Thinking

I graduated with a B.Com (Hons) from SGTB Khalsa College, Delhi University, with a CGPA of 8.03 in 2025. I spent a lot of time learning SQL, as I found it fascinating, especially after completing two significant projects in my final year—one focused on credit risk and the other on retail analytics, both using SQL, Python, and Excel. I took the CAT exam in 2024 and scored in the 94th percentile, but I didn't apply to any schools that year. In 2025, my score dropped to the 92nd percentile, and I applied to a few places but only got an interview with XIMB (Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar), which I didn't do well in. I initially didn't want to pursue an MBA right after graduation, but due to family pressure, I'm considering it. Since April, I've been actively applying for jobs in data, business, and credit risk roles, but it's been tough. I've applied to numerous positions, but half of them have gone unanswered, and the other half have resulted in rejections, mainly from MNCs and larger companies. I've connected with over 300 people on LinkedIn and even received one referral, but it didn't lead to a job. I'm also contemplating government bank exams as a backup, but I've seen a lot of negative comments about the work environment in those roles, which doesn't appeal to me. I'm okay with work pressure, but I want to be in a place where my input is valued. I'm feeling a bit lost and unsure of what my next steps should be.

I graduated with a B.Com (Hons) from SGTB Khalsa College, Delhi University, in 2025, achieving an 8.03 CGPA. I spent a considerable amount of time learning SQL, which I found fascinating, but unfortunately, it hasn't translated into job offers yet. I attempted the CAT exam in 2024 and 2025, scoring 94 percentile in the first attempt and 92 percentile in the second. Despite the decent scores, I didn't apply to any colleges after the first attempt, and when I did apply in 2025, the only interview I landed was with XIMB (Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar), which I didn't perform well in. Initially, I wasn't keen on pursuing an MBA without work experience, but due to family pressure, I felt compelled to explore that path. During my final year, I developed two significant projects focused on credit risk and retail analytics using SQL, Python, and Excel, which I was proud of. Since April, I've been actively applying for jobs targeting roles in data analysis, business analytics, and credit risk. I've reached out to over 300 people on LinkedIn and received one referral, but it didn't lead to an offer. The response to my applications has been disheartening—I've faced numerous rejections, particularly from MNCs and larger companies. I've also considered government bank exams as a backup option, but I've seen many negative comments about the work environment in those roles, which doesn't appeal to me. While I can handle work pressure, I want to be in a place where my contributions are valued. I'm feeling stuck and uncertain about my next steps. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I’ve been on the job hunt for a while now, applying to what feels like hundreds of positions without much luck. I would submit application after application, only to receive a handful of responses, if any at all. It was incredibly frustrating to see my efforts seemingly vanish into a black hole, with no rejection emails or feedback to help me understand what went wrong. After reflecting on my situation, I started to wonder if the issue was with my resume rather than my qualifications. I decided to analyze my resume against various job descriptions and discovered that while I had the right experience, my resume was lacking crucial keywords and skills that recruiters and ATS systems look for. This meant that I was likely being filtered out before my application even reached a human recruiter. In response to this realization, I created a tool called CareerMauka.in. This platform allows users to paste their resumes and job descriptions to get an ATS Match Score, Callback Likelihood, missing keywords, skill gaps, salary insights, and even which jobs they’re most likely to get shortlisted for. I tested one of my resumes and saw a significant improvement in my match score, jumping from 28% to 92% after making targeted changes. It was the same experience but a completely different outcome. Now, I’m curious about others’ experiences—how many jobs have you applied for before finally landing an interview?

I'm currently a backend Python developer at Tata Consultancy Services in Bengaluru, and I'm approaching my two-year mark with the company. I'm looking to explore new opportunities as I've been applying for various roles, but the responses have been quite limited. Many of the job listings I've encountered have turned out to be for coaching or training institutes, which has been frustrating. In my role, I've gained substantial experience in Python backend development and MLOps, and I'm currently expanding my skill set by learning Go. I'm primarily seeking backend Python roles but am open to adapting to new technologies as necessary. While I prefer to stay in Bengaluru, I'm willing to relocate anywhere in India for the right position and am also interested in remote work. If anyone has referrals, job leads, or advice on how to effectively navigate the job market, I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you!

