“Almost” Hired: A Journey Through Job Search Limbo
Six months ago, I started a journey. It’s one that many in the tech industry have traveled — a search for the next step in my career. I began this process with a feeling of excitement, optimism, and motivation to apply my skills in a new role. However, as the months went on, that excitement started to fade, and optimism was replaced by frustration and confusion. Why? Because after reaching the final interview round six times, I keep hearing the same feedback: “We went with someone that has a bit more experience.”
The irony is, I have the experience to make it through the assessments and the technical interviews. I consistently receive feedback that my code is clean, my problem-solving approach is solid, and my ability to communicate clearly and professionally stands out. I pass every coding assessment thrown my way, tackle complex algorithm questions, and speak thoughtfully and confidently about my work. I can tell that the hiring teams see value in what I bring to the table, yet time and again, it comes down to the same decision: the job goes to someone with “more experience.”
Each time I reach a final round, I invest my full energy, researching the company, preparing rigorously, and going the extra mile to show that I’m a match not just for the role, but for the company culture. I don’t take these interviews lightly. I bring my best self, professionally and technically, to each conversation. I know I’m putting in the work, and I believe I’m demonstrating my readiness. So when that final decision doesn’t go my way — not for lack of skill or fit, but for an intangible notion of “experience” — it’s a hit that gets harder to shake off.
Even with these challenges, I’ve remained proactive. I’ve spent time coding for friends and family who need portfolios, and I recently completed the Meta Frontend Engineer Certificate to keep my skills sharp. I’m determined to keep learning, growing, and staying prepared for when the right opportunity comes along.
It’s a strange limbo to be in, always so close but never quite there. The endless cycle of interviews has me wondering: when does potential outweigh pure years of experience? Why is passing the assessments, writing clean code, and communicating clearly sometimes not enough?
I’m sharing my story not just to vent, but to reach out to others who might be feeling the same frustrations. To the hiring managers and recruiters out there, I encourage you to look beyond the number of years and see the individual in front of you. Evaluate them for what they can bring, not just where they’ve been.
And to anyone who’s also in the final-round “almost” club — know that you’re not alone. Your experience, your work, and your drive matter.
