u/DangerousCap2473

Writing this at 2:30 in the morning because I'm literally so happy and in tears right now. I finally did it.

​The Background

I completed my Master's in Adv. CS from the University of Strathclyde and graduated with Merit back in October '25. I have some prior experience, primarily in the software testing/SDET domain, and I’ve been applying relentlessly for similar roles since graduation.

​The Lows

Like everyone else in this market, it has been a grind. I made some real progress for a remote role at an AI startup called Light, but I bombed the tech interview because I just didn't have the specific AI chops they were looking for.

​Then came the real heartbreak. I interviewed for a role at SAS. It’s a wonderful company, and the team, responsibilities, and culture felt like a completely natural fit. I made it through a couple of rounds, only to get the devastating news that they decided to proceed with someone who had slightly more experience.

​The TA told me that the Hiring Manager was genuinely sorry to have to make that decision, and gave me the classic: "We’ll reach out if we have other openings." We all know that's usually just polite corporate speak for "goodbye."

​The Turnaround

Except... they actually reached out.

​Another opening came up on a different team, and thankfully, this one was an equally great fit for my experience and skillset.

​The interview rounds went perfectly. The new Hiring Manager was great to talk to, and the technical round was awesome. I honestly outperformed my own expectations of how I'd do. It sounds a bit underconfident to say that, but hunting for a role - especially in this brutal market - will do a number on anyone's self-esteem.

​I start on June 2nd. My job is at Glasgow, handsome pay.

​I just wanted to post this for anyone else who is feeling devastated by a near-miss or a final-round rejection. Keep your head up, leave a good impression, and keep pushing. Sometimes, they really do call you back.