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(Lifehacker)   Let AI write your cover letter   (lifehacker.com) divider line
47
    More: Spiffy, Artificial intelligence, Cover letter, cover letter, Employment, Application for employment, Job hunting, Skill, job application  
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906 clicks; posted to Business » on 06 Feb 2023 at 10:20 AM (7 weeks ago)   |   Favorite    |   share:  Share on Twitter share via Email Share on Facebook



47 Comments     (+0 »)
View Voting Results: Smartest and Funniest
 
King Something [TotalFark]
2023-02-06 10:29:51 AM  
Fark user imageView Full Size
 
WhackingDay
2023-02-06 10:32:50 AM  
No, no, by all means, please start doing this and make sure you don't proofread it, just send it on as is. I'm sure it'll be fine.
 
MelGoesOnTour
2023-02-06 10:39:22 AM  
I cannot even imagine what it would be like to apply for a job these days. I've been working since the pre-internet days and back then it seemed if you wanted a job you basically went to the place in-person and spoke with someone. It always worked for me.

To do everything these days through the computer is just so impersonal.
 
Ambitwistor [TotalFark]
2023-02-06 10:43:57 AM  
I let ChatGPT write a cover letter:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am a recent Bachelor's degree graduate from a university and I am eager to bring my unparalleled skills and eccentric personality to your organization. I am a true Renaissance man, excelling in a wide range of activities and interests.

For instance, I have been known to single-handedly solve complex mathematical equations in seconds, even under extreme time pressure. I have a talent for juggling multiple tasks simultaneously, such as typing an important email with one hand while playing the piano with the other. My acute sense of direction is unmatched, allowing me to navigate unfamiliar terrain with ease, be it an underground cave system or a labyrinthine cityscape.

But I am not just a brainiac. I have a thirst for adventure and relish in the face of danger. I have been known to swim with sharks, traverse scorching deserts on foot, and even survive a plane crash in the Andes mountains. I am a self-taught parkour expert, able to leap over buildings and dodge bullets with ease.

In my spare time, I enjoy indulging in my eclectic interests. I am a world-renowned magician, able to levitate and make elephants disappear. I also have a talent for composing symphonies, creating masterpieces with only my voice and a xylophone. I have even trained a team of squirrels to perform complex acrobatics, to the delight of audiences everywhere.

I am confident that my unique combination of skills and experiences will bring value and excitement to your organization. I am eager to bring my problem-solving skills, boundless creativity, and fearless spirit to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, [Your Name]
 
Tyrone Slothrop [TotalFark]
2023-02-06 10:46:09 AM  
How about throw your cover letter in the trash, because it's useless. The only point of it is to say "I want this job", which is already known because you're applying for the job.
 
northernmanor
2023-02-06 10:52:39 AM  
Do not let AI write your cover letter. DO let George Devolder write your cover letter.
 
Schlubbe [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-02-06 10:54:19 AM  
Might as well - ain't nobody gonna read it anyway.

It might be scanned by AI, but that'll only be looking for the exact kinds of buzzwords AI would include in the first place.
 
Merltech
2023-02-06 11:07:20 AM  

Tyrone Slothrop: How about throw your cover letter in the trash, because it's useless. The only point of it is to say "I want this job", which is already known because you're applying for the job.


They probably using an AI to "read it" anyway. Then just use some stupid rubric to pick which candidates they want to "look" into.
 
Somaticasual [TotalFark]
2023-02-06 11:13:15 AM  
"I don't even remember being a legacy at harvard! Wow!"
 
Fark_Guy_Rob
2023-02-06 11:14:07 AM  
I spent years involved in hiring at a software consulting firm, and then far less involved at another, but still...

Nobody would read your cover letter. Seriously. Maybe other companies are different but we didn't even consider you as a person until after your successful phone screen and initial technical interview.

We looked at measurable objective facts from your resume. What jobs you have had, what degree/certification/camp/whatever.

The phone screen was just an attempt to filter out people who were clearly lying or incredibly offensive.

It wasn't until the very end of the interview process that we would look at the candidate as a whole.

