Laid off January of 2024, 4000 applications, loads of preliminary calls with recruiters, 4-5 final interviews and I finally signed an offer letter today :)

The last year has been nothing short of demoralizing looking for work, however I did drastically change my approach the last two months and it finally paid off. For reference, I have a degree in MIS, 2+ years experience in IT along with 3+ years in supply chain/customer success. I casted a wide net of roles I applied to. A lot of analyst roles, account management, customer success, sales, logistics/procurement/supply chain and much more. Although I was getting some hits every now and then the things I did the last two months seemed to pay off. First, I used a website named teal to change my resume. Condensed it to 1 page and made sure all bullets were measurable using things like time, money or other KPI’s. Second I made a resume that was more business facing and one that was more analyst facing. Third, I reactivated my LinkedIn premium. This allowed me to message hiring managers for the roles I applied to, I would try to apply for roles that were posted within 24 hours. Now I know a lot of people think the quick apply function is typically useless but the three job offers I got this week were all from quick applies. But probably the most important thing was consistency, atleast 3 days a week I would sit on my laptop for 6+ hours at a coffee shop and just grind, wether it was applying, tweaking my resume, networking, following up or just reading thru reddit for tips. Now I did have to suck it up and take a job that was 5 days a week in the office coming from full time remote but in all reality, is that even that bad? Now I dont think anything I just mentioned is very groundbreaking but it is what worked for me. I know many of y’all are in the same boat I was and I know it can take a toll on your mental health. All I can suggest is just don’t give up and when you’re feeling down, try harder. Eventually something’s gotta take and if it’s not the job you want it might be the job that will get you there. Best of luck everyone :)

Jobadvisor:

This is an incredibly inspiring story, and congratulations on landing that offer! Your persistence and strategic adjustments clearly paid off. Here's a breakdown of why your approach worked and some takeaways for others:

Key Takeaways from Your Success:

• Persistence is Paramount:
  • 4,000 applications is a testament to your dedication. Job searching is a numbers game, and you played it well.
  • Even through the demoralizing times, you kept pushing forward.
• Strategic Resume Optimization:
  • Teal and Quantifiable Results: Using a tool like Teal to refine your resume and focusing on measurable results (time, money, KPIs) is crucial. Employers want to see the impact you've made.
  • Tailored Resumes: Creating different versions of your resume to target specific roles (business vs. analyst) demonstrates your versatility and relevance.
  • One-Page Focus: Condensing your experience to a single page forces you to highlight the most important and impactful achievements.
• Leveraging LinkedIn Premium:
  • Direct Outreach: Messaging hiring managers directly is a powerful way to stand out from the crowd.
  • Timely Applications: Applying for recently posted jobs increases your chances of being seen.
• The Power of "Quick Apply":
  • Your experience proves that the "quick apply" function can be effective, especially when combined with other proactive strategies.
• Consistent Effort and Routine:
  • Setting aside dedicated time for job searching, even when it's draining, is essential. The "grind" at the coffee shop created a structured and focused environment.
• Adaptability and Flexibility:
  • Being willing to accept a role that wasn't your ideal (5 days in office) shows your adaptability and commitment to getting back to work. Sometimes, a "stepping stone" job can lead to better opportunities.
• Mental Resilience:
  • Acknowledging the mental toll of job searching and pushing through it is vital. Your advice to "try harder" when feeling down is excellent.
• Casting a wide net:
  • Your wide range of applied positions shows that being open to many different types of positions is a great way to increase your odds.

Why Your Approach Worked:

• You combined a high volume of applications with targeted, strategic actions.
• You focused on demonstrating your value to potential employers through quantifiable results and tailored resumes.
• You used LinkedIn effectively to network and connect with hiring managers.
• You maintained a consistent effort and routine.
• You were willing to be flexible.

Advice for Others:

• Don't give up. Your story is a testament to the fact that persistence pays off.
• Focus on quantifiable results in your resume and interviews.
• Network actively and leverage LinkedIn.
• Be open to different types of roles and companies.
• Take care of your mental health during the job search process.

Your experience is a valuable lesson for anyone navigating a challenging job market. Congratulations again on your success!

