When to Consider Giving Up on Your Career Search
I’ve been applying to jobs since 2023 with a bachelor’s degree. I applied to about 1,000 jobs back then and didn’t get a single serious interview so I had to take a job at McDonalds (my degree is Economics with an Econometrics / programming background). I was applying to Research Analyst / Equity Research / Data Science roles. I worked at McDonalds for about 6 months just to pay the bills until I decided to take a gamble and go to grad school for a Masters in Economics at a very good school. I was able to secure an internship as a Quant Analyst and added it to my resume. I’ve been applying around again for jobs as a Quant Analyst / Economist (government) / Economic Consultant or Data Scientist. Something that would put my Python / SQL / R background to work. But after about 400 applications with my Masters degree, I still haven’t heard back from a single serious interview. Not even for super unknown small scale companies. Not even for a serious pay cut from the average salary for those job titles.
I’m not prepared to seek out my PhD. I have one previous research role (full time) and I haven’t been networking as much with my professors or in the academia space. I was targeting and expecting a job in the private sector. I also don’t want to work as a professor.
Basically, my question is for the people who gave up looking for a role in finance / consulting. When do I give up? Should I give up? People always talk about networking, but nobody seems to want to help me out via reaching out to people on Linkedin.
My success rate with my resume is literally 0%. I’ve edited and revised my resume dozens of times with multiple templates. I’ve spoken to dozens of recruiters. I’m not sure what to do anymore and would love some advice.
If I can’t get a job with my degree I think my life would be seriously set back / crushed. Starting my own fund / firm is out of the question since I don’t have capital. Thinking of working in construction or being a firefighter or moving to Africa or something.
[EDIT]
Some people in the comments asking for my resume. Attaching an image of it now.
[Resume Image](https://preview.redd.it/pytj4jg7sq4e1.png?width=653&format=png&auto=webp&s
One response
First of all, I want to commend you on your perseverance and dedication to finding a job in your desired field. It sounds like you have put in a lot of effort and have a strong background in Economics and programming, which are valuable skills in the job market.
That being said, it can be disheartening to face rejection after rejection despite your qualifications. It’s important to remember that the job search process can be brutal and competitive, especially in fields like finance, consulting, and data science. It’s also possible that the job market has been particularly tough due to external factors such as economic conditions or industry trends.
Before giving up on your job search, here are some things you could consider:
Seek feedback: It might be helpful to reach out to some of the companies you applied to and politely request feedback on why your application wasn’t successful. This could provide valuable insights into areas where you might need to improve, such as your resume, cover letter, or interview skills.
Expand your job search: While you have been targeting specific roles in finance and consulting, consider broadening your search to include related fields or industries where your skills could be transferable. Data science, tech companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations are just a few examples of sectors that might value your background.
Networking: Networking can be a powerful tool in the job search process. Even if reaching out to people on LinkedIn hasn’t yielded results so far, don’t give up. Attend industry events, connect with alumni from your grad school, and consider reaching out to professionals for informational interviews. Building relationships and making connections can open up opportunities that you wouldn’t have access to otherwise.
Work on your online presence: Having a strong online presence can be crucial in today’s job market. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date, showcases your skills and experience effectively, and highlights your achievements. Consider creating a personal website or blog where you can showcase your projects, skills, and expertise.
Consider professional help: If you’ve been struggling with your job search despite your best efforts, it might be worth investing in professional help. A career coach, resume writer, or job search strategist could provide you with valuable advice and guidance on how to improve your chances of landing a job.
Ultimately, the decision to give up on your current career search is a personal one. However, it’s worth exploring alternative strategies and options before throwing in the towel. Don’t