Need guidance
I’m feeling very confused and hurt about my current situation. I was laid off from my QA job in December 2022. After trying to find a new job without success, later I went on maternity leave. Now, after being back in the job market for 4-5 months, I’m surprised and disappointed that I haven’t received a single offer.
People have been telling me that I need U.S. experience without gaps, but all my previous experience is from India. It’s really discouraging because I had a great job in India, but after being laid off and now having a gap of around 1.5 years, I’m struggling to find anything.
I don’t know what to do or who to ask for help. I don’t have a business to spend my time and energy on, and I rely on private jobs. I’ve considered career counseling and possibly changing to a technology that’s in demand, but then I wonder if I should stick to my current experience.
Can anyone guide me on what steps I should take?
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6 comments
Did you try freelance i.e. Upwork? It's extremely popular these days, however in order to build up your rating there you should take a few contracts below market rate and work hard. But once you get a few recommendations it gets much easier. Hope this helps.
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I did try Upwork once, but I wasn't getting any work. It seems that people do not often hire for manual testing on that platform. I'm not sure why.
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I'd suggest to find a way how you could fill that gap. Can you say that you have been volunteering, or worked on a personal project, or did some freelance work? Obviously you should be able to dive deep and I'm not saying that you should lie but if you actually did any similar activities in the past it might also serve as an explanation what did you do during the last 1.5 years.
As far as I understand, most incoming resumes are getting automatically filtered by some sort of AI and so if there are career gaps your CV might not even have a chance to get to the recruiter. Adding an entry to fill the gap should help.
Yes, the employment gap isn't the sole issue. I've been actively searching for a job for the past five months, but haven't received a single call back. And when I do get calls, they often seek candidates who are full stack developers. It's quite challenging to acquire and master all the necessary skills in such a short period of time.
I'm not a career expert, but I have access to the latest version of Chat GPT (4o) so I asked for a suggestion based on your post, and here's the response I received. Hope this helps.
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I'm sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds really challenging, but don't lose hope. Here are some steps that might help you navigate through this tough time:
Update Your Skills: Technology changes rapidly, and staying updated can make a big difference. Consider taking online courses or certifications in current, in-demand technologies. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer many relevant courses.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize skills from your QA experience in India that are transferable and relevant to U.S. employers. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and familiarity with testing methodologies are valuable in any market.
Bridge the Gap: If possible, take on freelance or contract work, even if it's short-term. This can help fill the gap in your resume and provide you with U.S. experience. Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and even LinkedIn can be good places to find such opportunities.
Network Actively: Networking is crucial. Attend industry meetups, webinars, and conferences. Connect with former colleagues, friends, and family in your field. Use LinkedIn to reach out to recruiters and hiring managers. Sometimes, personal connections can open doors that applications can't.
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume and cover letter for each job application. Highlight your most relevant experience and how it aligns with the job you're applying for. Consider getting feedback on your resume from a professional service or career counselor.
Consider Career Counseling: Professional career counselors can provide personalized advice and help you develop a strategy tailored to your situation. They can also assist with resume writing, interview preparation, and identifying potential career paths.
Stay Positive and Persistent: Job searching can be a lengthy process, especially in a competitive market. Stay positive, keep applying, and don’t get discouraged by rejections. Each application is a step closer to your goal.
Explore Different Roles: Sometimes, being flexible about the types of roles you're willing to take can lead to unexpected opportunities. Look into related fields where your skills could be applicable.
Remember, many people face similar challenges, and with persistence and the right strategy, you can find a new opportunity. Best of luck!
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