How Best to Apply for Jobs…..

I have gotten advice from many people saying not to apply for jobs directly through LinkedIn or indeed. It seems like when you do that those jobs end up being dead ends or you get ghosted. When I see jobs on indeed usually I click the blue button that says apply… Most of the time that button takes you to the website of the company that you were applying for. I usually never use the easy apply option as I think that that doesn’t work. My question is utilizing the button that directs you to the companies website… Is that basically the same thing as going to that website on your own and applying for a job that you saw on, indeed? Thoughts?

Jobadvisor:

You've hit on a common frustration for job seekers: the perceived ineffectiveness of some online application methods. Let's break down your questions and explore the best ways to apply for jobs.

Understanding the "Apply" Button on Job Boards

• Directing to Company Websites:
  • When you click the "apply" button on Indeed (or similar platforms) and it redirects you to the company's website, you are essentially taking a more direct route. This often means you're entering the company's applicant tracking system (ATS) directly.
  • Is it the same as going directly? Yes, in most cases, it is functionally the same. The job board is acting as a referral source. However, there can be subtle differences. Sometimes the link contains tracking information that lets the company know you came from Indeed.  
• "Easy Apply" Concerns:
  • Your concern about "Easy Apply" is valid. While it's convenient, it can sometimes feel like sending your resume into a black hole. Many employers receive a high volume of "Easy Apply" applications, and it can be difficult to stand out.  
  • The volume of applicants can make it hard for recruiters to give each applicant the time that they need.

Why "Ghosting" Happens and How to Improve Your Chances

• ATS Overload:
  • Many companies use ATS to filter resumes. If your resume isn't optimized for the ATS, it may never reach a human.  
  • Solution: Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job description, using keywords from the posting.  
• High Volume of Applicants:
  • Popular job postings can attract hundreds of applicants, making it difficult for recruiters to respond to everyone.
  • Solution: Network, and try to find a person inside the company to refer you.
• Passive Job Postings:
  • Some job postings remain online even after the position has been filled.  
  • Solution: Apply as soon as possible after a job is posted.
• Lack of Personalization:
  • Generic applications often get overlooked.
  • Solution: Write a compelling cover letter that highlights your relevant skills and experience and explains why you're interested in the specific company.

Best Practices for Job Applications

1. Go Directly to Company Websites (When Possible):
   • If you can find the job posting on the company's career page, apply directly there. This often shows initiative.
   • This is especially true for larger companies.
2. Network:
   • Networking is one of the most effective ways to find a job. Connect with people in your industry on LinkedIn, attend industry events, and reach out to your personal network.  
   • A referral from an employee can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview.
3. Tailor Your Applications:
   • Customize your resume and cover letter for each job you apply for. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
4. Follow Up:
   • If you haven't heard back after a week or two, send a polite follow-up email.
5. Use LinkedIn Strategically:
   • While applying directly through LinkedIn's "Easy Apply" may have limitations, LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking and researching companies.  
   • Use LinkedIn to find people who work at companies that you are interested in.
6. Find the Hiring Manager:
   • When possible try to find the hiring managers contact information. Sending them a personalized email can make you stand out.
7. Optimize your Resume for ATS:
   • Use keywords from the job description.
   • Use a simple, clean resume format.
   • Avoid using tables, images, or unusual fonts.

In summary:

• Using the "apply" button that redirects you to the company website is generally a good approach.
• Prioritize applying directly through company websites whenever possible.
• Networking is crucial.
• Tailor your applications to each job.
• Don't rely solely on online job boards.

By combining these strategies, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job.

I was denied a raise. Now what?

I was denied a raise and no bonus for the work I did this past year. I have significant proof that the work I did last year benefitted the company. I went above and beyond what was asked of me and personally felt I made a difference.

My question is… now what? Anytime I think about it, I want to distance myself as far as possible from my work. I’m worried it will affect my future performance.

I am just so disappointed, hurt, and I feel like I’ve been taken advantage of.

I have been entertaining the idea of finding another job, but nothing has come up that is anything close to what I’m doing now and I can’t find anything I’m remotely interested in.

Would love to hear from anyone who has experienced a similar situation and what you did afterward?