Personally, I can't remember a single time a cover letter helped a candidate; but I remember a few times it hurt them considerably.
 
Flowery Twats
2023-02-06 11:24:43 AM  
I'm retired now, but I am at a complete loss to understand what it takes to get a job nowadays.

My best estimate would be a list of what you've done in previous jobs, but since that's unlikely to contain the same list of acronyms and bullet points (which you're not privy to) being used as filters for the current position, it's pretty much a crapshoot.  Add to that uncertainty, the HR gatekeepers, who really have no idea what the hiring manager is looking for, and the real possibility that their needs have changed dramatically since the posting was written (considering organizational inertia), the job you think you're applying for may no longer be the job they're hiring for.

I got my last job (20 years ago) by being persistent, and willing to do a trial period as a contractor. After 8 months, I was hired full time. That job was a perfect match for my varied skills (I'm a generalist, who learns fairly quickly) and I kept it until I retired. After 8 months of retirement, I was asked if I'd like to come back as a contractor...full circle, I guess :-)

My advice? Be flexible, and choose jobs that really interest you (if that option is available to you). And don't work for assholes -- the good ones are out there. Keep looking. You're worth more than you think you are.
 
thornhill
2023-02-06 11:25:59 AM  

Tyrone Slothrop: How about throw your cover letter in the trash, because it's useless. The only point of it is to say "I want this job", which is already known because you're applying for the job.


I disagree.

A cover letter gives applicants a way to explain why they have the relevant experience for a job if it's not apparent on a resume.

I would certainly never hold a bad cover letter against an applicant, and I don't expect them to write a two-page appeal about how its their lifelong goal to work at my organization, though it does piss me off when someone just sends a form letter that doesn't even mention the name of my organization or the title of the position they're applying for.
 
TheSubjunctive
2023-02-06 11:27:22 AM  

Tyrone Slothrop: How about throw your cover letter in the trash, because it's useless. The only point of it is to say "I want this job", which is already known because you're applying for the job.


YMMV.  When I've been on hiring committees, they are the most negligible weight ever. BUT, if you don't submit one at all (and it will say in the listing that one is required), HR will kick you out of the pool, no questions asked. It's a dumb hoop, but welcome to government work.  Letting AI deal seems like a pretty solid compromise.
 
My Second Fark Account
2023-02-06 11:33:05 AM  

Tyrone Slothrop: How about throw your cover letter in the trash, because it's useless. The only point of it is to say "I want this job", which is already known because you're applying for the job.


It can be useful for explaining specific circumstances relating to the job, for example a career pivot. But it should be 1-2 paragraphs max and don't put a lot of effort into it.
 
My Second Fark Account
2023-02-06 11:33:58 AM  

My Second Fark Account: Tyrone Slothrop: How about throw your cover letter in the trash, because it's useless. The only point of it is to say "I want this job", which is already known because you're applying for the job.

It can be useful for explaining specific circumstances relating to the job, for example a career pivot. But it should be 1-2 paragraphs max and don't put a lot of effort into it.


In particular, try to get to the main point within the first sentence.
 
krebshack
2023-02-06 11:35:20 AM  

Merltech: Tyrone Slothrop: How about throw your cover letter in the trash, because it's useless. The only point of it is to say "I want this job", which is already known because you're applying for the job.

They probably using an AI to "read it" anyway. Then just use some stupid rubric to pick which candidates they want to "look" into.


That was my thought too. I don't think I've ever in my professional life had anybody mention anything I wrote in a cover letter. I suppose there's a chance that somebody's read it and it helped, but that'd be news to me.

I have been on the other end often enough to know cover letters get scanned for keywords and assigned a score based on the number of matches.

I'd let rather let AI write for keyword optimization, proofread for obvious flaws, and send it. If I wanted to spend hours writing something nobody was going to read I would've gone into that PhD program.
 
Myk-House of El [BareFark] [OhFark]
2023-02-06 11:40:50 AM  
I'd let Al write my cover letter.  As long as it was "Weird Al" Yankovic.

/I get the desire for sans serif...but if you're gonna do that, you need the periods in A.I.
 
