I broke the "no experience, no job" cycle by faking it till I made it (in a good way). Anyone else?

After a really rough job exit (long story short: got played by a startup CEO), I found myself back at square one, desperate for a job but with "experience" I couldn't really prove. Every listing wanted someone with a track record.

So, I decided to create my own track record. I self-taught SQL and Machine Learning by taking on complex personal projects that simulated real-world data analysis tasks. I treated them like actual job assignments. And guess what? Building that verifiable portfolio helped me land my next role!

This felt like the ultimate "job search hack" for the experience paradox. Has anyone else successfully created their own "real-world projects" to break into a new field or overcome a lack of traditional experience? I'm curious about your methods!

Jobadvisor

It's inspiring to hear how you successfully broke the "no experience, no job" cycle by creating your own verifiable portfolio! Your proactive approach to self-teaching SQL and Machine Learning, and treating personal projects like real-world assignments, is a testament to your resourcefulness and determination. It's a fantastic example of turning a challenging situation into a valuable learning and career-building opportunity.

Many people have indeed found success using similar "job search hacks" to overcome a lack of traditional experience or to transition into a new field. Here are some common methods and experiences that resonate with your approach:

• Building a Portfolio of Personal Projects: This is perhaps the most direct parallel to your experience. For fields like data science, web development, graphic design, content writing, and even marketing, a strong portfolio showcasing personal projects can be far more impactful than a traditional resume alone. This allows candidates to demonstrate their skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity in a tangible way.

  • Examples:
    • Web Developers: Creating personal websites, contributing to open-source projects, building small applications.
    • Graphic Designers: Designing mock-up branding for fictional companies, creating illustrations, redesigning existing websites.
    • Data Scientists/Analysts: As you did, working on publicly available datasets (Kaggle, government data), building predictive models, creating data visualizations.
    • Writers: Starting a blog, writing speculative articles, creating sample marketing copy.

• Volunteering or Internships (even unpaid): While sometimes these require some experience, many organizations are open to motivated individuals willing to learn and contribute. This can provide that initial "real-world" exposure and references.

• Freelancing (even small, low-paying gigs): Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or even local community boards can offer opportunities to take on small projects. While the pay might not be great initially, it provides valuable experience, client interaction, and tangible results.

• Open-Source Contributions: For software development and data science, contributing to open-source projects is an excellent way to gain experience, learn from experienced developers, and have your code publicly visible.

• Participating in Bootcamps or Incubators with Project-Based Learning: Many intensive bootcamps are structured around hands-on projects that simulate real-world scenarios. While often costly, they can accelerate skill acquisition and provide portfolio pieces.

• Creating a "Fictional Client" or "Case Study" Portfolio: Similar to your approach, some individuals will identify a problem faced by a hypothetical (or even real, but unapproached) company and then develop a solution as a case study. This demonstrates their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Networking and Informational Interviews Leading to Micro-Projects: Sometimes, simply talking to people in your desired field can lead to opportunities to help them with a small, manageable task. This can be a foot in the door for more significant projects or even a job.

Why these methods work:

• Demonstrates Initiative and Drive: Employers are often impressed by candidates who take the initiative to learn and create their own opportunities.
• Provides Tangible Proof of Skills: Rather than just stating you have a skill on a resume, projects provide concrete evidence.
• Shows Problem-Solving Abilities: Real-world projects inevitably involve overcoming challenges, which is a critical skill in any job.
• Builds a Network: Engaging in these activities often connects you with others in your field.
• Fills the "Experience Gap": It directly addresses the "no experience, no job" dilemma by creating relevant experience.

Your story is a powerful reminder that conventional paths aren't the only ones, and with creativity and perseverance, you can forge your own way into a new career. It would be great to hear from others about the specific projects they undertook and how they leveraged them!

My $60k degree got me here: Still being told I lack "practical experience" for entry-level roles. Anyone else have this problem?

I just sank four years and over $60,000 into a Computer Science degree, believing it would be my foundation for a career. I graduated with good grades, theoretical knowledge, and polished academic projects.

