How Seerat Transformed Her Job Search with Tailored Applications
Seerat (2025, University of Southern California)
MS in Computer Science | Data Engineer Intern at GoodRx
Challenge:
Seerat faced several challenges in her job search. Her graduate program began in August, but many big tech companies had already started hiring in May or June, leaving her behind in the recruitment process when she started applying in September.
“Most big tech and other companies start their recruitment cycle in May or June, so you want to start as early as possible.”
Additionally, for the first three months, she used a generic resume, which resulted in no callbacks.
Despite submitting around 500 applications in the first four months, she saw no results, making her realize that simply pushing out a high volume of applications wasn’t working.
“I think I sent out about 500 applications and I wasn’t getting any results of it. So it was really frustrating for me.”
Solution:
Start Early and Tailor Resume
Use the XYZ Method
Focus on Quality, not Quantity
Networking
Interview Tips:
Seerat faced several challenges in her job search. Her graduate program began in August, but many big tech companies had already started hiring in May or June, leaving her behind in the recruitment process when she started applying in September.
Additionally, for the first three months, she used a generic resume, which resulted in no callbacks.
Despite submitting around 500 applications in the first four months, she saw no results, making her realize that simply pushing out a high volume of applications wasn’t working.
Solution:
Start Early and Tailor Resume
- Seerat emphasized the importance of starting the application process early. Instead of using a generic resume, she tailored each one to fit the specific position, ensuring that the keywords from the job description were included to make her application stand out.
Use the XYZ Method
- By using the XYZ method, she quantified her accomplishments, making it easy for recruiters to understand her contributions, why they were important, and the impact of her work.
Focus on Quality, not Quantity
- Rather than mass-applying, she prioritized quality. Leveraging AI tools, Seerat recommends crafting personalized resumes for each role and writing cover letters that told a compelling story about your skills and fit for the job.
Networking
- Connecting with employees (not just recruiters) at target companies, setting up coffee chats that acted as informal interviews. These conversations allowed you to share your expertise and express genuine interest in joining their team.
Interview Tips:
- Prepared thoroughly by researching what the company does and carefully reviewing the job description.
- Focusing on areas that align with your experience and demonstrate how you used specific tools and strategies in past projects to show your fit for the role.
Highlights
Uncover Seerat's journey of applying to 500+ jobs and learn how she transformed her approach with tailored resumes, networking, and mastering interview strategies to land the role.
FrogHire.ai not only simplified my job search with the keywords highlighter but also helped me find companies that sponsor H1B visas quickly.— Seerat (2025, University of Southern California)