Bondith
2023-02-06 11:43:14 AM  

My Second Fark Account: Tyrone Slothrop: How about throw your cover letter in the trash, because it's useless. The only point of it is to say "I want this job", which is already known because you're applying for the job.

It can be useful for explaining specific circumstances relating to the job, for example a career pivot. But it should be 1-2 paragraphs max and don't put a lot of effort into it.


I use it to say "Look, dickheads, just because I don't have your unicorn laundry list of bullshiat skills and experience doesn't mean I can't quickly learn then.  I'm a STEM graduate, unlike the dead-eyed burnouts and chucklefark incompetents your HR drones are used to.  farkers."
 
FormlessOne
2023-02-06 11:47:34 AM  
I haven't written a cover letter in at least 25 years. Not a single position for which I've applied during that time needed or expected one. My resume is my intro, and that particular lily requires no further gilding.

Big Tech couldn't give a rat's rancid rectum about cover letters, at least if you're in a technical position - they typically want to know just one question: "Can I meet or exceed expectations while engaging the tasks and responsibilities associated with the position in question, while possessing the tech stack and skill set necessary to be successful?" If the answer's "yes," then I'm usually in the running; I don't apply to jobs where the answer's "no."
 
FormlessOne
2023-02-06 11:49:05 AM  

My Second Fark Account: My Second Fark Account: Tyrone Slothrop: How about throw your cover letter in the trash, because it's useless. The only point of it is to say "I want this job", which is already known because you're applying for the job.

It can be useful for explaining specific circumstances relating to the job, for example a career pivot. But it should be 1-2 paragraphs max and don't put a lot of effort into it.

In particular, try to get to the main point within the first sentence.


"I'm broke, you're hiring, and I can do the work you want done."

Boom.
 
Bondith
2023-02-06 11:52:21 AM  

FormlessOne: My Second Fark Account: My Second Fark Account: Tyrone Slothrop: How about throw your cover letter in the trash, because it's useless. The only point of it is to say "I want this job", which is already known because you're applying for the job.

It can be useful for explaining specific circumstances relating to the job, for example a career pivot. But it should be 1-2 paragraphs max and don't put a lot of effort into it.

In particular, try to get to the main point within the first sentence.

"I'm broke, you're hiring, and I can do the work you want done."

Boom.


Except nowadays there's some C-student drone inserted into the process to make sure you're a good "fit", never mind the fact that they can't explain what the company does or understand any of the words on your CV.

/most of them struggle to even spell CV
 
FormlessOne
2023-02-06 12:01:13 PM  

Bondith: FormlessOne: My Second Fark Account: My Second Fark Account: Tyrone Slothrop: How about throw your cover letter in the trash, because it's useless. The only point of it is to say "I want this job", which is already known because you're applying for the job.

It can be useful for explaining specific circumstances relating to the job, for example a career pivot. But it should be 1-2 paragraphs max and don't put a lot of effort into it.

In particular, try to get to the main point within the first sentence.

"I'm broke, you're hiring, and I can do the work you want done."

Boom.

Except nowadays there's some C-student drone inserted into the process to make sure you're a good "fit", never mind the fact that they can't explain what the company does or understand any of the words on your CV.

/most of them struggle to even spell CV


I've had to explain portions of my skill set more than once to an agency rep trying to market me to a client - I can relate, somewhat. However, a cover letter won't fix that, and at least for the kind of gigs on which I work these days, it wouldn't matter either way - usually, the recruiter's just passing me to the client's hiring manager for a detailed chat on the what, where, and how. (No one asks about the why, and the when is what we're trying to negotiate...) If I can't walk the talk, no amount of glib repartee is going to cover that up - it's a dev team, not Congress, and most of the questions are Boolean in nature.
 
Somaticasual [TotalFark]
2023-02-06 12:02:15 PM  

FormlessOne: My Second Fark Account: My Second Fark Account: Tyrone Slothrop: How about throw your cover letter in the trash, because it's useless. The only point of it is to say "I want this job", which is already known because you're applying for the job.

It can be useful for explaining specific circumstances relating to the job, for example a career pivot. But it should be 1-2 paragraphs max and don't put a lot of effort into it.

