You have raised awesome points! I was also stuck in job searching situation until 2 months ago. For me, these things helped me alot:
preparing for interviews every time I got a call from company: I started reading interview preparing books & commonly asked technical questions over the internet. I made hand written notes about all the stuff that I've either practiced in actual projects or knew only theoretically. After every interview, I would update my notes in case I was asked about something new.
Having regular followups with companies: This is something that I got to learn to learn from my sister. Companies on frequent basis get tonnes of resumes specially during summers. It's really hard for them to check everyones' CV. I had this rule that if a company XYZ doesn't reply within 7-10 days, I will either email or call them ask them about my application's status.
Updating status on Google Sheets: One of mates made Google sheet in which he entered names of every company he applied and a one liner about his interview experience. He then shared this sheet with rest of his peers.
Linkedin profile: Linkedin is like a solid rocket booster which can propel you to the moon. However, just like tailoring resume for job is search is essential, having solid Linkedin profile is also important.
Networking: Having friends who're already working in the industry can give insights which is can'you can't find. This includes enviroment of companies, how they filter out candidates, interview prep, average pay scale etc. They can even refer you in their company if they've worked with you before. Having someone to refer you works more efficiently than your standard approach.
The whole process was really tiring TBH. Rejection after rejections, HRs not responding on time, preparing those same questions again and again was making me frustrated. But here's the catch: Everyone who's at the same level as you is goind throught the same phase. The will to face all the failures is most crucial aspect of this. Keeping your sanity is more important than all of this in my opinion.
Everyone has his/her time of success. Waiting for the moment is worth keep working moment.
P.S: If someone needs those programming books, I've "Cracking the Coding Interview" & "Programming Interview Exposed" in PDF format. I can email these files easily.
Thank you so much for adding a few extra pointers!!! I think that your point about following up is a great one. I sometimes have a hard time getting past the idea that I may be bothering them, but that's silly. Also, I'd love a PDF version of Cracking the Coding Interview. :)
Keeping regular followups is indeed hard. But it also shows that you as candidate are really interested in them. Also you need to move on to other companies if you know that the one where you've already applied isn't interested in calling. In my opinion, it is their responsibility to send candidates a proper follow up response (whether they're rejecting you or keeping you on hold). If they're not doing it than candidates have right to ask themselves.
In my comment, I forgot to mention 2 other points
Always study the company profile before going for an interview. Read about their product(s)/services, core values. Ask interviewer(s) about their daily office routine, challenges that they face in technical and communication terms etc. These kinds of post interview conversations prove your interest and individual curiosity.
Give them a thank you card at the end of an interview as a gesture of appreciation.
About the tracking sheet, companies which are mentioned in it are all local. However, you can easily get the idea how companies engage with candidates during hiring process.
You have raised awesome points! I was also stuck in job searching situation until 2 months ago. For me, these things helped me alot:
The whole process was really tiring TBH. Rejection after rejections, HRs not responding on time, preparing those same questions again and again was making me frustrated. But here's the catch: Everyone who's at the same level as you is goind throught the same phase. The will to face all the failures is most crucial aspect of this. Keeping your sanity is more important than all of this in my opinion.
Everyone has his/her time of success. Waiting for the moment is worth keep working moment.
P.S: If someone needs those programming books, I've "Cracking the Coding Interview" & "Programming Interview Exposed" in PDF format. I can email these files easily.
Thank you so much for adding a few extra pointers!!! I think that your point about following up is a great one. I sometimes have a hard time getting past the idea that I may be bothering them, but that's silly. Also, I'd love a PDF version of Cracking the Coding Interview. :)
Here's the pdf cracking_the_coding_interview_pdf_...
Keeping regular followups is indeed hard. But it also shows that you as candidate are really interested in them. Also you need to move on to other companies if you know that the one where you've already applied isn't interested in calling. In my opinion, it is their responsibility to send candidates a proper follow up response (whether they're rejecting you or keeping you on hold). If they're not doing it than candidates have right to ask themselves.
In my comment, I forgot to mention 2 other points
Always study the company profile before going for an interview. Read about their product(s)/services, core values. Ask interviewer(s) about their daily office routine, challenges that they face in technical and communication terms etc. These kinds of post interview conversations prove your interest and individual curiosity.
Give them a thank you card at the end of an interview as a gesture of appreciation.
Thank you so much for adding to this discussion!!!
I would love those if you could mate louissasha@gmail.com. thanks ahead
Done!
@mizra I would love a copy of the Google job tracking sheet as well as the programming interview books.
here you go:
books
Job Tracking Sheet
About the tracking sheet, companies which are mentioned in it are all local. However, you can easily get the idea how companies engage with candidates during hiring process.
Thanks @Mizra super helpful. I hope to return the favor one day. When in Atlanta drop in for coffee. Cheers
Let me know if there are any Software Engineering spots opened in Atlanta.
Sure thing. You should join the tech404 slack group and Code for Atlanta slack group. Lots of job posting in both groups.
Best!