Finding a New Job in 2021 - It’s HARD! (95% Rejection Rate)

Job Search Journey Summary

Overview

• Duration: 18 weeks (with 5 weeks from application to offer)
• Initial Outlook: Optimistic due to high job openings, but faced challenges specific to Data Analytics roles.

Key Insights

• Labor Market Shift: Labor Day marked a turning point; prior to September, it was mostly rejections.
• Burnout: Experienced a significant dip in confidence, requiring a break in Week 11.
• Resume Format Impact: Transition to Method E resume format (more modern, visually appealing) was crucial, with the first interview requests only appearing after its implementation.
• Rejection Statistics:
• 95% rejection rate (includes ghosting)
• 1 in 20 applications resulted in an interview
• 3 months for a screening interview
• 5 weeks from application to an offer

Stats

• Total Applications: 88
• Interviews: 5
• Rejections: 83
• Withdrawn: 4

Weekly Breakdown

Q1: Weeks 1-11

• Weeks 1-6:
  • Method A: Direct applications to company websites.
  • Results: 100% rejection rate.
  • Total Apps: 19
• Weeks 7-11:
  • Method B: Focused applications to specific companies.
  • Results: Continued high rejection rate, leading to mental exhaustion.
  • Total Apps: 32

Week 11:

• Break: Took time off to reset, recognizing the toll of constant rejections.

Q2: Weeks 12-19

• Week 12:

  • Method E: Updated resume format.
  • Results:
    • 14 applications
    • 2 interview requests
    • Signs of improvement after shifting the resume style.

• Week 13-14:

  • Continued Success with Method E:
    • Snagged interview requests and positive responses.
    • Increased applications but maintained focus on quality.

• Weeks 15-16:

  • Interviewing Phase:
    • 2nd round interviews and multiple requests solidified the upward trend.
    • Juggled several companies simultaneously.

• Week 17:

  • Tentative Offer from Company B:
    • Focus shifted towards finalizing logistics for the offer.

• Week 18:

  • Firm Offer Received:
    • Continued engaging with other companies, but ultimately decided to accept the offer from Company B.

Strategy Going Forward

• Approach: Focus on direct applications (Resume -> Company Portal) without gimmicks or reliance on networking.
• Mindset: Resilience is key; high rejection rates are common, but persistence leads to success.

Encouragement

• Message to Others: Don't give up! A 95% rejection rate can feel disheartening, but remember that you only need one opportunity to succeed. Celebrate small victories, learn from the process, and keep pushing forward.