I’m depressed from rejections. Need help
First, I want to make it clear that I’m not working at Intel. This is a friend’s account. I can honestly say that I’m already in a state of depression. I’m currently a postdoc in one of the top 3 universities in the US, a position I’ve held for over 3 years. I had my PhD from one of the top 2 universities in the UK. I worked for more than 2 years after my MSc (before going for my PhD) and for more than 4 years after my BSc (before my MSc). And I have top professional certifications in my field from US and the UK. As a student, I’ve always performed exceptionally and, as a professional, I’m a whizz on the job. However, although I was able to get a Green Card through the extraordinary ability route, I’ve been experiencing great difficulties securing a job. I’ve interviewed in various industries, including oil and gas, academia and tech, and failed in all. With a tc of just $45,000 (and struggling financially), a family of 4 (with 2 kids) to cater for (plus an aged mother) and almost no hope of getting a job, I’m so much depressed. The reasons for my rejections also contribute to my depression. For example: Exxon Mobil — your skills are too sophisticated, we always give things you can do to external consultants Chevron — we are not trying to understand things, we are trying to solve problems. Amazon (non tech) — you’re too technical/scientific, we need a generalist (rejected after second phone interview) Facebook (non tech) — we appreciate your success and professionalism but we’re sorry it didn’t work out this time (after on-site) Apple (non tech) — the team determined that you’re very strong (especially technically) but went with an internal candidate (rejected just yesterday after waiting for on-site decision for 4 weeks) All these are roles which I believe I would’ve performed extremely well. I’ll classify myself as an introvert and I’m very calm and soft spoken but I’ve tried to improve my interview skills through various means. However, this hasn’t yielded any result. Despite the rejections and my depression, I’m not prepared to give up at all. But I must confess that this has affected my performance in my current position. I would really appreciate any help and advice. Thanks for your kind attention.
You got this! Don’t give up! Interview is just like any skills. Practice makes perfect. I recommend doing tons of mocks (perhaps even hiring a coach for it). Instead of focusing on the down side. Focus on the real reasons why didn’t they hire you. Could you answer behavioral questions better (e.g, was your story clear; use the STAR frame work?)? When answering technical questions, did you use a frame work? Did you communicate in a simple way that anyone can understand? Did you tell a good story of “tell me about yourself?” I believe your problems lay in the technicality of interviewing. Reassess what went wrong (what really went wrong). And the reason can not be “I am too much of a specialist.” A generalist can not be a specialist but a specialist can always be a generalist. Be honest with yourself, figure out what the problems are, practice with other people, and “persistence”!!!!! U got this, OP!
Agree. It's possible you're perfect for the roles however may need improvement with interviews. You could always pay professionals online for coaching. I guess it's hard to be perfect at everything because there's an opportunity cost to become skilled in an area vs another. It may also be that you just need a bit more focus on the soft skills side of things (i.e. demonstrating that you're bright, social and enthusiastic)
@Reddit qCWp65 I’m extremely grateful for your time and kind advice. You’ll never know what this means to me. I did work on improving my interview skills but it’s obvious I need to do more. I’ll definitely follow your guidance. Many thanks. @Amazon qrUf20 Thanks very much for your insights. Knowing that I can answer almost all technical questions in my field, I’ve always focused on the soft skills side in my interview preparations but I admit I need to work more on this. Thank you very much.
Op. You can do it. Practice makes perfect. Don’t be harsh on yourself. Broaden your job search. Reach out to recruiters.
Based on description of your profile I think you need to setup one to one with specialist consultants
@Citrix QMAg48. Thanks again for your thoughtful advice. I’ve always tried to reach out to recruiters and hiring managers whenever I’m able to find them, just that not all of them responds. But I’ll continue to do this. Thank you. @Mastercard vMpa43 Thanks for your advice. I’m currently reviewing the profiles of interview coaches. But if you know anyone who can train me, I would appreciate it. I’m willing to pay. Thank you.
Message for msft referral and if you want to vent with me
Thank you very much for your message. In fact, I applied for a position at Microsoft a week ago and I contacted the hiring manager through LinkedIn but she hasn’t replied. I would appreciate any help from you. I can dm you if you don’t mind. Many thanks.
I apply for non-technical roles because because my PhD (and experience) isn’t in computer science or engineering. My PhD is a combination of materials science, chemistry, geochemistry, environmental science, numerical simulation. I would appreciate any help. Thank you.
@Facebook eanh61 Thanks for your advice. I’ll start searching for positions in smaller companies. Geothermal, hydrogen, carbon capture are among my areas of expertise. Thank you.
I see you as a smart and diligent guy. I also had tough time finding job. Its depressing however you will get it. I am sure as I also got it.
Thank you very much for your kind words of encouragement. I’m extremely grateful.
I totally believe, interview skills are different from real work a person can do. But unfortunately, you need to clear the interview. Sorry no advice but wish you all the best for your interviews, experienced interviewers identify good candidates.
Thank you very much. Your comments mean a lot to me.
Start with smaller companies and start broad. Use the initial phase of interviews as de facto mock interviews and learning opportunity. As you get better, the opportunities will too. This will help you overcome your relative lack of tech experience faster.
Thank you very much for your guidance. I’ll start applying to smaller companies to gain the necessary skills. Many thanks.
It sounds like you were throwing around your credentials in the interviews. Learn what the hiring team need before talking to them, and only bring up relevant experience during the interview. Don't try to show what you know, show what you've done or what you would have done.
Thanks for your advice. Conversely, I’m not an expressive person and I hate talking about myself or my credentials. I prefer to make impact without getting noticed - I abhor attention and really enjoy my quietness. I talk only when it becomes necessary, such as when I give presentations or during interviews. And I always ensure that I focus only on what I’ve done even during introduction except if an interview asks about my credentials. Nonetheless, I’ll work more on focusing on what I’ve done. Thank you very much.
I totally understand, myself and the majority of people in tech are like this. That's why a lot of them rely on connections since it's so hard for introverts to sell themselves to strangers. You should absolutely try to make connections everywhere you go, it'll improve your chances tremendously. That said, even if you already have good reputation and the interviewer likes you, you still need to feed them relevant stories so they can justify their hiring decision. If you rely on them to probe you, you'll get much less opportunity to show case your qualifications.
Rejection is a redirection, feel free to DM me.
Thanks. I’ve messaged you.
Fuck that attitude. If you have nothing constructive to say don’t open you fu&&$g hole.
Why are some people on blind this idiotic. It beats me. Is the anonymity eating your brain cells. If it's not TC or GTFO nonsense it's some snag comment.