In particular, try to get to the main point within the first sentence.

"I'm broke, you're hiring, and I can do the work you want done."

Boom.


"Look, no one else needs to know about that messy business in panama. You've got a position. I've got talents."
 
FormlessOne
2023-02-06 12:06:44 PM  

Somaticasual: FormlessOne: My Second Fark Account: My Second Fark Account: Tyrone Slothrop: How about throw your cover letter in the trash, because it's useless. The only point of it is to say "I want this job", which is already known because you're applying for the job.

It can be useful for explaining specific circumstances relating to the job, for example a career pivot. But it should be 1-2 paragraphs max and don't put a lot of effort into it.

In particular, try to get to the main point within the first sentence.

"I'm broke, you're hiring, and I can do the work you want done."

Boom.

"Look, no one else needs to know about that messy business in panama. You've got a position. I've got talents."


Exactly!
 
TheLopper
2023-02-06 12:22:57 PM  
I don't know what you want. If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I don't have money. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare great fit for people like you.
 
FormlessOne
2023-02-06 12:30:43 PM  

TheLopper: I don't know what you want. If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I don't have money. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare great fit for people like you.


"If you let my resume go now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But, if you don't, you will look for me, you will find me, and I will thrill you."
 
Fark_Guy_Rob
2023-02-06 12:37:45 PM  

Bondith: My Second Fark Account: Tyrone Slothrop: How about throw your cover letter in the trash, because it's useless. The only point of it is to say "I want this job", which is already known because you're applying for the job.

It can be useful for explaining specific circumstances relating to the job, for example a career pivot. But it should be 1-2 paragraphs max and don't put a lot of effort into it.

I use it to say "Look, dickheads, just because I don't have your unicorn laundry list of bullshiat skills and experience doesn't mean I can't quickly learn then.  I'm a STEM graduate, unlike the dead-eyed burnouts and chucklefark incompetents your HR drones are used to.  farkers."


"I'm a hard-working, fast learner" - literally every single person
 
Fark_Guy_Rob
2023-02-06 12:45:42 PM  
* No offense intended. I'm not saying you aren't amazing, I am just saying even people who suck will also say it.
 
OhioUGrad
2023-02-06 1:00:25 PM  
I don't know about anyone else on Fark, but I am loving how everyone jumped right in with ChatGPT and all this.

I cannot wait for the impending crash and burn ala crypto, NFTs, and Full Self-Drive. Nobody farking learned a thing.

Sure, AI can work in some limited instances, and will eventually be fully functional and able to replace a lot of white-collar jobs, in about a decade.
 
Communist Middleschool Student
2023-02-06 1:03:40 PM  
I avoid writing cover-letters myself at all costs already.
 
cyberspacedout
2023-02-06 1:16:49 PM  
They wouldn't hire a sloth.
 
My Second Fark Account
2023-02-06 2:25:41 PM  

FormlessOne: My Second Fark Account: My Second Fark Account: Tyrone Slothrop: How about throw your cover letter in the trash, because it's useless. The only point of it is to say "I want this job", which is already known because you're applying for the job.

It can be useful for explaining specific circumstances relating to the job, for example a career pivot. But it should be 1-2 paragraphs max and don't put a lot of effort into it.

In particular, try to get to the main point within the first sentence.

"I'm broke, you're hiring, and I can do the work you want done."

Boom.


Unironically pretty much this, though you being broke and them hiring is redundant.
 
fredbox [TotalFark]
2023-02-06 2:31:45 PM  
I'm on the occasional hiring panel. I look for a cover level as (1) can you even be arsed to fulfill even the most basic of requests, and (2) can you communicate effectively. With #2 I am even keeping a bare minimum of understanding of English in mind for cultural / educational differences, but it takes some basic communication skill to get the job done.

A substantial number of people fail at #1.
 