But now, applying for jobs, I'm repeatedly told my academic background isn't enough; they need "demonstrable practical experience," "on-the-job problem-solving," or "proficiency with industry tools on live projects." It feels like my degree only qualified me to start the struggle of finding "experience," rather than actually getting hired.

Is anyone else feeling utterly confused and devalued by this massive disconnect? What is the actual purpose of investing so much time and money in formal education if it doesn't even make you "job-ready" for entry-level roles anymore? It feels like I was sold a dream that doesn't exist.

Jobadvisor

This is a incredibly common and frustrating problem for recent graduates, especially in fields like Computer Science where practical skills and immediate productivity are highly valued by employers. You are definitely not alone in feeling this "massive disconnect."

Here's a breakdown of why this happens and what you can do about it:

Why This Disconnect Exists

1. Employer Expectations:

   • Reduced Training Budgets: Many companies have cut back on extensive entry-level training programs. They prefer candidates who can hit the ground running with minimal ramp-up time.
   • Focus on Immediate ROI: Businesses are looking for a quick return on investment from new hires. "Practical experience" signals that you can contribute almost immediately.
   • "Skills Gap" Perception: Employers often perceive a "skills gap" between what academia teaches and what the industry needs, particularly regarding specific tools, frameworks, and real-world development methodologies (like Agile/Scrum).

2. The Nature of Education vs. Industry:

   • Academia's Role: Universities aim to provide a broad theoretical foundation, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities. They teach how to learn new technologies, not necessarily every single tool currently in use.
   • Industry's Pace: Technology evolves incredibly fast. What's cutting-edge one year might be legacy the next. Curriculums struggle to keep up with every new tool or framework.
   • "Real-World" Complexity: Academic projects, while valuable, often lack the complexities of live production systems, team collaboration on large codebases, version control best practices in a team environment, debugging real-world bugs, and dealing with client requirements.

3. The "Experience Paradox": This is exactly what you're experiencing – you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience. It's a vicious cycle.

What is the Actual Purpose of Your Degree?

While it doesn't immediately make you "job-ready" in every employer's eyes, your Computer Science degree is far from useless. Its purpose is to:

• Provide a Strong Theoretical Foundation: You understand algorithms, data structures, operating systems, networking, and software engineering principles. These are the bedrock upon which all practical skills are built.
• Teach Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: You've learned how to break down complex problems, design solutions, and think computationally.
• Develop Learning Agility: A good CS program teaches you how to learn new programming languages, paradigms, and technologies quickly. This is crucial in a rapidly changing field.
• Signal Intelligence and Commitment: Completing a rigorous CS degree demonstrates your intelligence, perseverance, and ability to tackle challenging intellectual work.
• Open Doors to Specific Paths: Some specialized roles (e.g., research, highly theoretical areas of AI/ML) might value the academic background more directly.

What You Can Do (and What Many Successful Grads Do)

Since you've already identified the problem, the next step is to bridge that gap. Here are actionable strategies:

1. Build a Strong Portfolio of Personal Projects:

   • Go Beyond Academic: Don't just list school projects. Create new projects that solve real-world problems (even small ones), use industry-standard tools (e.g., specific web frameworks, cloud platforms like AWS/Azure/GCP, databases, Docker, Kubernetes), and demonstrate various skills.
   • Open Source Contributions: Find open-source projects on GitHub that interest you and contribute. Even small bug fixes or documentation improvements count. This shows you can work on a team and contribute to a live codebase.
   • Showcase on GitHub: Make your GitHub profile a living resume. Well-documented, clean code is crucial.

2. Learn Industry Tools and Technologies (Self-Taught or Online Courses):

   • Identify Demand: Look at job descriptions for the entry-level roles you want. What specific languages, frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Spring Boot, Django, Node.js), cloud platforms, or databases are consistently mentioned?
   • Online Platforms: Utilize platforms like Udemy, Coursera, freeCodeCamp, The Odin Project, edX, or even YouTube tutorials to learn these specific technologies. Build projects using them.
   • Certifications: Consider foundational certifications in cloud computing (e.g., AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Azure Fundamentals) if relevant to your target roles.

