Senior US tech engineers face a tough market with high interview bars.

Okay, I'll analyze the provided Reddit thread content and integrate it with the previous analysis.

Analysis Summary:

This Reddit thread strongly supports and expands on the previous analysis about the tough US tech job market for senior professionals (10+ years of experience). The struggles continue, with experienced individuals submitting hundreds of applications and facing very low interview callback rates, often not making it past the first serious interview.

Key challenges identified and reinforced include:

1. High Prevalence of Return-to-Office (RTO) Mandates: Many are surprised by the number of companies recalling employees to the office, limiting options for those who prefer or need remote work.
2. Dropping Salary Expectations: Job seekers feel that average compensation for new roles is decreasing, or their previous roles were better compensated than current market offerings.
3. Extremely High Bar for Technical Interviews: The difficulty of technical assessments ("hoops are ridiculous," "bar is set extremely high now even for small companies") is a significant hurdle. Basic proficiency, often referred to as "fizzbuzz," is just the minimum, but the actual requirements often go far beyond that.
4. Protracted Job Search: Searches are taking months, with some individuals unemployed for extended periods (e.g., since early 2021).
5. Application Volume vs. Interview Rate: A very high volume of applications (e.g., 300+) yields very few interviews.
6. Struggle at Different Stages: Some struggle to get any calls or interviews, while others get first-round interviews but fail to secure second interviews or offers.

While a minority perspective suggests some highly experienced individuals might be financially comfortable and thus highly selective, the overwhelming sentiment is that the struggle is real and widespread, even for those actively and desperately seeking employment.

Trending Skills, Tools, and Qualifications (Inferred from Challenges & Discussion):

• Strong Algorithmic and Coding Proficiency: Essential for passing the "ridiculously high" technical interview bar (e.g., beyond "FizzBuzz").
• Adaptability to Interview Formats: Ability to perform well under pressure in various technical assessment styles.
• Experience in Niche/Specialized Domains: Mention of "safety-critical medical devices" highlights the existence of specialized roles, though even these individuals face market difficulties.
• Modern Tech Stack Knowledge: Implied, as being out of the market or in non-tech-focused companies for a while can make it harder to meet current demands.
• Effective Resume Tailoring and Application Strategy: Necessary to even get noticed amidst hundreds of applications.
• Networking Abilities: While cold applications yield some results ("low volume"), recruiter reach-outs are also a source, suggesting networking is beneficial.

Potential Job Opportunities:

• Health Tech / Wearables: Specific companies like Oura and Whoop were mentioned as potential employers, suggesting this sector might have openings, potentially for those with related experience (e.g., medical devices).
• Companies with Flexible Work Arrangements: Though increasingly rare, these remain highly sought after.
• Non-FAANG / Smaller Companies: While the bar is also high here, these are still part of the search for many, especially those looking for different work environments.
• Roles in "Non-Tech Cities" or "Non-Tech Companies": For those with relevant experience, tech roles exist outside traditional tech hubs and within companies not primarily known for technology.

Resume Submission Directions:

• Targeted Applications: Generic applications are unlikely to succeed. Tailor resumes heavily to job descriptions.
• Broaden Search Criteria: Be open to roles that may not be 100% remote or meet initial salary expectations.
• Leverage Recruiters: Actively engage with recruiters as they are a source of interviews.
• Explore Adjacent Industries: If experience is in a specific domain (e.g., medical devices), look for related tech fields (e.g., health tech, wearables).
• Direct Applications to Company Career Pages: As seen with the Oura/Whoop suggestion.
• Intensive Interview Preparation: Focus heavily on technical interview practice (coding, system design, behavioral).

Expected Outcomes / Market Realities (Instead of "Benefits"):

• Compromise on Compensation: Be prepared for offers that might be lower than previous earnings or initial expectations.
• Flexibility on Work Location: RTO is a strong trend, so full remote roles are harder to come by. Hybrid or even full in-office might be necessary considerations.
• Long and Arduous Search Process: Finding a suitable role will likely take significant time and effort (months, hundreds of applications).
• High Rejection Rate: Expect many applications to receive no response, and to not pass all interviews entered.
• Potential for a Less "Ideal" Role: The primary "benefit" might be securing employment itself, even if the role, company, or compensation isn't a perfect match.
• For those voluntarily leaving stressful roles (e.g., FAANG): The outcome might be a better work-life balance, but this comes after navigating the same difficult job market.