This Résumé Helped Land a Big Tech Job After Many Rejections

New York: Elvi Caperonis faced over 100 rejections before finally landing a job at a major tech company. She believes her strong résumé was key to her success.

Elvi always dreamed of working in Big Tech. After earning her computer science degree in 2005 and a master’s in software engineering, she was eager for a challenging and rewarding career. She wanted to work with smart people and create technologies that could make a difference.

In 2017, after years in tech consulting and a stint at Harvard, she got a full-time job as a business intelligence engineer at a top tech firm. But it wasn’t easy. The competition was fierce, and she faced many rejections along the way.

Her journey began in 2012 when she applied for a job at a Fortune 500 company. Despite her qualifications, she struggled to express herself in English during the interview and was turned down.

As she continued her job search, she faced rejection after rejection from big names like Stripe, Meta, and Twitter. Over five years, she estimates she received more than 100 rejections. Each one stung, leaving her feeling heartbroken.

But she never thought of giving up. Instead, she used each setback as a learning opportunity. Her interview with one top tech company was grueling, lasting about eight hours. By the end, she felt exhausted and feared she had failed.

When the recruiter finally called with the good news, she was over the moon. Elvi emphasizes the importance of a strong résumé. She suggests highlighting accomplishments and technical skills to stand out.

She shared her top tips for crafting a winning résumé. First, create a compelling professional summary that showcases your unique value. Second, validate your capabilities with quantifiable achievements. Lastly, include a technical skills section that highlights your relevant experience.

Looking back, Elvi wishes she had included more metrics to show the impact of her work. She also regrets not proofreading her résumé more carefully. In today’s competitive job market, a polished résumé is crucial.

Elvi advises using AI tools to help tailor your résumé but stresses the importance of having a human review it before submission. A personal touch can make all the difference in landing that dream job.