If you can't find a job right now, you're not alone...

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their journey of unemployment after losing a job six months ago. They discuss the challenges of living in an expensive city, declining job offers due to a desire for a fulfilling role, and the importance of networking and referrals. The creator reflects on lessons learned, including the necessity of continuous job searching, the value of real interviews, and the significance of cultural fit in the hiring process. They also touch on the disappointment of missing out on equity due to inflexible terms and the emotional rollercoaster of job hunting.

Takeaways

• 💼 Lost job and severance ran out, currently unemployed.
• 🏡 Living with parents during tough times, considering it normal in some cultures.
• 💻 Tech market is tough, but personal choices also contributed to the situation.
• 🔄 Reflecting on the past 6 months and lessons learned.
• 🌐 Believes in the power of networking and reaching out to old contacts.
• 🔄 Realized the importance of always being open to new job opportunities.
• 📈 Learned that doing real interviews is the best way to improve.
• 🤖 Interviewers might be suspicious if performance is too perfect.
• 👥 Importance of fitting in with company culture, the 'airport test'.
• 💡 Value of referrals in job hunting, even when not fully qualified.
• 🚫 Declining a job offer due to unfavorable equity vesting terms.

Q & A

How long has it been since the speaker lost their job?

The speaker has been unemployed for about 6 months since losing their job.

What was the speaker's reaction to living with their parents during the pandemic?

The speaker found living at home during the pandemic to be a lifesaver and suggests normalizing it.

What is the speaker's educational background?

The speaker is a software engineer who studied computer science at Rice University.

What was the reason the speaker declined job offers they received?

The speaker declined job offers because they were not genuinely excited about the opportunities, preferring to wait for a role that aligns with their interests.

What was the speaker's strategy during their time off before starting to look for a job?

The speaker decided to enjoy life, take a break from work, and not actively recruit for a new job.

What lesson did the speaker learn about the importance of always being in the recruiting process?

The speaker learned that one should always be recruiting, even when not actively job hunting, to keep leads warm and opportunities open.

Why did the speaker decide to start looking for a job again?

The speaker needed money and was also getting bored after a period of not working.

What was the outcome of the speaker's interview with the company they had previously received an offer from?

The company informed the speaker that they did not have the headcount to hire them, despite the speaker's previous success with them.

What was the speaker's experience with the interview process after a long break?

The speaker found that doing real interviews was the best way to improve, even if it meant making mistakes and feeling embarrassed.

Why did the speaker get rejected from a company they felt they performed well at?

The speaker was rejected possibly due to the interviewer's suspicion of cheating, despite the speaker's strong performance.

What was the significance of the speaker's interview with the company in downtown Manhattan?

The interview was significant because it was for a role the speaker was genuinely excited about and it included a system design interview, which is crucial for senior roles.

What was the final outcome of the speaker's job search as described in the script?

The speaker received an offer but declined it due to unfavorable equity terms that would have locked them in for a longer period.