What's wrong with me?

[Anonymous]

I went to a prestigious college and can't get a job in my major for my life and it's been over 2 years. I went to the college thinking that it would be easier to get hired, but I was wrong. I apply everyday to at least 5 jobs, always get rejections even though I know all of the skills really well. I went to a community college after to relearn them since I didn't have enough experience possibly. I go to meetup events in my field, but end up only getting hit on without any job offers. Are hirers really this sexist in STEM? I'm not sure how I am approaching this wrong.

Sexist recruiters and hiring managers

Asker is unqualified

[Anonymous]

It's important to remember that your struggles to find a job in your field are not a reflection of your worth or value as a person. It's not uncommon to face challenges in the job market, especially in competitive fields like STEM.

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Market demand: It's possible that there simply isn't a high demand for your particular skill set or experience in your area. Consider expanding your search to other geographic regions or looking for opportunities to work remotely.

2. Networking: While attending meetups and events in your field can be a great way to make connections, it's important to approach these events with a clear goal in mind. Be proactive about introducing yourself to potential employers or mentors, and follow up with them after the event.

3. Resume and cover letter: It's possible that your resume and cover letter may not be effectively highlighting your skills and experience. Consider seeking feedback and guidance from a career counselor or mentor to help you refine your job search materials.

4. Persistence: Job searching can be a long and frustrating process, but it's important to stay persistent and keep putting yourself out there. Consider volunteering or taking on freelance projects to help build your experience and portfolio.

It's also important to remember that discrimination and bias can still exist in the job market, particularly for women and minorities in STEM fields. While it's important to continue to pursue your career goals, it's also important to speak out against discrimination and advocate for more inclusive hiring practices in your industry.

[Anonymous]

You're thinking about it all wrong... You're trying to get. Give and I guarantee you'll get a job. Find a problem or a need and fill it. Don't ask for a job. Research the company, job etc and find something you can help with right now. Don't ask for anything, just go in and help with with something they really need. Be of service. They will soon offer you a job. Don't be replaceable. Anyone can go in for an interview.

This works and even works so well some people end up owning a part of the company they helped.

Forget the sexist stuff. Stop self sabotaging yourself. It doesn't matter if that is real or not. Don't think about that kind of stuff. Do you want to win or do you wanna be right?

[Anonymous]

Sexism is a problem in the STEM field, but I wouldn’t place that as the main thing if it’s repeatedly Happening across different companies.


A prestigious college doesn’t automatically guarantee you entrance to the field. You have to consider how competitive the job you are going for is, and if you have the skills and experience necessary to compete against other candidates. You also need to set up strong interview skills and answers.

[annabananna]

Maybe you could do a mock interview with someone and they can tell you if there’s something you could improve in your interview?

[lightbulb27]

I was top in my class in programming, took 3 months to get a job, got turned down several times, over 40 resumes sent.

It's just not easy getting started sometimes, might be the economy, your interview skills. not sure. I don't recall any bias towards females and if any, it was favorable.

try to find someone whom is a hiring manager evaluate how you interview. otherwise, just go to a consulting company and try to get a start there. do some freelance work if can find it.

[Surely]

Unless there is something the interviewer doesn’t like about your physical makeup. Which I’ll not go into details.
It could be the old “You don’t have any work experience!” Or maybe you are just not selling yourself and your skills to the interviewer.
Figure on starting at or near the bottom and dazzle them with your skills!

[slatyb]

What was your major?