Timmy the Tumor
2023-02-06 4:37:02 PM  
Why not?  It worked for George Santos
 
thornhill
2023-02-06 4:39:22 PM  

fredbox: I'm on the occasional hiring panel. I look for a cover level as (1) can you even be arsed to fulfill even the most basic of requests, and (2) can you communicate effectively. With #2 I am even keeping a bare minimum of understanding of English in mind for cultural / educational differences, but it takes some basic communication skill to get the job done.

A substantial number of people fail at #1.


Yeah, some of the cover letters I've seen have been so weirdly informal that it makes me nervous what the applicants might say in an email to someone external of the organization.
 
LesserEvil [TotalFark] [OhFark]
2023-02-06 4:49:07 PM  
I hate doing self-assessments for work... so I got ChatGPT to help me.

Worked great, made my past year sound like I single-handedly saved the company from ruin, and there wasn't a single lie or embellishment in the magnum opus that I turned in.

I just ran through my accomplishments (vaguely wording proprietary info/changing up project names), generating paragraphs for each project, then went through cleaning it all up, replacing with proprietary names, etc... ensuring correctness and rewording a line or two.
 
morg
2023-02-06 7:08:17 PM  
Glorious sunset of my heart was fading. Soon the super karate monkey death car would park in my space. But Jimmy has fancy plans, and pants to match. I never doubted myself for a minute for I knew that my monkey-strong bowels were girded with strength, like the loins of a dragon ribboned with fat and the opulence of buffalo dung.
 
Fark_Guy_Rob
2023-02-06 7:47:39 PM  

morg: Glorious sunset of my heart was fading. Soon the super karate monkey death car would park in my space. But Jimmy has fancy plans, and pants to match. I never doubted myself for a minute for I knew that my monkey-strong bowels were girded with strength, like the loins of a dragon ribboned with fat and the opulence of buffalo dung.

Write a short cover letter for a software developer job using Java.


Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to apply for the Software Developer position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Board]. As a highly motivated and experienced Java developer, I am confident in my ability to make a significant contribution to your team.
With over [X years/X months] of experience in developing Java-based applications, I have honed my skills in all stages of the software development life cycle, from conceptualization and design to implementation and testing. I have a proven track record of delivering high-quality and scalable solutions, and I am always looking for new and innovative ways to solve complex problems.
In my current role at [Current Company], I have been responsible for developing and maintaining a variety of Java-based applications, ranging from web-based platforms to mobile apps. I have also collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve technical challenges, and I have a strong understanding of Agile methodologies and best practices.
I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to [Company Name], and I am eager to contribute to the success of your projects. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
 
Somaticasual [TotalFark]
2023-02-06 7:49:52 PM  
Ok, I really wanted to think of ChatGPT as just an interesting experiment in AI. At first, it wasn't very engaging.

However, it just wrote 3 paragraphs of marketing verbiage and a simple WordPress plugin in less than 3 minutes total. It's definitely going to be interesting to see how effective this becomes; if only slightly disturbing.
 
Bondith
2023-02-06 7:54:02 PM  

Somaticasual: Ok, I really wanted to think of ChatGPT as just an interesting experiment in AI. At first, it wasn't very engaging.

However, it just wrote 3 paragraphs of marketing verbiage and a simple WordPress plugin in less than 3 minutes total. It's definitely going to be interesting to see how effective this becomes; if only slightly disturbing.


Marketing verbiage and corporate buzzspeak are mostly filler devoid of meaning.  It shouldn't be too difficult for a non-sentient script to duplicate meaningless filler.
 
Somaticasual [TotalFark]
2023-02-06 8:02:30 PM  

Bondith: Somaticasual: Ok, I really wanted to think of ChatGPT as just an interesting experiment in AI. At first, it wasn't very engaging.

However, it just wrote 3 paragraphs of marketing verbiage and a simple WordPress plugin in less than 3 minutes total. It's definitely going to be interesting to see how effective this becomes; if only slightly disturbing.

Marketing verbiage and corporate buzzspeak are mostly filler devoid of meaning.  It shouldn't be too difficult for a non-sentient script to duplicate meaningless filler.


Still, it takes agency time. If you can take that off a human's plate and it can deliver decent results = voila'.
 