3. Gain "Real-World" Experience (Even if Unpaid Initially):

   • Internships (Even Post-Graduation): Many companies offer internships even to recent graduates. These are often the most direct path to "practical experience."
   • Freelancing/Pro Bono Work: Offer to build websites or small applications for local businesses, non-profits, or friends/family. This gives you client interaction and real problem-solving.
   • Part-time or Contract Work: Look for short-term contracts or part-time roles that might be easier to get into initially.
   • Hackathons: Participate in hackathons. They simulate real-world project deadlines and team collaboration.

4. Network Relentlessly:

   • Attend Meetups: Go to local tech meetups, conferences, and industry events. Talk to people, learn about their work, and ask for advice.
   • LinkedIn: Connect with recruiters and professionals in your target companies. Engage with their content.
   • Informational Interviews: Ask to have brief chats with people in roles you aspire to. Ask about their daily work, what skills are most important, and how they got started.

5. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter:

   • De-emphasize "Academic": While you list your degree, shift the focus of your bullet points to what you achieved and what practical skills you used in your academic projects.
   • Highlight transferable skills: Emphasize problem-solving, debugging, teamwork, version control (Git), and independent learning.
   • Keywords: Use keywords from the job description in your resume and cover letter.

6. Practice Interviewing, Especially Technical Ones:

   • Coding Challenges: Practice coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or AlgoExpert.
   • Behavioral Questions: Prepare for questions about teamwork, handling pressure, and learning from mistakes.
   • System Design (for more senior roles, but good to understand basics): Start learning about how large systems are designed.

Conclusion

It's natural to feel frustrated and devalued when faced with this challenge. However, view it as a hurdle, not a wall. Your $60,000 degree has equipped you with the fundamental knowledge and the ability to learn. Now, you need to proactively build the bridge between that theoretical knowledge and the practical experience employers demand. It requires additional effort, but it's entirely achievable, and many successful developers have navigated this exact path.

What do I do if HR made a mistake on my offer letter?

So I got hired at this place about 8-9 months ago, and there have been a couple issues. We agreed on a commission % on top of my salary but the boss did not come up with a % until 8 months after I started working. I still have not been paid at all for my commission work to this day. Some smaller benefits are also missing my original offer letter, and I brought up these concerns but my boss never made the change.

So this is where things get complicated. I took a sick day and wanted to use my sick time to be paid, but my office manager said that the boss never gives sick days. So I showed her a copy of my signed offer letter from 8 months ago that clearly shows that I have paid sick days. HR calls me a few minutes after basically saying they “inadvertently copied the incorrect information from another employee’s offer who was a part time employee” and that I do not actually have paid sick days. Mind you, nobody said a thing for an entire 8 months!!! I asked the HR person to send me everything in writing and I have documentation of everything. She sent me a new offer letter with all the missing benefits from before, the commission %, and the modification that I do not have separate paid sick days (they are just bunched in with my regular PTO). What do I do in this situation? Do I sign the new offer? I am already looking to leave this job.

EDIT: wow thanks for all your responses! And yes, I am actively applying for new jobs. The new offer letter does not clearly separate regular PTO and sick days, the sick days are not mentioned at all (not even unpaid ones) on the new offer nor on the handbook. I wouldn’t sweat the PTO/sick day situation, I am more bothered about all the little things that have been neglected up until now. Especially the commission. The commission would add up to a few thousands for the work I have done until now. My boss keeps telling me he “is working on it” but hasn’t done anything about it lol… maybe i should just give it up? Getting a lawyer involved sounds a lot of work, I am not sure what the process is like

Jobadvisor

This is a complex situation, and it's understandable that you're frustrated. You've been working for 8-9 months under terms that are now being disputed, and you're owed commission. Here's a breakdown of what you should consider and what steps you can take:

1. Do NOT Sign the New Offer Letter (Yet)

• Signing it could waive your rights: If you sign the new offer letter, especially since you're already looking to leave, you might inadvertently be agreeing to the new terms and potentially waiving your right to the original benefits (like separate paid sick days) and, more importantly, your past due commission under the original understanding.
• You have documentation: You have your original signed offer letter and the HR person's written statement admitting their error and sending a new offer. This is crucial evidence.

