the company does any what the role entails
Look for red flags. If there is a disconnect between HR and the boots on the ground, consider that to be a red flag. If HR is asking questions beyond the requirements of the job description, its a red flag. If site is just a little to lax/unprofessional, its a red flag
Dont be afraid to reject. In this market it is tough. If you get offered but you dont feel like it is the right fit, dont be afriad, more opportunities will come.
Give yourself some time and pace yourself. I started my search in April and really went full boar in the middle of May. Job I accepted didnt post until middle of May. Initial questions early June, phone interview mid June, on site late june, and offered first day of July.
Dont apply to 50 jobs in one weekend. You'll drain your energy and feel absolutely crushed
More money is the goal but if your building your career don't be afriad to focus more on short term experience growth. I am gonna go from being an operator at my current employer to the op lead at a small manufacturing shop. Ill be doing production management, inventory, planning, shipping, training, and hands on work. Lots of experienced rolled into one position.
Don't beat yourself up if you don't hear anything. Looking for a job takes time. Don't get attached to one job either.
Just because your qualified doesnt means you'll move on. Plenty of job I was qualified/over qualified for just rejected me. Its okay. Dont be salty just move on.
Keep your mental health in check. Dont derail or become so one-sided you dont do anything else while your job search that was one mistake i made and it affected my mental health and my marrisge. Thinking i had to get out and leave asap. My advice, especially with AI, you should alot 2-3x hours 1-3 times a week. With AI you can apply up to 10 jobs in that time pretty easily.
I wish everyone the best luck in their search!