Tech Interview Burnout: Facing 100+ Rounds Without an Offer
A software engineer shared a heartbreaking experience of attending over 100 interviews, including nine onsites, without landing a job offer. Despite a strong background and initial optimism, repeated rejections from major companies like Netflix and Robinhood led to mental exhaustion and questioning of skills. The intense pressure resulted in symptoms of tech interview burnout, including early waking and emotional distress. Community comments highlight the emotional toll, varying advice on interview strategies, and debates on the changing tech job market shaped by AI. This story reflects the harsh realities many face, emphasizing the need to address mental health after tech interviews and cope with multiple job rejections.
Commenters expressed sympathy and shared supportive advice, urging perseverance and suggesting strategic changes in interview preparation. Some emphasized behavioral skills over coding, while others pointed to the saturated market and AI's impact on hiring. A few comments were blunt, attributing failures to skill gaps, while others highlighted the emotional strain and unfairness of the process. Overall, the responses reveal a divided but empathetic community grappling with tech interview burnout and shifting industry dynamics.
This post connects to broader issues of job burnout in the tech industry, mental health challenges after repeated interview rejections, and the evolving hiring landscape amid AI advancements. It raises questions about sustainable recruitment processes, the psychological impact of high-volume interviewing, and the necessity for companies to consider candidate well-being. The story also touches on economic and career pivot concerns as tech hiring contracts and competition increases.
// The Desk Poll
Is persistent tech interview burnout a sign to quit or keep trying?
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