A folder called Rejections, how do you and your ego deal with it?
EDIT: TC: 170k YOE: 9 Role: Tpm There is no tldr because this is a vulnerable post. ——————————— I have been with Amazon for 9 years, I am seasoned and have consistently grown within this company. I am good at what I do, believe in the brand and its impact but am aware that because I have grown internally, I make 20% less than new hires with my experience and qualifications (I have an MBA, CISSP, and PMP ceritication). I want to finally get what I deserve but in the last couple of months, I have faced at least 3 rejections because they either put me on standby till someone better came along, said they wanted more technical domain expertise even though their job openings said ‘deep domain knowledge can be learned’ or because they just did not like me (I am assuming this). I am a top performer with my current company and know I would kill any project because of my past experience but seem to not be able to find a job outside to the degree that I have made a REJECTIONS folder in my inbox. It is a hit to my ego each time too because I know I am good but no one wants to give me a chance. Question is, how do you deal with rejection and continue to be positive? Did you ever land a new job after months and loads of rejection?
Have you approached your current boss with a proposal for enhanced TC or are you set on a new organization? If you’re as valuable as you contend then they should be receptive. It’s always easier to retain good talent than recruit.
3 rejections are nothing. Come back when you’ve at least 30.
OP - first, you aren't the only star performer who has faced rejections. If you're already hurt and dejected at 3 rejections, imagine having 64 rejections out of 70 job applications. That was my experience, the last time i was looking for a job. And like you, I consider myself quite a catch. The answer is not always that you're second rate or that you don't have the skills. Almost always, it's that the candidate may not be the best fit and the hiring team is willing to wait for the ideal candidate because they aren't in a rush. While you may be underpaid and want to move elsewhere to reset your market worth, the process takes time. You basically have to continue to remind yourself your self-worth with respect to who you are and what makes you that good (as you say you are). You also should focus on the roles that truly match your skills and represent your profile better. How much do you truly understand the job description, as it's written in the job posting, and it's alignment with your skills, before you apply to one?
I love this, thank you for the kind words. Every dog has his day and currently this dog (me) is down. Everyone kicking a dog which is already down should be ashamed of themselves. I only apply to roles that match my experience and where I know I will crack the interview. So far all 3 were in the same company because I want to join this company after amazon and all 3 came up with weird excuses “standby”, “deep domain knowledge”, “no response yet”. I am a TPM but don’t have deep domain knowledge, maybe that’s what they needed or maybe they just didn’t like me. 😞
Well, this itself is a problem I think. If you're targeting one particular company and almost mass applying to roles, it will most likely work against you. They will never admit or disclose to you, but they probably see your keen interest as desperation. I would suggest you broaden your horizon and look for other jobs and companies. Deep domain knowledge is oversold. Your ultimate goal, it seems, should be a job that allows you to leverage your current skills and provide opportunity for growth AND pays market value for your skills. Whether it comes with this company you're pursuing or elsewhere shouldn't matter.
Only three? New grads these days can go through hundreds of rejections before they land their first offer and your ego is bruised after three? How many skills have you mastered in your life after only three attempts at it? Interviewing is a skill just like everything else.
This is extremely unkind and presumptuous. I have gone through 100s in my career but 3 in 3 months because it took me 3 months to get to an on-site in the first place. How many skills have I mastered? I have been certified for 4 different things since I started looking. Don’t assume things, ask.
Do you really believe tech interviews haven't changed in 9 years? Have you done a single problem on Leetcode? No wonder you get paid less than new grads.
Three isn't many. Yes, new people at the same level get paid more than you due to more demand than supply ( or you didn't nego as well as them) If you continue to 'fail' try doing some mock interviews with MBA classmate or a professional coach. Also network with employees as your target co teams, do you can get some back channel feedback.
AND you're at Amazon! Congrats on that!
Thank you! I do a lot of mocks and will continue that with my network. Yeah, it was 9 years ago and I didn’t negotiate well. 😞
Yes,you should be applying to a place everyday or so. From what I've heard (0-5 yoe), you basically lose an order of magnitude at each stage. 100 applications - 10 interviews - 1 offer. It's usually a bit better than that, but that's a nice rule of thumb for comparison because most people are a bit better, but not by that much.
Thanks bud! How is ATT? Genuinely curious!
Yes 3 rejections is nothing, however I do understand your frustration with not landing a job you really want. I'd say it depends on your mindset of finding reasons to keep pursuing the right opportunity. Like previous posts mentioned, it's definitely about improving and developing yourself continuously for the next opportunity and diversifying your job search. As far as not getting a role after an interview process, look at it this way... basically you are not getting something you never had to begin with. Anyways good luck and don't give up!
You know when you’re trying to hit bullseye and you try it over and over again when you miss but it only fuels your determination? That’s how I feel about this company. But you’re right, I should broaden my horizon and not get emotions get in the way of logic. At the end of the day, it’s all about the money honey (well not all but you get the gist!) 🤑
If you feel you are undervalued and are not getting what you deserve, go to market. This is a try'd and true plan, let the market tell you good or bad. Also, if you are not being matched to others with experience and skills you can go to HR about a pay gap. You just need to male sure whatever you are arguing for you can back up to someone who is making that, especially with technical skills.
Thanks! Trying to go hardcore into the market, you can’t imagine how many strings I’ve pulled and favors I’ve called in to get employee referrals! Trying my best!!! For the second part, it is against company policy to discuss compensation amongst employees no? It works on blind and Glassdoor because it is anonymous but I’m not so sure if a colleague will be willing to vouch to HR on how much more they make than me!
Going to HR is a little different, as you would actually be filling a complaint in sense. They would need to go with it to a compensation team and compare it. Also, if you have a levels system outline, check there and see what your level is including. This would better put together your stance. Now HR will conduct this anonymously, or atleast should. Just recognize they could come back and ask you to take any test with positions, they may also tell you to screw as they don't find your arguments valid. I personally would just hit the market and find out the biggest offer I can get. I would tell companies I make what I compare myself to at your current role. See if the market delivers what you demand.
You’re meant to go where you’re meant to go.. how are you branding yourself? What’s your current role/YOE? Also.. tc or gtfo
Done sire