Moose out front
2023-02-06 8:07:04 PM  
Since I've been applying for jobs since the beginning of the year, I DO have a cover letter that I send to jobs that require it.

It's the basic "I'm a great candidate for <advertised position> at <your company> because blah blah blah". It's three paragraphs, mostly boilerplate, but the middle paragraph describes a specific assignment I really knocked out of the park at my last job.

For anyone commenting about not knowing what it's like applying for jobs nowadays? It's kinda like internet dating if you're a guy. You apply on different websites (linkedin, indeed, glassdoor, monster, careerbuilder, etc) to every job that looks even remotely interesting that you're qualified or mostly qualified for. You rarely hear back anything at all. If you do get an interview, you often have several interviews (3 to 6) over the course of a few days, over zoom. Though that probably depends on your skillset. I'm a data scientist with about 15 years experience so it's typical for me.

Worst one: I applied to Apple, got the rare interview request, and had 4 one-hour interviews on one day and 3 one-hour interviews the next day. That was followed by my giving a one-hour powerpoint presentation to everyone I'd interviewed with, using a dataset they'd given me the day before that had thousands of rows of data and hundreds of variables that weren't all defined. This was all done over zoom.

I didn't get the job. That one was pretty extreme, but most jobs I apply for, if I get an interview request (happens about 1 in 20 applications) I usually have about 3 interviews total.

That's been my experience at least.
 
Ambitwistor [TotalFark]
2023-02-06 9:12:11 PM  

Timmy the Tumor: Why not?  It worked for George Santos


Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Representative in the United States Congress. I believe my background and experience make me an ideal candidate for the role. I am a driven and dedicated individual, who has a passion for serving others and making a positive impact in my community.

I have a strong academic background, having graduated summa cum laude with a 3.89 GPA from Baruch College. Although Baruch College has no record of my attendance, I can assure you that I have worked hard to achieve this academic excellence. I am confident that my academic achievements demonstrate my commitment to excellence and my ability to succeed in a rigorous and challenging environment.

In addition to my academic background, I have a wealth of experience in the financial industry. I have worked for both Goldman-Sachs and Citigroup, where I honed my skills in investment and finance. Although these companies have no record of my employment, I assure you that I have the knowledge and expertise necessary to excel in this field.

I am a proud member of both the Jewish and Ukrainian communities, and I take great pride in my heritage and cultural background. My family name, Zabrovsky, is steeped in history and tradition, and I am proud to be a part of this legacy.

Furthermore, I am a bi-racial individual, with half of my heritage being black. I am committed to representing and advocating for marginalized communities, and I believe that my unique background and experiences give me a unique perspective on the challenges facing these communities.

I am also proud to be the first openly gay non-incumbent Republican elected to Congress. I am committed to promoting equality and inclusiveness, and I believe that everyone should have the right to love and marry whom they choose. Despite divorcing a woman in 2019, I continue to stand by these principles and beliefs.

I am a proud resident of Long Island, where I live with my husband and four dogs. I am committed to my community, and I have demonstrated this commitment through my involvement in various charitable organizations, such as my animal charity, Friends of Pets United. Unfortunately, records of this organization cannot be found, however, I am confident that my dedication to animal welfare is evident. I have also started a GoFundMe (as Anthony Zabrovski) for the charity, falsely claiming it was a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

I am proud to have been one of the first individuals in the United States to contract COVID-19. This experience has given me a unique perspective on the challenges facing our healthcare system and the importance of prioritizing public health.

I have a strong commitment to public service and have been active in various political campaigns throughout my career. Despite facing allegations of fraud in Brazil, I have maintained a clean record and have committed no crimes. I am also committed to transparency and honesty in my campaign finances, and I have always acted in accordance with the law.

My mother was a white immigrant from Belgium, and her family lived in Brazil for over a century. Unfortunately, my mother passed away in 2016, but her memory continues to inspire me every day. Despite claiming that my mother died in the 9/11 attacks, records show that she was not even in the country at the time. Despite this, I have always been committed to honoring her memory and ensuring that her legacy lives on.

