u/Dry-Common-7708

It's been almost 5 months since I am out of job. I have had over 40+ interviews(40 companies) during this time. Out of these there were 3 companies where I was in offer discussion. But due to some or the other reason, I didn't get the offer.

I realized maybe salary could be the reason of no offer conversion. So I adjusted my expectations to barely 20-25%. I would get calls but this time the companies are not moving past 1st round. Some companies ask to submit assignments and there were 2 instances where the companies asked me to submit 2 assignments. There was another company who gave me an assignment and later asked me to submit another full strategy based assignment (the gave an existing problem statement apparently).

Once I submit the assignment, they either reject me or conduct a follow up round to understand my approach.

So right now I am very very scared and confused what else should I do.

I come from Tier 1 MBA college but even the referrals are not working. The processes get stalled or the hiring manager simply change their requirements.

I don't want to give up but it really bothers me so much living without a job and failing at interviews with no fault of mine.

Right now I don't know what else should I even do. I don't have many friends or even relationship to share what I am going through right now. Rejection feels like a failure and takes a major hit at your confidence.

I truly need some advice on how to navigate this phase.

[In] So I have 1 year 3 months gap in my resume which was basically the time I was taking care of my ailing parent while also working as a freelancer. Cut to this year, I left my last job because of all the toxicity and I needed some time to address a family emergency. I discussed this with my manager from previous organization, they said you handle these issues on our own and apply for a resignation. That basically prompted me to resign. I thought I could find a job within 1-2 months after serving my notice period because I was in conversation with over 3-4 organization. But, my destiny had other plans. I got ghosted and one organization even had a verification from my manager just to check if I resigned or was I fired. Its been 4 months since I have been searching for a job and I am now getting scared how long this would last. I truly need a safe answer to respond to HR because I don't know why they are being so cautious of hiring someone who comes from an Ivy league college (good credentials). I honestly feel I made a mistake leaving my last job. I should have stayed in that toxicity. Its better than staying unemployed with thousands of debt.

Please help me with a safe answer because I am kind of scared of getting rejected. I get handful of interviews and now I just can't take any risk of losing one.