Context: Searching for a new senior level software development job over a 9 week period in summer 2025.

  • Focused mostly on data engineering and backend roles that are in-person or hybrid in the SF Bay Area.
  • Leads from recruiters on LinkedIn were much more likely to lead to interviews+offers.
  • The winning offer came through my personal network.
  • I mostly used Hiring.cafe for prospecting. They’re a scraper with an interface I didn’t hate.
  • deegeese@sopuli.xyzOPEnglish
    10·
    3 days ago

    There was one application where the first reply was asking me to do a 2hr coding test solo using their secure coding environment.

    If I had spoken with a recruiter and they said I seemed like a worthwhile candidate and asked me to complete it as a screener, sure thing.

    Instead I got the impression no human had looked at me and that I was being jerked around by automation. No way I’m going to be to waste 2 hours pouring effort into a black hole.

    I’m sure the ATSs are using AI for early screening, but all I can see is the responses or lack thereof.