Ask HN: Is it just me or is getting another job in tech hard?

20 points by JajaMan 9 years ago | 7 comments

Finding it pretty hard to get another job in the industry even though I've been in it for a few years. Is it just me or is hiring slowing down?

bsvalley 9 years ago |

It's not slowing down, the problem right now is that there are too many people applying at the same time. Look at the statistics on linkedin (I think you need a premium account though). It goes up to 500 applicants for one single engineer position at a big startup. Web, mobile or whatever... That's a lot! And it's only people applying through linkedin.

Not a good time to be out on the market right now. From what I've seen so far I'd put at least 2 to 3 months applying everywhere to get something.

miguelrochefort 9 years ago | |

Really? I receive multiple emails a week from recruiters. I always assumed I could find a new job in less than 2 weeks.

bsvalley 9 years ago | | |

If you ignore the whole hiring process then yes. Otherwise you'd simply email these recruiters back with you digital signature attached. They would use it to sign the hiring contract and you'd be able to start the next day :)

We all receive emails from recruiters, they make you feel unique and valuable but in reality you're just a piece of meat on the supply chain. There are jobs out there, a lot. But there are way more candidates applying than jobs at the moment.

chatmasta 9 years ago | | |

Recruiters are sending emails at the widest part of the hiring funnel. It means very little to get an email from one.

davelnewton 9 years ago |

I'm not sure how this is answerable in a meaningful way.

I get just as many recruiter emails, or more, as I've been getting for years now. No slow-down that I've noticed, but I'm statistically meaningless.

PaulHoule 9 years ago |

Tell us more about your evidence.