1.) 2 BSc degrees
Computer science being my 2nd, I stopped putting the first BSc on there even though I believe the published research in pharmacology and human anatomy division work I did is very relevant to anything biosci related. But I'm also not sure how much these companies would/wouldn't scrutinize the actual coursework I did in that degree.
2.) 6 years of experience as a software developer.
Most recent was at an international security company for 2 years, and then another working on FDA regulated medical devices on my resume. I thought my resume would be proof enough that I am a hard worker and that I've been held to pretty high scrutiny.
3.) What happened. Dad had cancer and I took a year off to take care of him + work on a project idea I wanted to finalize for years.
It's not something I've spoken much on because it's simply not finished. Already ~100 DAU, $300/month support. But I haven't taken the past year and been idle, I've been actively developing and keeping up with the tools such as codex in this ever evolving landscape. Though I frankly expect people see a year away and think I must be rusty/out of date and can me immediately >_<;;;;
4.) I keep making it to the end, and then losing at the very final interview. I've had INSANELY awesome positions almost in my grasp that I then lose.
I've made it to final interview stage for STAFF at TWO different companies the past few months (punching above my weight) and lost out after 4 and then 5 interviews barely because the other candidate each time simply had literal decades of experience.
What truly hurts is the people I spoke with truly loved me and I loved them. Literally talked about video games all interview and the vibe was AMAZING! I'd have LOVED those positions and I'm still so bummed.
But reality bites that I'm also getting ghosted all the time. Like flat out recrutiers from recruiting firms not showing up and then not responding to emails because I do genuinely try and follow up and care. I'm starting to question my value and I'm really hurting.
I feel like I have no choices, no options and I am so demoralized that I feel like I'm drowning. I have no clue what more I could do. Got the education, got the experience, got the attitude and fit into the culture and yet I'm lost... Got p. bad news this morning so I apologize, a little emotional right now.
Edit: I am in Canada if that makes any difference, and I am not opposed to seeking opportunities in the USA at all! I very much am open to opportunities.