Things I learnt in the last three months while job-hunting in the Bay Area

Don't expect any deep insights here. It's just a collection of things I have discovered.

1. Referrals don't work: Everyone's getting referred for every role. Referrals don't get any job interviews any more.
2. Networking is helpful but only if you're not looking for a job: Don't goto networking events with the intention of getting hired. Go with the intention of making friends. You'll find more success in the long run (apparently).
3. Be honest and direct in informational interviews: Everyone knows why you're there. You're not fooling anyone. Nobody goes to Bluebottle on a Monday morning to make friends. So cut with the bullshit and be honest about your intention and remember point 2.
4. Only thing that works is if people who are hiring know you, and your work, can vouch for it and start an interview process. That's it.
5. "It's a numbers game", "Job Market is really tough right now".. Blah Blah Blah: You'll keep hearing the same soulless phrases everyday; they don't mean anything. Keep calm and stay sane.

BTW If you're interested in my job-hunt. I am a creative technologist, and prototyper looking for design roles in emerging tech. I design with purpose and passion—bringing my values to technology, art, and social impact to make innovative experiences.

Here's my portfolio : https://viditb.com/portfolio.pdf
My Resume: https://viditb.com/resume.pdf

A brief Introduction:
I am Vidit Bhargava. A recent graduate from UC Berkeley's Master of Design program. I am a creative technologist, prototyper and human interface designer with over 13 years of experience in designing apps for Apple platforms.

I believe in designing quality experiences that help people. Through my work, I have served more than 500,000 people and generated over $250,000 in revenue. I have won several accolades including being an App Store Awards finalist and UC Berkeley's (MDes) Advancing Design Award recipient in 2024.