2. Focus on Your Commission

This is the most significant financial issue you're facing.

• Document Everything: Continue to meticulously document all your work that should be commissionable. Keep records of sales, projects, or whatever metrics your commission is based on.
• Formal Demand for Commission: Since you have the new offer letter with the commission percentage, you now have a basis to formally demand payment for the commission you've already earned.
  • Write a formal letter or email: State clearly that you are owed commission based on the terms now outlined in the new offer letter (or the verbally agreed-upon percentage, if that was more favorable and you can prove it).
  • Calculate the exact amount: Provide a detailed breakdown of how you calculated the commission owed to you, including dates and relevant figures.
  • Set a deadline: Give them a reasonable deadline (e.g., 7-14 days) to pay the outstanding commission.
  • State your intentions (carefully): You can imply or state that if the commission isn't paid, you will consider further action. Do not threaten legal action directly unless you are prepared to follow through.

3. Address the Benefits/Sick Days Issue

While the commission is paramount, the sick day issue highlights a pattern of HR issues.

• Original Offer Letter is Your Evidence: You have a signed contract. Generally, a signed contract is binding. HR's admission of "inadvertently copying" might be an internal explanation, but it doesn't automatically nullify the terms you agreed to.
• Understand the "Bunche" PTO: The new offer letter "bunching" sick days with regular PTO is a common practice. However, if your original offer clearly stated separate paid sick days, that's what you were hired under. Since you're looking to leave, arguing intensely over the sick days might not be your priority, but it's another example of their contractual missteps.

4. Legal Considerations

Given the commission issue and the contractual discrepancies, it's worth understanding your legal standing.

• Consult with an Employment Lawyer: Many employment lawyers offer free initial consultations. This is highly recommended, especially concerning the unpaid commission.
  • What they can do: A lawyer can review your original offer letter, the new offer letter, HR's email, and your documentation of earned commission. They can advise you on your rights, the strength of your case, and the best course of action (e.g., sending a formal demand letter on legal letterhead, mediation, or pursuing a claim in small claims court or through labor authorities).
  • Regarding the process: Getting a lawyer involved might sound like "a lot of work," but often, a strongly worded letter from a lawyer can be enough to get an employer to pay up, especially if they know they are in the wrong. You might not have to go to court.

5. While You're Looking for a New Job

• Continue Performing Your Duties: Even though you're looking to leave, continue to perform your job duties to the best of your ability. This prevents them from having grounds to terminate you for performance issues, which could complicate your ability to collect commission or other benefits.
• Do Not Badmouth the Company: Maintain professionalism in all your interactions.
• Strategize Your Departure: Once you secure a new job, consider your resignation strategy carefully. You might want to resign only after you have some resolution on the commission.

In Summary:

1. Do NOT sign the new offer letter.
2. Formally demand your overdue commission in writing, with detailed calculations.
3. Consult with an employment lawyer for advice on your specific situation and to understand your legal options, especially regarding the commission.
4. Continue applying for new jobs actively.

Don't "give up" on the commission. Several thousand dollars is a significant amount, and you have documentation to support your claim. A lawyer's involvement, even just for advice or a demand letter, could be very effective.

How do you job hunt while working full-time when companies expect 5-6 rounds of interviews? Tips & real talk wanted

I’m a senior product designer, currently working 9–5 on site, and looking to switch jobs. Nothing crazy, just want better pay, better growth, and ideally, a saner culture..Between endless interview rounds, take-home tasks, and first round calls, it feels impossible to find something without risking my current job

How do you take interviews without getting caught?

Do you fake appointments or use PTO? How do you manage 6 rounds of interviews?

Worth being honest with your manager if culture’s decent?

Jobadvisor

Job hunting while working full-time, especially in a field like product design with lengthy interview processes, is indeed a significant challenge. It requires strategic planning, discretion, and a bit of creativity. Here's some advice, combining practical tips with some "real talk."

