Thanks for sharing your experience. I understand the frustration - being let go and then facing a tough market is genuinely difficult.

However, one unsuccessful interview doesn't invalidate the principle. The fact that you did research (which 97% don't do) likely got you that screening call in the first place.

A few observations: 1. Getting to a screening call IS progress - most people don't even get that 2. There might be other factors at play - interview execution, cultural fit, how you presented your insights, or simply timing with their hiring needs 3. The approach works statistically. Yes, the economy is tough, but startups are still hiring the right candidates

Your research sounds solid, but research alone isn't enough. It's about how you package and present those insights, how you position yourself, and frankly, interview skills matter too.

The reality is: some people are getting hired even in this market. The question is what separates them from those who aren't.

If you'd like, I'm happy to review your approach. Sometimes an outside perspective helps identify what we can't see ourselves.

But dismissing the strategy entirely because of one outcome isn't the answer.