I am the founder of DeVolder Organization, which is the source of my wealth. Although the initial address of this company was a closed medical office, it has since been changed to a PO box at a Mailboxes Etc. I am proud of the success I have achieved through this company, and I look forward to the opportunity to bring my skills and passion to the team and make a meaningful contribution to the success of the organization.

Best regards,
George Santos
 
Hyjamon
2023-02-06 10:02:25 PM  

Moose out front: Though that probably depends on your skillset. I'm a data scientist with about 15 years experience so it's typical for me.

I didn't get the job. That one was pretty extreme, but most jobs I apply for, if I get an interview request (happens about 1 in 20 applications) I usually have about 3 interviews total.


Ugh, as someone with zero years experience trying to move into data science from academia, that is somewhat disheartening.

Have made a few final rounds and the 3-4 interviews you talk about are correct. technical tests are all over the map for each one. some take home, some live and one that was impromptu. They made it up on the spot and kept ramping it up, adding parts and interrupting me until I obviously failed to "do the needful".

the other discouraging thing is watching the salary ranges plummet to way below my current salary. I have seen quite a few $40-80k ranges stated. yet they were $110-145 when I started to study it and build up a project portfolio just a few years ago.

then you hear about fresh grads getting hired for jobs who didn't even know python or sql when they started. it is maddening.
 
Moose out front
2023-02-07 2:12:38 AM  

Hyjamon: Moose out front: Though that probably depends on your skillset. I'm a data scientist with about 15 years experience so it's typical for me.

I didn't get the job. That one was pretty extreme, but most jobs I apply for, if I get an interview request (happens about 1 in 20 applications) I usually have about 3 interviews total.

Ugh, as someone with zero years experience trying to move into data science from academia, that is somewhat disheartening.

Have made a few final rounds and the 3-4 interviews you talk about are correct. technical tests are all over the map for each one. some take home, some live and one that was impromptu. They made it up on the spot and kept ramping it up, adding parts and interrupting me until I obviously failed to "do the needful".

the other discouraging thing is watching the salary ranges plummet to way below my current salary. I have seen quite a few $40-80k ranges stated. yet they were $110-145 when I started to study it and build up a project portfolio just a few years ago.

then you hear about fresh grads getting hired for jobs who didn't even know python or sql when they started. it is maddening.


My advice, not that you should follow it, but here it is anyway, is don't worry much about the interviews. Go ahead and be kinda casual. They aren't paying much attention anyway. Just be who you are. Remember you're interviewing them too just as much as they're interviewing you, I always tell people that... interviews are them interviewing you and... importantly, you interviewing them... if they suck you should tell them the interviews are over and you've declined them. Just be yourself. If they don't like you? You probably wouldn't have liked them either.

As for salary, yeah, I've noticed it's plummeted too. What can you do? So I don't spend as much as I used to. Live more frugally. I'm currently looking at accepting a job that pays half what I was making at my last job. So be it. Nothing I can do about it. fark capitalism, right? Just apply for what you're qualified for and don't apologize for not knowing any "new and trendy" tech programming stuff. Just be honest. I'm a novice with SQL and Python. I tell people that. If they want a programmer, I'm not the person they're looking for. But if they want a researcher, I'm an expert. take it or leave it.

It's a jungle out there. You're not alone. Good luck!!!
 
padraig
2023-02-07 4:04:06 AM  

Merltech: Tyrone Slothrop: How about throw your cover letter in the trash, because it's useless. The only point of it is to say "I want this job", which is already known because you're applying for the job.

They probably using an AI to "read it" anyway. Then just use some stupid rubric to pick which candidates they want to "look" into.


One day, the whole economy will be just computers talking on each other, and putting all the money in the world into one guy's bank account
 
Communist Middleschool Student
2023-02-07 12:03:20 PM  

padraig: Merltech: Tyrone Slothrop: How about throw your cover letter in the trash, because it's useless. The only point of it is to say "I want this job", which is already known because you're applying for the job.

They probably using an AI to "read it" anyway. Then just use some stupid rubric to pick which candidates they want to "look" into.

One day, the whole economy will be just computers talking on each other, and putting all the money in the world into one guy's bank account


Yeah that might actually happen.
 
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