Jobadvisor:

It's completely understandable that you're feeling disappointed, hurt, and taken advantage of after being denied a raise and bonus despite your hard work and documented contributions. Many people have been in similar situations, and there are constructive steps you can take to navigate this. Here's a breakdown of advice:

1. Process Your Emotions:

• Acknowledge your feelings: It's okay to feel angry, frustrated, and demotivated. Allow yourself time to process these emotions without judgment.
• Don't make rash decisions: Avoid making impulsive choices while you're emotionally charged. Take some time to cool down before taking any significant action.
• Talk to someone you trust: Share your experience with a friend, family member, or mentor. Talking it out can help you gain perspective and release pent-up emotions.

2. Analyze the Situation Objectively:

• Review the feedback: If you received feedback during the denial, carefully analyze it. Look for specific reasons why your performance wasn't deemed sufficient.
• Document your achievements: You mentioned having proof of your contributions. Organize this documentation and quantify your achievements whenever possible. Use numbers and data to demonstrate your impact.
• Consider the company's perspective: While it's easy to focus on your own disappointment, try to understand the company's perspective. Are there financial constraints? Are there broader organizational changes affecting compensation?
• Evaluate your role and responsibilities: Are your current job responsibilities in line with your expectations and market value?

3. Take Action:

• Schedule a follow-up meeting: Request a meeting with your manager to discuss the decision further.
  • Prepare a clear and concise presentation of your accomplishments, using your documentation.
  • Ask for specific feedback on areas where you can improve.
  • Inquire about the criteria for future raises and bonuses.
  • If possible, ask for a timeline or a plan of action that could lead to a raise in the future.
• Negotiate non-monetary benefits: If a raise is not possible, explore other forms of compensation, such as:
  • Additional vacation time
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Increased responsibilities or leadership opportunities
• Update your resume and LinkedIn profile: Even if you're not actively searching for a new job, keeping your resume and profile up-to-date is a good practice.
• Network: Attend industry events, connect with professionals in your field, and explore potential opportunities.
• Re-evaluate your career goals: This experience may prompt you to reconsider your long-term career goals. Are you still aligned with your current company's mission and values?
• Consider internal transfers: If you are happy with the company itself, but not your current department, explore internal transfer options.
• Start a quiet job search: Even if you are not actively looking, it is always a good idea to see what else is out there. It will give you an idea of your market value.

4. Protect Your Well-being:

• Set boundaries: Don't let your disappointment affect your work-life balance. Avoid overworking or taking on excessive responsibilities.
• Focus on what you can control: You can't control your company's decisions, but you can control your response. Focus on taking positive steps to improve your situation.
• Maintain a positive attitude: Even though it's challenging, try to maintain a positive attitude at work. This will help you stay motivated and productive.
• Seek professional guidance: If you're struggling to cope with the situation, consider seeking guidance from a career counselor or therapist.

Experiences and Actions of Others:

Many people have used the denial of a raise as a catalyst for positive change. Some have:

• Successfully negotiated alternative benefits.
• Used the feedback to improve their performance and eventually earn a raise.
• Found new and more rewarding job opportunities.
• Started their own businesses or pursued freelance work.

Remember, your value is not defined by a single compensation decision. Use this experience as an opportunity for growth and empowerment.

After 288 Applications and 23 Mock Interview Meltdowns, How I Cracked PM Roles at Top Tech Giants

I began applying in March 2024 and finally accepted an offer today. My journey? Skipping meals to practice interviews, rewriting resumes on the subway, and surviving phases so brutal they’d make a Netflix documentary. Here’s the breakdown:

1️⃣ Phase 1: Chaos & Cluelessness (March 2024 – August 2024)

280+ applications → 5 interviews (all scams or companies with fax machines)

Lowlights:

Wrote “I’m a fast learner” on my resume twice.

Told an interviewer my weakness was “working too hard.”

Attended a virtual career fair where the only attendee asked about pension plans.

2️⃣ Phase 2: The Awakening (September 2024 – October 2024)

Stopped applying. Fixed everything:

Resumes: Built 6 tailored versions using ChatGPT and DeepSeek. Learned to replace “helped with stuff” with “spearheaded X project impacting 10K users.”

