Feeling deflated with job search after RIF
I was impacted by a RIF at my last company where ~30% got laid off. It’s been 5-6 wks since the lay off and have been very active looking for a job (applied to a number of different places) and networking; however after 4 onsites and a few phone screens, they decided to go with another candidate and passed on me. One of them even made it through all of the rounds. Was going to offer but decided to pull offer due to hiring hold. I know I should feel lucky to be in final contention but feeling very deflated from it. Two of the three required i come onsite twice and all had case study homework. I wanted to make sure I’m applying to places I want to work for and also titles that would be a good lateral or advance move. Should I continue with this mindset in finding the “right fit” and “ideal job”? I don’t really want to settle for a lower title or a place that doesn’t make sense. A few I feel like have passed on me because my previous salary was high for their range and would require 20-25% pay cut. Just feeling deflated as each rejection feels like a reset and having to start over with interviews. It’s also getting close to end of 2019 so I’m afraid of hiring slow down. I have about 13 yoe and currently live in Bay Area, which is incredibly expensive for unemployed. Open to Bay Area, Seattle, LA, Austin, Chicago and nyc.
Keep trying. If you feel the compensation is a problem, have that conversation with the recruiter. In the past I have taken a lateral move with just the base salary matched at a smaller company. Might be an option unless you rely on bonus and RSU income. Yes, December is kinda slow for hiring, but it will pick up like crazy in January.
End of year is generally slow. You just need one right offer. Wish you all the luck.
Keep fighting OP. People go through a lot worse in their lives. What differentiates you isnt what knocked you down but how you got up. Edit: also if you are an SDE and willing to relocate to los angeles, dm me.
I’m not an SDE. I’m more in business/sales planning and operations. I would love to consider LA though. Would be excited to connect.
If pay seems to be the only blocker, then perhaps you can do a better job of illustrating how you will benefit your potential employers. Show them with numbers how you’ve done it in the past. Show them that you are worth more than their other candidates.
If your pay matches your level I might recommend just holding off on the salary convo until after you have at least an initial offer. If you have two medium level offers, they’ll each compete for you and end up hopefully hitting your target TC
I’ve failed more interviews than I can count. Take a minute to process each one, identify anything you can learn from it, and keep plowing through. 4 rejections is nothing. I know it feels discouraging, but it’s absolutely normal. Best of luck!
Just wanted to say it happens to the best of us. Life has its ups and downs. I'm also one who doesn't want to settle. So I understand you. I've been at the place making super low TC in the past so I am very sure that I'd rather wait for the right opportunity to find something I'm excited about.
Don't loose hope. Learn from each experience. Dedicate time to learning what is expected at your role. Holidays is not the best time to be looking. You'll find something you like early next year.
This is normal. You will go through ups and downs. Realize that each interview experience makes you stronger. Eventually you will nail a great job. I think it took me 3 months.