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I'm a Senior Data Scientist actively seeking new opportunities in the USA. My skill set includes Python, SQL, Databricks, various Machine Learning Algorithms, LLM Architecture, LangChain, LangGraph, RAG, and MCP. Currently, I'm facing challenges in my job search. Despite clearing final rounds of interviews, many positions are either being put on hold or eliminated altogether. I've also experienced ghosting after initial interviews and received direct rejections after final rounds. I've been proactive in my search, applying through LinkedIn and various career sites, reaching out for referrals, and networking extensively. I've utilized resources like MyVisaJobs, H1BGrader, and my university's career services. I even follow up after interviews, especially when roles go on hold, but I often receive no responses. I'm looking for guidance on a few things: which companies are currently hiring Senior Data Scientists or AI roles that require GenAI skills, any specific recruiters who are known to be responsive, and strategies to convert roles that are on hold into offers. I would appreciate any insights from those who have navigated similar situations successfully. Thank you!

I recently applied for a product manager position at Meta while trying to transition from the public sector to big tech. I was excited to reach the prescreen stage, but then I noticed that the job posting is no longer available. I'm feeling uncertain about my chances now. Does this mean I’m out of the running? I’ve been persistent in my job search, but I haven’t had much luck so far. I'm hoping that not being declined yet means I might still be in consideration, even if they've stopped accepting applications.

I’m feeling completely lost and overwhelmed after being laid off 18 months ago from my role in clinical research, where I dedicated 16 years of my life to advancing new medical devices. I was consistently promoted and received positive reviews, but since the layoff, it’s been a struggle. I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree part-time to enhance my skills, but my funds are running low, and unemployment benefits are about to run out. I’ve submitted around 15,000 job applications, ranging from entry-level positions to director roles, but the job market has been brutal. I’ve kept up with international regulations as part of my studies, and I’ve been told I interview well, yet I’m still facing rejection. The delays in FDA processing times have made companies hesitant to hire, which adds to my frustration. I feel like the industry I love is stagnating, and it’s taking a toll on my mental health. I’m worried about how my spouse is handling this situation since they don’t openly discuss their feelings. I just want to provide a good life for my family, but with my bank account dwindling and no clear path forward, I’m left wondering what comes next. I’ve seen so many stories of others facing similar struggles, and it’s disheartening. Despite my efforts to tailor my resume and get professional help, I’m finding it hard to get hired, especially for opportunities outside the country due to visa sponsorship concerns. I’m reaching out for some hope and encouragement because I know I have valuable skills to offer. It’s just hard to see a way out right now.

After sending out 850 applications, I finally landed a job at NVIDIA, and I want to share what changed in my approach. Initially, I was sending out about 30 tailored applications daily, but I was met with nothing but rejections, despite holding an Ivy League master's degree in engineering. I also tried reaching out to numerous recruiters on LinkedIn, but I received no responses. Then, I shifted my strategy to target hiring managers specifically for entry-level roles in my field. I invested in LinkedIn Premium and searched for positions that weren't on the first couple of pages of results, as those were often inundated with messages. I even gathered job titles and names from various publications and other search results. I reached out either through LinkedIn or, when possible, via email. I made sure to craft concise messages that would capture their attention. I started with a personal connection, referencing something specific about them, like their involvement in a project or their educational background. Then, I briefly highlighted my relevant skills and experience in one sentence, asking if they would be open to a chat. This approach yielded a response rate of about 10%, and half of those conversations led to interviews. Ultimately, this strategy helped me secure my dream job at NVIDIA. I learned that sometimes, there may not be a job posting available, but if a hiring manager likes you, they can create an opportunity. This method may not work for every industry, but the key takeaway is to connect with people in hiring positions rather than just recruiters. Once I realized this, my job search transformed significantly. Referrals didn't yield any results for me, but this direct approach made all the difference.

I've been applying for jobs lately and it's becoming really frustrating. I feel like about 50% of the job listings I encounter are just AI-generated scams. Every time I submit an application, I get back the same generic responses that clearly come from a bot. Is this the new normal for job searching? I can't help but feel disheartened. I've always found that my best luck in finding opportunities has been through in-person interactions rather than online applications. It's been a long time since I graduated, and I’ve learned not to hold my breath during the recruitment process.

I've been actively applying to jobs lately, dedicating about two hours each day to the process. However, I've started to realize that I might need to reassess my approach. A friend suggested that instead of just applying to every role, I should focus on filtering opportunities that truly match my skills and location. This advice makes sense since I’ve noticed that many of the positions I applied for weren't a good fit. By narrowing down my search criteria, I hope to reduce the number of applications I send out but increase my chances of getting responses. The job market is tough right now, but I'm determined to find a role that aligns with my expertise.

