I was unemployed for a couple years. I’ve never felt this horrible about my situation ever. My last unemployment bout, I was in final rounds of interviews with Microsoft, Netflix, Google, Amazon… it was a feast of riches! Then… the market changed. I couldn’t even get an interview. (I’m a senior data architect/engineer/strategist, etc.). I don’t know how many applications I sent but well into the thousands. And heard back from none of them, other than an automated “we really appreciate that you took the time to… but we have decided…”

Anyway, I finally got a personal referral to a position and was hired within a week.

My takeaway: new grads are screwed. It’s all about referrals and intros. And LinkedIn is a garbage heap. Apply for nothing on that site.

I remember getting so hopeful about an email from a recruiter for a role that seemed like a perfect fit. They strung me along for a bit until they started asking for my SSN and bank info. Another one strung me along to try and get me to pay for an ATS-compliant resume.

Meanwhile, I’m balancing between groceries and electricity as a single mom, with the mortgage company patiently waiting for me to get a job (j/k they weren’t patient.)

Anyway, I finally finally finally am in what seems like a good place so 1. Please don’t lose hope 2. Join any networking communities in your field that you can because intros are everything.

I’m happy to review your resume or make intros.