I Got Rejected 2 Minutes After Applying. So Much for 'Skills-Based Hiring.'

I recently applied for a Junior Solutions Engineer position, despite lacking a STEM degree as required. The role demanded experience in solutions engineering, technical support, sales engineering, automation, AI-driven products, and B2B software. I had built an internal operations platform for a real business, handling API integrations, database work, deployment, troubleshooting, and user feedback.

This work showcased my ability to solve actual business problems using Python, SQL, data tooling, automation, and AI-driven products. After submitting my tailored application, including a cover letter and explaining my hands-on experience, I was instantly notified of my rejection. The swift response felt insulting, especially with a human name attached to the rejection, suggesting limited human review.

While I understand the need for filtering systems to manage overwhelming applicant numbers, consistently excluding candidates based solely on their degree status undermines the advertised skills-based hiring approach. I am committed to building open-source software, working with various technologies, and continuing to apply for roles where I can demonstrate my expertise and impact, regardless of pedigree.