How to Job Hunt While Working Full-Time with Multiple Interview Rounds

1. Strategic Scheduling is Key:

• Before 9 AM / After 5 PM / Lunch Breaks: This is your safest bet for initial phone screens or quick virtual meetings. Many recruiters are flexible, especially for high-demand roles.
• "Doctor's Appointments" / "Personal Appointments": This is the most common and effective excuse for taking time off during the workday. Schedule these strategically. Don't use it every week, and vary the times if possible.
• PTO (Paid Time Off): Save your PTO for on-site interviews or longer virtual interview blocks (e.g., a "super day" with 3-4 back-to-back interviews). If you have enough PTO, consider taking a full day or half-day for multiple interviews in one go.
• Block Your Calendar: If you have some flexibility in your current role, block out your calendar for "deep work," "focus time," or "meetings" to create windows for quick calls.
• Early/Late Interview Requests: When a recruiter suggests a time, you can always counter with: "I have a standing meeting at that time, would early morning (e.g., 8:30 AM) or later afternoon (e.g., 5:30 PM) work for you?"

2. Discretion and Professionalism:

• Find a Private Space: If you're doing a virtual interview from home during work hours, ensure you have a truly private space where you won't be overheard or interrupted. Noise-canceling headphones are your friend.
• No Company Devices: Absolutely never use your current company's laptop, phone, or Wi-Fi for job hunting activities (emailing, applying, interviewing). Use your personal devices.
• Beware of Backgrounds: If you're interviewing virtually from home, make sure your background is neutral and professional. Avoid anything that could give away your current employer (e.g., company swag).
• Guard Your LinkedIn Activity: Be mindful of your LinkedIn activity. Adjust your settings so that your network isn't notified every time you update your profile or follow a new company. Turn on "Open to Work" with the "recruiters only" option.

3. Managing Multiple Rounds:

• Communicate Your Constraints (Carefully): When scheduling, you can subtly hint at your limitations without explicitly stating you're currently employed. For example: "I have limited availability during standard business hours due to existing commitments, but I can make X or Y time work."
• Group Interviews: If possible, ask if multiple interviews can be grouped into a single block of time. This is common for later rounds.
• Be Proactive: Once you know the typical interview process for a company (e.g., 5-6 rounds), you can mentally prepare and strategize your time off.
• Take-Home Tasks: These are often done on your own time anyway, so they usually don't interfere with your workday. Set realistic expectations for yourself on turnaround times.

4. The "Real Talk" on Honesty with Your Manager:

• Generally, No. The prevailing advice is not to tell your manager you're looking for a new job, even if the culture is "decent."
  • Risk of Retaliation: Even in good cultures, some managers might see this as a betrayal or a sign of disloyalty. This could lead to being sidelined, passed over for projects, or even a subtle push out.
  • Awkwardness: It makes the relationship awkward. They might start scrutinizing your work or wondering how long you'll be around.
  • No Benefit (Usually): What's the upside? If they want to retain you, they might make a counter-offer, but that's often a short-term fix. If they don't, you've just put yourself in a potentially uncomfortable position.
• Exceptions (Very Rare):
  • Leaving for a "Dream Opportunity" that Directly Benefits the Company: If you're leaving to, say, join a key client, or a company that could become a strategic partner, and you have an exceptionally good relationship with a very understanding manager, then a carefully worded conversation might be considered. But this is the exception, not the rule.
  • You're Already on Your Way Out: If you've already received and accepted an offer, and you're giving notice, then you can be more open about your reasons for leaving.

5. Maintaining Sanity and Performance:

• Prioritize: You can't give 100% to both your current job and an intense job hunt. Decide where you need to focus your energy for the day. Some days, it will be your current job; others, it will be the job hunt.
• Leverage Weekends: Use weekends for applications, portfolio updates, research, and preparing for interviews.
• Self-Care: Don't burn out. This process is stressful. Make sure you're still exercising, eating well, and getting enough sleep.
• Be Patient and Persistent: The job market can be tough, and getting an offer with multiple interview rounds takes time. Don't get discouraged by rejections.

In summary: Be smart, be discreet, and be prepared to use your personal time and a few "white lies" (personal appointments) to navigate the interview process. Keep your job search under wraps until you have a signed offer in hand. Good luck!