I might be fucked. Until then, I'm scrambling for a new job because I'm not going to RTO on the set date but that means I have a month to find a job because I don't have a savings to survive off of right now; I just started breaking even and paying shit back. Oof. Gonna keep my chin up and try to share as much data as I can so that maybe it helps someone else.
Context: I used to do factory work with automated machinery, then got into gig driving, and eventually landed a WFH corporate software position after lots of effort and luck. I've been studying software and computer science independently since high school because college was never an option for me. What was supposed to be full-time remote is now hybrid or you're fired, effective due date is in place for everyone. Management also has a target on my back and I think they want me out anyways. Probably because I don't work OT (RTO is supposed to 'reduce' that, rofl) and I take my PTO (instead of working on weekends, which RTO is also supposed to 'reduce', roflmao).
Current progress by the numbers: I've applied to 45 places as of this post. I have received 3 emails asking for further information, 3 rejection emails, 2 emails saying the position is filled, and several automated emails saying my application and resume would be reviewed soon (we'll see). I'm currently in contact with 1 person at a talent agency that is currently connecting me to a position with a three step interview process. Hoping it goes through, especially because it'd mean a raise that would finally help me get ahead.
These are the best results I've ever had while searching for a job that didn't include an agency doing the work for me, lol. I don't know if I'm doing relatively well or poorly for doing it on my own. I've been job searching for less than two weeks. I've been doing most of my applications while working for my current employer. I'm posting this on the clock, too!
Resume Details: I've been using basically the same resume and cover letter for each job. I changed my job titles from past jobs to reflect the skills/knowledge I'm trying to demonstrate. Each job is split into two categories; the first category outlines the tangible results I delivered to the business (i.e. increased performance of X by Y%, reduced yearly costs by $X, etc); the second category outlines what I did every day (managed project from beginning to end, mentored junior employees, etc). Everything is framed to sound like technical and software experience that's on the job, not my actual mix of work and personal knowledge. I custom tailor the skills section to each job posting and make sure to add in the buzzwords they're looking for. It's two pages long. It's single column. It starts with my most recent work history. I currently have my education section listed as completing a charter school program but I've been considering knocking the section off because I don't have a degree. But some employers want to see at least a high school diploma. Humph.
Cover Letter Details: It took me a minute but I crafted a single cover letter I'd actually send in to any job related to what I'm looking for. I have to fill in just a couple of fields like the company name and position. It opens with my interest in the position and company followed by marketing myself with information not on my resume. It's a page long and has three paragraphs, just your standard open – middle – close format. Within the cover letter I focus on outlining some more in depth technical knowledge and personality indicators to help identify me as both an expert in my field as well as capable of working with a team in a pleasant way. A few buzzwords and a brief explanation of a couple of popular processes I'm familiar with; some language about how I enjoy being an asset to the team and how I do that.
I've worked with hiring teams for a brief time in the past and I'm literally using every little trick I know based on what I think the hiring teams are looking for. Thus far I've been getting through the first part of the job pipeline and having my application viewed by at least the robots as well as at least one possible real human (it's getting a lot harder to tell these days). Now I'm just trying to get to the next step in the pipeline and land interviews. I tend to interview well enough, so hopefully that helps me land an offer sooner rather than later.
Feedback is appreciated. I'm here to answer questions and help with resumes/cover letters the best I can. I refuse to charge for the service but I'm open to donations, haha! In all seriousness, we're in this together. Stay strong and stand in solidarity, cousins. Don't let the bastards divide us. Use everything at your disposal, especially the small white lies that don't matter except to smooth things over. If you're autistic like me, learn this lesson yesterday because I wish I had learned it sooner.
May Creator watch over you, cousins.