I just quit my job after twelve years without a concrete plan, and I'm feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. For the last two years, I felt completely drained; my workload increased while my pay stagnated, and I kept telling myself to hang on a little longer. But yesterday, I reached my breaking point and messaged my manager to say I needed to leave. She wants to discuss it before I make it official, but I’ve seen how those conversations typically go, and I doubt anything will change. Now, I’m in my mid-forties, with solid experience in my field, but I haven’t had to job hunt in over a decade, and the current job market feels overwhelming. I can’t afford to be without income for long, and I don’t have a backup plan. I don’t regret my decision to leave; I just wish I hadn’t waited so long to take this step. I’m seeking practical advice from anyone who’s been in a similar situation about what the first few weeks look like and what I should focus on right now.

I recently interviewed for an internal position at my company, but after some reflection, I've realized that it's not the right fit for me. I didn't send a thank you email right after the interview because I got caught up with work, but I'm still within the 24-hour window to follow up. I'm contemplating whether to combine my thank you note with a message to withdraw my application in one email or to keep them separate. I think it might be more efficient to include both in one email, but I'm concerned it might come off as rude. I appreciate any advice on how to approach this situation.

I recently gave my notice at a small cleaning business where I worked, expecting a smooth transition. Instead, they called me and fired me immediately. Now I'm left wondering how to handle this situation in future job interviews. Should I mention this job at all on my resume? If it comes up, what should I say about why I left? I’ve received some advice suggesting I can simply state that I was let go after giving notice, which is the truth. It feels frustrating, but I want to be honest without it reflecting poorly on me.

I graduated in 2024 and I'm currently applying for a job that requires a reference. I only had one summer internship in 2023, and I've been trying to reconnect with my former office for a reference, but I haven't had any luck. Even if I did manage to reach someone, I'm worried they wouldn't remember me. I found a contact on LinkedIn, but he was actually quite dismissive of me during my internship, and I doubt he would give a positive reference. I've searched through LinkedIn, the office's website, and even search engines, but I can't find anyone else to use as a reference. This job opportunity feels like a perfect fit for me, and I really don't want to miss out just because I can't provide a reference. I'm feeling stuck and unsure of what to do next.

I just learned that Robinhood has laid off 10% of its workforce, which is quite surprising. They claim these layoffs are coming from a position of business strength, but it leaves me wondering about job security in the tech industry. I’m currently in a role at a fintech company and seeing these kinds of layoffs makes me anxious about my own position. It raises questions about the incentives for employees to perform well when it seems like even strong business positions can lead to job losses. I’m trying to stay focused and keep my skills sharp, but it’s hard not to feel unsettled.

I just got laid off for the first time from my job in Canada, and I'm feeling a bit lost on what to do next before my termination takes effect. I know I need to accept the situation, but I'm also trying to figure out my next steps. I've seen some advice about taking a few days to process everything and spend time with family and friends, which sounds good. I plan to keep my costs minimal during this time and start my job search next week. I need to update my CV and file for unemployment benefits as soon as possible. I've also been told to take advantage of any benefits I have left while I can. Gathering contacts for references and making sure I have all the HR information for offboarding is on my to-do list too. I’m considering negotiating for more benefits if possible. I’ll print out personal documents like pay stubs and certifications that might be useful later, but I’ll make sure not to take anything that belongs to the company. Lastly, I’ve started looking at my expenses to see where I can cut back—maybe I’ll cancel a few streaming services and switch to a cheaper mobile plan. It’s a lot to think about, but I’m determined to hit the ground running.

I just learned that Robinhood announced layoffs despite their CEO, Vlad Tenev, stating that the business has never been stronger. He mentioned the need to operate as a lean, hyper-focused team, which seems contradictory to the layoffs. It's puzzling to see so many job postings while they are cutting jobs. The whole situation feels off, and it raises questions about the company's practices. Overall, it's a tough time in the economy, and this news just adds to the uncertainty.

I just received a job offer after a year of searching, and I'm feeling both excited and anxious. The role is with a great company, and the compensation package is set at $100k, which includes an annual bonus. However, this is a significant pay cut for me, and I'm worried it won't cover my family's expenses since my wife can't work right now due to our two kids and a baby at home. I initially agreed to the salary during the HR screening call, but now I'm contemplating whether I should negotiate for a higher amount. I believe that with my experience and the job requirements, asking for $110k would be reasonable. I'm stressed about this because I really don't want to lose the offer, especially in this tough job market. I'm wondering if I should suggest an increase and how best to approach it. Should I request a phone call to discuss this or handle it via email? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I've been struggling to find a job for the past 14 years since graduating high school. Despite my efforts, I keep facing rejection after rejection. It feels like everyone else is landing jobs effortlessly, whether it's summer positions, fast food, retail, or warehouse work. I can't help but wonder if there's something wrong with me, as my applications seem to go unnoticed while others seem to pull jobs out of thin air. It's really disheartening.

