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The Toll On Mental Health From Searching For a Job! Especially an Entry-level or Junior role.

FURGIE 📸 🧖🏾 on May 29, 2021

This is an important topic that I feel like should be talked about and discussed at every level but more so for the entry-level or junior roles. I...
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Andrew Baisden

Looking for work is such an exhausting and stressful process. There is so much back and forth between companies and recruiters. Sometimes you get ghosted leaving you with no feedback. Or they send you a generic rejection email that has no information and does not help you at all. It is well known that the tech interview process is broken. There are far too many stages and a very long waiting process.

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FURGIE 📸 🧖🏾

Completely agree! Just got ghosted this week as a recruiter reached out for a job I applied and said let's have a chat, I gave my time and dates and absolutely no response, its been a few days now

The rejection emails are very much we are moving forward without you. No reason why or explanation really.

So yeah - absolutely dislike it. But have to remain positive, be optimistic and hope for the best

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Andrew Baisden

Hate when the happens! I think a big part of the problem is that some recruiters just send out a generic message/email to dozens of candidates. So you think you are just one of a few being shortlisted when in fact they are talking to hundreds of candidates. Its easy to spot a spam message on LinkedIn though if you put a emoticon in front of your name and then you get a message that is like...

"Hi 💻 Andrew,

Hope you're well,

I am working with a Government Team who are upgrading their flagship website and need a frontend developer to join the small team."

If it was genuine and personal then there would be no emoticon 😂

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FURGIE 📸 🧖🏾

Haha the thing is it was sent to my email - and looked very much directed at me, but I guess it makes sense that they are sending out to a list of people. It's just very hard mentally and very frustrating and annoying

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Matt C

Hi A,
Interesting, that you say the interview process is broken. What would you change if you could?

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Andrew Baisden

Ghosting is forbidden everyone gets constructive feedback. Data structures and algorithms tests are not a make or break requirement for employment. And give the candidate a take home challenge and let them use their preferred tech stack so you can see them at their best.

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Matt C

Hi Furgie,
Job searching nowadays can be like slogging through the mud.

Putting on my Statistician hat on for a moment. If I had to determine where the variability comes from, the most significant proportion has to go to the pandemic. This freakish-whirlpool attracts so many other things into its orbit. The pandemic has caused so many layoffs, which has made the number of people looking increase, causing a glut of talent worldwide, causing the pay rates to drop...

Shall I go on?

One thing I tell myself is, 'Nothing lasts forever.' This may seem fatalistic on the surface but can be comforting too.

  • Feel the terrible storm engulfing your home? Storms always break.
  • Is it dark outside? Sure, but tomorrow will be a new day.

Feeling, describing, and analyzing our surroundings in good and bad times is a fantastic thing. The examined life is well worth living. ;))

I think Socrates or Plato said something to that effect. lol

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FURGIE 📸 🧖🏾

Beautifully said and written! Really appreciate this very logical and positive spin on what seems like a never ending job search and a lot of heartache! Really and truly appreciate it, means a lot!

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J3ffJessie

I couldn’t agree more with this. I recently had to step back from social media and all job search related stuff. I was losing it mentally and just spiraling into a depression. Between being ghosted and getting no feedback from phone interviews even when asking. The process is truly broken. Especially at the junior level. I could understand at the mid to senior level throwing some algorithm expectations if that applies to the position. From what I have seen and gotten from developers and engineers I have reached out to, algorithms were weighed heavily in their interview and then their role has absolutely no need for algorithms. The hiring process for tech needs a complete overhaul and a set standard for each level with only tech stack specific questions relating to a position added if need be. Companies want senior developers but won’t put any effort into making a junior or mid level into a senior for their company. It’s sad to see so many talented junior level developers get shunned because of lack of experience. Truly hurts.

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FURGIE 📸 🧖🏾

Sending you all the love and positivity!

Perfectly said, definitely hurts and the whole process needs an overhaul. The lack of hiring opportunities for junior roles as well as traineeship for them is very hard on people who so badly want to get into the industry, show of their talent and just work on some amazing stuff

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Dexter

Well, it will be good if there is a standard procedure and a regulating body on hiring developers. However,

All's fair in love and war - John Lyly

I just used this as a metaphor. We can't always expect for a fair play. They also have their circumstances. They are still a human, mistakes can happen. And amidst the pandemic, many people go with online proceedings. However, they are still adjusting, and the owners or managers are still in the process of making it all better.

But then, the bottom line is what you have just said.

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Fenner Henners • Edited

Searching for a job, particularly at the entry-level or junior positions, can be an incredibly taxing experience on mental health. The constant cycle of applications, interviews, and waiting can leave individuals feeling drained, undervalued, and overwhelmed. The pressure to secure a role often leads to self-doubt and stress, especially when responses are few or far between. During this challenging time, it's essential to take care of one's well-being, managing stress and ensuring mental health remains a priority. Tools like self-care practices or even simple solutions, such as COVID self-tests available at order covid test, can help ensure physical health is not an additional worry while navigating the emotional challenges of job searching.

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Richard Hannah

Searching for a job, especially in entry-level or junior roles, can take a significant toll on mental health. The constant cycle of applications, rejections, and uncertainty can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. This pressure is often compounded by the competitive job market, where many candidates vie for limited positions, making it easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. However, it's essential to remember that each application is a chance for growth and learning, and maintaining a positive mindset can help navigate this challenging journey. Additionally, exploring resources like philhealth konsulta registration online can provide support for mental health and overall well-being, offering a sense of stability during this transitional period.

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Hayleene

Grounding exercises are essential tools for managing mental health. These practices help you stay connected to the present moment, which can be especially beneficial during times of anxiety or stress. Techniques like deep breathing, focusing on your senses, counting your breaths or engaging in physical activities like walking can calm the mind and body. Grounding helps you break free from negative thought spirals, bringing you back to a place of control and stability.