I've been in the tech industry for almost 15 years, working in web development, systems development, database development, and systems engineering (SQL is my specialty). Recently, I got laid off and it feels like my only options are for entry-level positions focused on AI training. I've applied to around 1,000 jobs, but I keep encountering scams, interviews for non-existent jobs, and unhelpful automated responses. Is it really this tough to land a tech job, or is there something I'm missing?
4 Answers
It’s crazy how having 15 years of experience can work against you nowadays. Companies often see seasoned professionals as too expensive. They'd rather hire younger, less experienced people at a lower cost. Meanwhile, there's a flood of laid-off engineers from big companies all competing for the same mid-level roles, making it tougher for everyone.
You're definitely not alone in this struggle! The job market is really tough right now. With your background in SQL, I suggest focusing on data engineering or analytics—those areas seem a bit more promising compared to general software development roles. It’s crucial to network and seek referrals, as cold applications often get filtered out automatically. It sounds rough, but leveraging your connections could really help you break through.
Have you thought about using AI to tailor your resume? Many applicants nowadays are using AI to help optimize their resumes for those pesky filters. Plus, there are tools to check for spelling and grammar to make sure everything looks professional.
The tech job market is a bit of a mess right now. Rather than relying on job sites, most good hires come through personal referrals. Just recently, I hired someone who walked in with their resume—it was so much easier than sifting through all the random applications that seem like they're generated by bots. It's frustrating because the job postings often attract a lot of junk applications, and companies need to be more selective with who they reach out to.
Yeah, having AI check your spelling can save you from little mistakes that might slip through when you're updating it!