Interview Prep: Discovered an AI tool (mentioned later) that changed everything.

Strategy: Focused on quality over quantity—applied only to roles matching my revised resume.

3️⃣ Phase 3: Relentless Execution (November 2024 – March 2025)

280+ applications → 23 interviews → 1 offer

Daily Routine:

6 AM: Drilled behavioral questions using ChatGPT until answers felt natural.

3 PM: Simulated mock interviews with an AI tool that critiqued my pacing and filler words.

Midnight: Rewrote resume bullets using DeepSeek’s feedback to beat ATS bots.

Secret Weapon: Used Skywork AI once to analyze a critical job description—it revealed hidden keywords I’d never have noticed, which I strategically embedded in my final resume.

Tools That Saved Me

✅ Job Search:

LinkedIn/Indeed: For applications, filtered by roles matching my skills.

Handshake: Landed my first internship through university connections.

✅ Interview Prep:

Glassdoor: Researched real interview questions and company red flags.

AI Mock Tools: Practiced speaking clarity and STAR stories daily.

✅ Resume Polish:

ChatGPT/DeepSeek: Turned vague bullets into metric-driven achievements.

288 applications. 23 interviews. 1 yes.

The lesson? One smart tweak > 100 generic applications. That single Skywork AI analysis gave me the edge to finally stand out.

If I could survive typing “tea mplayer” on a resume and still win? You’ve got this.

Jobadvisor:

This is a fantastic and relatable journey! You've captured the essence of the modern job search struggle with humor and honesty. Here's a breakdown of what makes your story compelling, along with some observations and suggestions:

Strengths:

• Relatability and Humor:
  • "Chaos & Cluelessness" is spot-on.
  • "Companies with fax machines" is hilarious and paints a vivid picture.
  • "Tea mplayer" is a perfect self-deprecating moment.
  • The pension plan story is gold.
• Detailed Breakdown:
  • The phase-by-phase structure makes the journey easy to follow.
  • You provide specific examples of your mistakes and how you corrected them.
  • The daily routine gives concrete insight into your work ethic.
• Emphasis on Learning and Adaptation:
  • You highlight the importance of pivoting your strategy.
  • You show how you leveraged AI tools to improve your skills.
  • You demostrate that quality over quantity is a winning strategy.
• Tool Recommendations:
  • You provide practical tools that others can use.
  • Skywork AI is presented as a game changer.
• Inspirational Tone:
  • "If I could survive typing 'tea mplayer' on a resume and still win? You’ve got this." is a powerful and encouraging message.
  • The final statistics are very impactful.

Observations and Suggestions:

• Timeline:
  • The timeline is quite long (March 2024 to March 2025). While realistic, consider if emphasizing the intensity of the "Relentless Execution" phase could amplify the impact.
• AI Tools:
  • While you mention AI tools, consider briefly explaining how they helped. For example, "The AI mock interview tool analyzed my speech patterns, highlighting pauses and 'ums' I wasn't aware of."
  • It is great that you mention Skywork AI, and how it helped with keywords. Consider adding a sentance or two about what other functions that the AI has.
• Quantifiable Results:
  • You mention "impacting 10K users." Continue to emphasize quantifiable results wherever possible.
• Specific PM Skills:
  • While you focus on the application process, consider briefly mentioning the specific PM skills you developed (e.g., product strategy, user research, data analysis). This adds credibility to your success.
• "Top Tech Giants":
  • Consider mentioning the types of companies, or industries. This will add more impact to the statement.
• The 23 Meltdowns:
  • While you mention meltdowns, consider adding a brief, relatable anecdote. This will add more emotional depth to your story.

Example Enhancement:

Instead of:

"AI Mock Tools: Practiced speaking clarity and STAR stories daily."

Consider:

"AI Mock Tools: Practiced STAR stories daily, and the tool's analysis of my speech patterns revealed I was using 'um' excessively, which I then worked to eliminate."

Overall:

Your story is a compelling and valuable resource for anyone navigating the challenging job market. By adding a few more details and refining the narrative, you can make it even more impactful.