I finally got the job! :')

• First time applying to over 150 jobs in less than two months
• First time doing interviews in English
• First time negotiating my SALARY

I would like to share that I got a job after almost two years with a gap, and I will share the process of what I did to get it, in case it can help others in the same situation as me.

I consider myself very optimistic, but I want to be transparent here. In my job search process I didn't always keep my mind positive, sometimes uncertainty arrives and does its thing, showing itself in the form of anguish and anxiety. And it sharpened my thoughts by remembering my weaknesses and forgetting my strengths.

Some of those thoughts crossed my mind at least once:

• I have a gap, recruiters will ask about it.
• I don't speak English very well and I'm not prepared to look for work abroad.
• The technology was so fast in the last two years, and I am outdated.
• People are getting fired from big companies and I'm trying to get a job now?

But as I got more interviews, those thoughts became, Okay, it's possible, you're doing it! In none of these interviews did anyone tell me that my English was bad and not many companies ask me about my gap. I learned that I must continue to focus on my strengths throughout the process and avoid overthinking.

What did I do to get a job that really met my expectations in terms of career growth and compensation? I describe it below and I am adding some tips I followed.

• After having my resume updated, LinkedIn and GitHub profile ready, I started to apply on LinkedIn jobs search, I also kept an eye on the jobs posted on Twitter, Yes! Twitter is where I found my current job posted, so I applied. Some recruiters reached me because of GitHub profile. Have them ready! :)

• I tried to keep my daily schedule with interviews, which kept me busy. Not having any on my schedule would have worried me.

• I wrote (over email, LinkedIn, and Twitter) to hiring managers, recruiters, CTOs, CEOs, and people from my network about open positions in their companies.
• I personalize the messages and made them more special. Making sure their names are spelled correctly.
• I added extra effort to create content, recruiters reached me because I created a pair of Youtube videos in English. Sharing your knowledge will help others and open new doors to grow your network.

• Get to know your interviewer, check their Linkedin profile before your interview, and add them to Linkedin, this will give you an idea of who you are speaking to, and send a thank you message after the interview.
• Took some minutes to read about the company before the interview, and highlight important things about it, it shows interest and seriousness in your job search.
• Be prepared for the first interview: It could be just a friendly conversation, some could ask you about your experience, or it could be a behavioral question, STAR questions, or technical interview, they vary for companies and countries where you are applying.
• Even if the company rejected you, say thanks for the opportunity and keep that door open for future interviews, we don’t know when we could need it.
• Have a register of all your applications: the date you are applying, status, name recruiter, job description, everything to help you be organized (use the tool you feel comfortable with, but keep track)

• Consider changing the word rejected for redirected, it will be better! :) Save 10% of your effort to study, the market is very competitive, there are new things to learn and they are necessary to get the job.
• Prepare a set of questions about the company or the position. The recruiter will always ask you if you have questions at the end of the interview.
• Don’t stop to apply until actually sign an offer letter

• Keep in mind the ideal company for you, are you looking for a work/life balance, prestige, culture, benefits, and professional growth, remember these priorities always when applying for jobs.
• Remember that there will always be a company that will pay more for you and give you greater benefits.
• You will see posts about people getting the “dream” job, or people being fired, support them 😊, and remember that your main focus is to keep applying! Apply! Apply! Apply!

• Try to talk with somebody, it is not easy to assimilate lots of rejections, you need a buddy,friend or your family.
• Don't forget to negotiate your salary, you don’t lose anything doing it.
• Don’t wait for anything for nobody, generate your own opportunities, something can not leave as other people want for you, for that reason you have to have your own plans.
• Motivate yourself each morning: I will find a job, I will get the email for the interview, I will pass this interview
• Smile 😊, even if are having rejections, a smile will help you to keep strong. It is hard but you will get it! 💪

Last, don't lose hope! You will make it work!

After accepting the job offer, I jumped and run to hug my mom, the person who is with me in all my failures and my successes.

Mom, I got the job, Please don't worry about me anymore!