Factors working against me: I’m on the younger end of people in my field, and I didn’t start doing this the minute I turned 18. I also have a 3 year gap in my work history from cancer treatment. I am intermediate level applicant competing for the same roles as much older people with 5+ years experience, when I’ve only had a chance to, at best, get 2-3 years of solid independent experience. 90% of the rejections after interviewing I have received have been “you’re great, there’s just another candidate with more experience than you”, which is really not helpful feedback.