I was laid off from my role as a product manager focused on creative tech about a year ago. I have over 10 years of experience as a designer and animator, and I've successfully launched two video products from scratch while leading various AI initiatives. Since my layoff, I've faced an incredibly tough job search. Despite numerous interviews where I felt confident, I've consistently been told that my background didn’t fit, even though I have direct experience with what these companies are trying to achieve. I can't help but feel that my identity as a Black woman in tech might be influencing my job search. I've seen the other product manager who was laid off with me land a job within three months, while I'm now approaching month 11 without an offer. I’ve been studying hard for interviews and asking for feedback, only to hear that the teams were impressed but chose other candidates. It’s disheartening to look at the companies I apply to and not see anyone who looks like me in their 'about us' sections. I’ve never struggled this much to find a job before, and while I want to believe it’s just a tough market, I can’t shake the feeling that my race plays a role in my challenges. I hope I’m wrong, but it’s hard not to think about it.
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