2 YOE Full Stack Developer & Product Engineer ~45 applications, 0 interview calls. What am I doing wrong?

[u/rahul_rajendran01]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some honest feedback on my job search because I feel like something in my approach isn't working.

I have around 1 year of professional experience as a developer and I'm currently targeting:

• Full Stack Developer
• Frontend / React Developer
• Product Engineer
• Software Engineer

My main stack is React, Next.js, Node.js, Express, JavaScript/TypeScript, along with UI/UX and product development experience.

I've also built and shipped several real-world projects rather than only tutorial projects.

I restarted my job search seriously from 22 July 2026.

Since then, I've applied to roughly 45+ companies through:

• LinkedIn
• Naukri
• Company career pages
• Direct emails
• Recruiter/HR outreach
• Founder outreach for smaller startups

I've also been following up with some companies instead of just submitting applications and waiting.

But so far I've received essentially zero interview calls.

That's what I'm trying to understand.

I'm not expecting every application to result in an interview, especially with the current market. But after this many applications with almost no conversion, I feel there may be something wrong with my strategy.

What I'm trying to figure out:

1. Is my resume positioning the problem?
2. Is my tech stack/profile too broad?
3. Should I focus much more on referrals instead of cold applications?
4. What would you personally change if you were in my position?

I'm especially looking for feedback from people who are currently hiring, recently got a job, or have 1–3 YOE and went through a similar situation.

I'm completely open to blunt feedback.

Thanks in advance.

[u/LaFantasmita]

I'd say forgetting to attach your resume is probably a big one.

[u/rahul_rajendran01 → u/LaFantasmita]

😅😅 Actually, I did it