I spent the week driving around for interviews, burning through all my gas without landing any job offers. As a veteran and a college graduate, it's frustrating to be in this situation, especially when I'm sitting here feeling hungry. The interviews I attended were for retail positions, and honestly, they felt pointless. They asked me questions like, "Can you describe a situation where you dealt with a tough customer?" It seemed like the typical interview script. Each time they told me, "We have a few more interviews and we'll let you know," I couldn't help but feel that if they really wanted to hire me, they would have made a decision already. It’s disheartening to keep hearing the same line.

I had a fantastic phone interview about a week ago for a position that felt like my dream job. I was invited for an in-person interview, which went amazingly well. The interviewer and I connected really well, both during and after the interview. They mentioned they had a few more candidates to interview but expressed their intention to move me to the final round. They also assured me that they would reach out regardless of the outcome. I have a solid background in this field, and they seemed genuinely impressed by my achievements. However, now it’s been over a week without any response. I sent a follow-up email a couple of days ago but haven't heard back. While I'm applying to other roles and not overly anxious, I was really excited about this opportunity and enjoyed meeting the team and seeing the facility. Has anyone else experienced a similar situation? What was the outcome for you? I'm just curious since everything seemed to go so well.

Today marks five months since I was laid off from my role, and I can't help but reflect on this challenging journey. I've submitted over 200 applications and gone through 18 interviews, yet I'm still waiting for a full-time job offer in my field. It feels like a heavy weight, especially knowing so many others are facing similar struggles. I'm reaching out for some positivity today. For those who have been unemployed for an extended period and eventually found their way back, what kept you motivated? What valuable lessons did you learn during that tough time? When did things finally start to change for you? I'm eager to hear about what the light at the end of the tunnel looks like for you.

After 8 months of job hunting and submitting 847 applications, I finally received a job offer today, and I can hardly believe it. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster filled with 31 interviews and countless rejection emails. I actually cried—like, really ugly cried—in my car after getting the news. I want to share what changed in my approach because I know how discouraging this process can be. Around month 5, I decided to try something different. Instead of just applying through job portals, I started reaching out directly to people at companies I was interested in. I sent personalized emails to hiring managers and department heads, explaining why I wanted to connect, without attaching my resume. The response rate was incredible compared to the silence I’d experienced on platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn. In just 3 weeks, I managed to book 6 conversations, and one of those led to a referral, which then turned into an interview and ultimately this job offer I accepted this morning. For anyone currently struggling in their job search, please know it’s not a reflection of your worth. The system is tough, but there are ways to navigate around it.

Applied at Staples for retail position

Applied at Infosys for Specialist Programmer

Applied at Fintech startup for Campaign Manager

Applied at Citi for Unknown

Applied at large payment company for Unknown

Applied at Job A for Unknown

Applied at Hardee's for Unknown

I was recently laid off from my role as a technical writer at a smaller branch of a larger company. The layoff happened unexpectedly on Wednesday, and it hit me hard, especially since I had almost three years of experience and this was my first real job after college. The branch has been struggling for the past year, and many of us anticipated this outcome, but the suddenness of it all was jarring. We received last-minute meetings scheduled on our calendars, and then it was announced. I have three weeks left until my final day on June 19th, and I'm feeling a bit lost about what to do next. I know I should start applying for new jobs, but I'm also considering starting an LLC for freelancing, particularly in my local area. I'm torn between focusing on job applications and pursuing freelancing at the same time. I'm reaching out for advice on how to best utilize these last few weeks to set myself up for success. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I recently had a second-round interview for a PMO Executive role at a well-established company, which is introducing a new PMO position. The interview was supposed to last 45 minutes but wrapped up in about 20 minutes. It didn’t feel negative; we covered various topics like PMO responsibilities and stakeholder management, but the early conclusion left me puzzled. Just five minutes after the interview, I received an email stating that my application is on 'interview hold' and that this is not a rejection. They mentioned they would get back to me if interviews resume. I learned that the HR coordinator is on leave for a long weekend, and I suspect there might be internal discussions regarding the role's approval or budget. While the email reassured me that it’s not a rejection, I’m trying to stay realistic about the situation. The quick follow-up email and the short interview duration have me questioning what this really means. I’m continuing to explore other opportunities, but I’m curious if anyone else has experienced a similar situation where the interviews resumed and led to an offer, or if this is typically just a polite way of saying no.

Today, I decided to take a proactive approach in my job search for junior accountant positions. I walked into several local firms and companies to inquire about potential job opportunities. I was a bit nervous at first, but I thought it might set me apart from other candidates who only apply online. I introduced myself, explained my background, and asked if they had any openings or if I could leave my resume. Some places were welcoming and took my information, while others were less receptive. Overall, it was a mixed experience, but I feel good about putting myself out there and hope it leads to something!