I had an interview with a small local company a few months ago for a position that I felt went really well. After a couple of weeks without any updates, I decided to reach out to them to inquire about the status of my application. At that point, I was starting to come to terms with the idea that I likely hadn’t gotten the job, but I just wanted some closure. Unfortunately, I never received a response to my email. Fast forward to now, and I was surprised to find an email from them offering me the job. The timing is a bit strange, as I've already moved on and started looking at other opportunities. I can't help but feel a bit put off by the lack of communication throughout the process, especially since they are a small business and not a big corporation. Has anyone else experienced something similar?

I've been actively searching for jobs that align with my experience, but I'm struggling to find effective resources. I'm curious to know where others are successfully landing interviews. Are there specific job boards, networking events, or strategies that have worked for you? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I'm a 28-year-old Financial Auditor who has been struggling with job interviews lately. I started my career as a Securitization Analyst at a large French Investment Bank, where I found the work intellectually stimulating for two years. However, I decided to move to Luxembourg for a better salary and more opportunities, which led me to a Big 4 firm. Unfortunately, I absolutely hated my time there; the micromanagement, fake deadlines, and power trips from management made every day unbearable. I've been in that environment for two years now and it's taken a toll on me. In an effort to find a better fit, I've been applying to other companies and have managed to secure several interviews. However, I've faced rejection after rejection. Here's a quick rundown of my recent attempts: - Small PE fund: Associate role, rejected at the last round (5 interviews) - Fitch Ratings (Frankfurt): Senior Credit Analyst, rejected at the last round - Risk and Valuation company: Senior Valuation Consultant, rejected at the last round (behavioral interview) - Blackstone: Risk and Valuation Associate, rejected at the third round I'm starting to feel really frustrated and confused. Clearly, I'm making it to the final rounds, but I can't help but wonder what's going wrong. I'm beginning to think that the behavioral and culture fit interviews might be where I'm falling short. After two years of being unhappy at work, I might be projecting some negative energy that interviewers are picking up on. It's disheartening and I'm not sure how to turn things around.

I'm feeling really anxious about my job search and worried that I might be un-hirable. After graduating in 2023, I landed a low-paying internship where I was eventually promoted to an SEO content writer. However, I got let go, possibly because my boss was frustrated with my inquiries about my paycheck. I took on several contract jobs in graphic design and video editing, but my performance suffered due to chronic illnesses I wasn't aware of at the time. After about a year and a half of contracts, I had to step back to focus on my health and ended up working at my former college in a job that wasn't fulfilling. Now, I'm back in school for mental health and applying mainly through Handshake. I've been hesitant to list my past contracts as references because I'm worried they might give me bad reviews, even though I've reached out for feedback and received positive responses. Lately, I've been getting interview requests but then getting ghosted, which adds to my anxiety. I can't help but wonder if there's some background check system that might be affecting my chances. I'm really concerned about my future and how I'll manage financially. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I recently graduated and dove headfirst into the job search, following the common advice of applying to everything. I optimized my LinkedIn, sent out dozens of applications each week, and attended networking events. However, after a few months, I realized that the act of applying wasn't the toughest part; it was the isolation that came with it. I was doing everything alone, receiving little to no feedback, and I found myself convincing myself that I would take just about any job to escape the silence of rejection. Talking to other recent grads, I noticed a similar pattern: we all started with hope, but after facing a wall of ghosting and rejections, many of us began to settle for whatever job came our way, rather than holding out for something that truly fit us. I've also observed that when people share specific challenges online, the responses often miss the mark, filled with generic advice that doesn't address the real issues we're facing in this tough job market. I'm curious if anyone else has felt this way and if you've found any genuine support or advice that helped you through the isolation of job hunting.

I graduated recently and have applied to nearly 700 jobs, but I haven't received a single screening call. I'm starting to wonder if my resume is the issue. I make sure to tailor it for each job, aligning it with the job descriptions and incorporating relevant keywords to pass the ATS filters, yet I still have no luck. I've been advised that the current IT job market is tough, and there might be concerns about my need for sponsorship as a non-US citizen, which could be deterring recruiters. I'm seeking guidance on what I can do differently to improve my chances.

I've been unemployed for a while now and I'm really trying to figure out how to escape this situation. It's tough out here, and I feel like I'm putting in effort but not getting anywhere. I read some comments suggesting to look in creative places for job openings. One person mentioned checking out the City Hall's website, which I hadn't thought of before. They pointed out that there are a variety of job openings that don't get much publicity. I'm considering exploring that route to see if I can find something that fits my skills.