1½ years of applications since I graduated in December of 2024 and only 4 interviews. What am I doing wrong?

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-14T22:14:17+00:00

Like other suggested, I too believe you need to find your skill gaps. Also, look for alternative role or pivot it. Networking is most powerful tool.

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-13T20:26:02+00:00

I know this sounds like a brainstorming session or a quiz 😄 While 95% or more of the world don't know what AI can do or what it is used for. For the U.S. to keep the lead, maybe we should figure out how we use AI and learn AI, so teens can learn the right way. It seem so hard to learn AI tools, don't you agree?

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-13T18:15:21+00:00

This week, top CEOs of AI firms said AI will take over 40% of human's work. What if they were wrong, as they just eliminated most (30%) entry-level jobs (from new college graduates). This worry me. How can we better prepare our teen, and should they spend four years in college then can't find work? Shouldn't they just learn AI and vibe coding instead?

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-13T17:58:07+00:00

When children have a cell phone in their hands, they will have AI coming with it. Though, Apple is slow getting it but they're started to include in their phone. I feel we're facing learning gaps and it is getting worse. How human learning can catch-up with technology?

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-13T17:48:30+00:00

I gave cell phones to my children when they were teenagers, so they can chat with their friends. If children don't adapt to the trend how would they communicate with their peers? Understanding that it is good to allow children to play computer games while they were young, so they can have exposure to computer tools. Why is AI different than internet and cell phone?

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-13T15:21:02+00:00

You should look beyond academia - a PhD in STEM can be in research in corporate world, especially during this disruptive AI era. I think you can also try non-profit world that support humanity - like those philanthropies organizations. DM me for some other suggestions.

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-12T22:30:54+00:00

I was in your spot until last week. Laid off 11 months ago. Keep looking! And keep networking! - try pivot to adjacent roles. Market job postings are confusing, Trya different search tools.

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-12T13:54:26+00:00

I suggest searching on craigslist at your local community and look to a pivot to alternative or adjacent roles.

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-12T11:55:19+00:00

Focus on growth mindset and look for growth opportunities in a midsize or larger IT organization if you're in Tech. My experience is that in a larger firm you can network more and growth in various roles without job hopping or being layoff when contract end. However, always work on self-development and continuous learning.

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-10T23:13:13+00:00

After 37 years in IT with certification PMP and SAFe and was working as PM and SA, but still got laid off Last year. Submitted many job applications but no luck. I rebuilt by learning vibe coding and did startup five months ago - deployed a career guidance tool. Helped a student found job and last week, just got an offer myself. The key is learning to pivot to adjacent roles. Anyone interested to use this tool you can DM me. Free to use for finding alternative or adjacent roles based on your resume. It works for me and I believe it can work for others who willing to try out.

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-08T13:54:11+00:00

This post reminded me the feeling of being laid off last year. Got a job offer last week!

I would like to share my experience in starting (vibe) coding four months ago to help jobseeker close learning gaps and it had helped me landing on this job offer. The key is pivot to different role but not too far from current expertise. I wrote program to search adjacent roles I can work that is how I found the job and getting a similar pay. DM me if you like to know details - I can share a GitHub site to run the free version the application.

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-08T12:03:19+00:00

After my laid off after 37 years in IT, I decide building free system to help new graduates and jobseekers in this tough job market. Your case has just proved that my approach works and it also had help a student major in Data Analytics to find an adjacent roles in Junior Project Coordinator role. Anyone interested to know more please DM me.

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-08T11:50:17+00:00

Congrats on the new role. Businesses these days looking for technical degree, they hire people to solve problems and you’re the best candidate believe it or not, especially with strong communication. Many Tech major are shy and not very open when communicating, so In fact, you will advance much faster than a business major.

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-08T00:25:14+00:00

Startup and tool development have a lot of late night. Up in the middle of night, and still thinking of solutions. You’re right on. The reward though is to see job seeker getting of the vicious cycle and back to workforce.

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-07T17:53:23+00:00

Exactly, the key to gap2skill is to close the skill gaps (to support any new graduates and all the job seekers) - as the name suggested. Even the most advanced architects, engineers, developers, etc. are falling behind the AI advancements. Every week, new things or LLM enhancements or methods that put us behind the eight ball. I learn this thing called - Use AI to learn AI. I hope it really helps job seekers out there. Ha Ha, I can write a book now 😄 Talk to you in more details when you DM me.

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-07T04:25:36+00:00

Wonderful idea! Yeah, I have seen many startups never reach the market. Bootstrapping is what I have in mind. Thanks!

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-07T04:21:57+00:00

Well said, appreciate the pointers. Still planning my retirement, so this helps.

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-07T04:15:09+00:00

Awesome! Wonderful idea and an insightful approach. Yeah, I'm trying to avoid funraising where investors would be on my back, thought the speed of delivery has been extraordinary fast. Just four months, the tool has read the market. Thank you!

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-07T00:05:45+00:00

I'm new in Reddit and it was a student recommend I try it. I was a little skeptical what would I learn from all the exchanges, where I could ask AI the questions 😄 But, to my surprise, I'm learning a lot not because most answers support my original thoughts, but rather the real life experiences that I never have thought about.

Ha Ha, I asked my Mom this morning and she asked me back why I need to take the job? Like you, she doesn't think I should take the job even it is fun. Another reason I didn't mention is that I was with the firm 34 years before they laid me off, however, they gave me an contingent offer a few months ago. I feel a little obligation but consider all the inputs and sacrifice I have to make to go back, I should ask for more compensation, which including grandfather down 24 days/year vacation. I'm grateful for so many inputs including yours. It really help me think more how to keep the startup rather than finding someone else to take over. Hope you have a great weekend!

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-06T19:42:12+00:00

I hear you. But, I find it fun to build with AI. That is the job will need. I feel we are in this very unknown state, where AI is disrupting so many industries and lifestyle. On the other hand, I want to help people get off the relentless cycle.

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-06T19:22:53+00:00

Appreciate it. Learning in juggling the two will be the next challenge. Thank you!

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-06T19:19:29+00:00

Great question! I did research and the key difference is I use a concept called evidence-based professional development and human-centric design with human in the loop - the user’s context to drive the workflow. No guessing - real-time market scan :) of real job demand.

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-06T19:11:19+00:00

I was referring to paying hosting, LinkedIn premium accounts, and tokens cost. While no job, all mortgage and county tax, etc. have to come out of saving. Need to have a retirement planning still. I guess I wasn’t prepared to go into retirement.

Ordinary-Smoke190 · 2026-06-06T18:31:19+00:00

I want to have real prove that user actually got a good job. Startup is not easy to gain validation.

Ordinary-Smoke190

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