•1 min read•from Data Science
8 failed interviews so far. When do you stop and reassess vs just keep playing the numbers game?
Our take
Navigating the job market can be a daunting experience, especially after facing eight unsuccessful interviews for Senior Data Scientist roles. While a 6% callback rate may not seem alarming, the challenge lies in developing interview skills amidst varying processes and a lack of standardization. Each experience offers unique lessons, yet finding a consistent way to improve feels elusive. As you contemplate your next steps, consider whether to continue applying and interviewing or to pause and reassess your approach for a more strategic path forward.
I have been interviewing for Sr. DS (ML) roles and the process has been very demotivating. I have applied to about 130 roles and received callbacks from 8 of them, but all ended in rejection or the position being filled. I do not think a 6% callback rate is terrible, but the hardest part has been building any kind of interview muscle memory.
Each process seems completely different, with little standardization, so it is difficult to iteratively improve based on the previous interview. The only part where I feel I have improved is the hiring manager round, since that is the one step that has been somewhat consistent across companies.
At this point I am not sure what the best next step is. Should I keep applying while continuing to interview, or pause applications for a while and reassess my approach?
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