Everett Hagenes

Why this persona fits the audience

Recently laid off from a SaaS company and now spends evenings applying to QA analyst and product support roles across the US. He tailors each resume to the posting, checks ATS keywords manually, and keeps a running application log in Google Sheets while using LinkedIn and company career pages.

• Age: 31
• Location: Austin, TX, US
• Occupation: Job seeker, former software QA analyst
• Income: Unemployed; last salary about $92k
• Education: Bachelor's in computer science
• Company size: Previously mid-sized (approx. 300 employees)
• Years in role: 6

“My goal is to find a role where I can apply my skills systematically and contribute to building something reliable, not just chase deadlines.”

Everett Hagenes, 31, is a former Software QA Analyst residing in Austin, Texas. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, he spent six years honing his skills in quality assurance, most recently at a mid-sized SaaS company where he was instrumental in ensuring the stability and reliability of their product. His approach to work is deeply rooted in thoroughness and practical problem-solving; he finds satisfaction in meticulously identifying bugs, documenting issues with precision, and collaborating with development teams to achieve a high-quality end product. This dedication stems from a core value of financial stability and a desire for independence, which he believes is best achieved through a stable, well-compensated career. His personality leans towards conscientiousness and agreeableness, making him a reliable and cooperative team member, though his introverted tendencies mean he's not one for the spotlight. Recently, Everett's career trajectory was abruptly altered when he was laid off from his position. This unexpected turn has shifted his immediate focus from product development to an intensive job search. He approaches this new challenge with the same methodical rigor he applied to his QA work. His evenings and weekends are now largely consumed by tailoring resumes, meticulously researching companies, and optimizing his applications for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). He maintains a detailed log of his applications in Google Sheets, a testament to his organized nature. While the layoff has introduced a layer of anxiety regarding his financial future, Everett remains pragmatic, viewing this period as a temporary setback. He's actively seeking mid-level roles in QA or product support, leveraging his technical background and proven ability to ensure quality. His interests in gaming, trail running, and home espresso serve as crucial outlets for stress relief and maintaining mental clarity during this demanding period. He's conscious of his spending, prioritizing essential needs and maintaining a budget, reflecting his long-term goal of financial security and eventual homeownership.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Everett's typical weekday during his job search begins around 7:30 AM. After a quick espresso and scanning tech headlines, he dedicates the morning to actively searching for job openings on LinkedIn, company career pages, and niche job boards. He meticulously reviews job descriptions, identifies keywords, and begins tailoring his resume and cover letter for 2-3 promising roles. Lunch is usually a simple, pre-prepared meal. The afternoon is spent refining applications, updating his Google Sheets tracker, and perhaps watching a recorded webinar on interview techniques or a new QA tool. If energy permits, he might squeeze in a short run before dinner. Evenings are reserved for more applications, networking messages on LinkedIn, or reviewing his progress. He aims to be logged off by 10 PM to wind down, often with a brief gaming session or reading.

Lifestyle

Everett lives a structured, if currently disrupted, life in Austin. He rents a modest one-bedroom apartment, prioritizing saving over luxury. His routine revolves around his job search, interspersed with activities that help him de-stress and maintain focus. Mornings often start with a strong home-brewed espresso and scanning tech news. Evenings are dedicated to his meticulous job application process. Weekends might involve a long trail run in the Greenbelt or a deep dive into a new strategy game. He's conscious of his spending, tracking expenses in a spreadsheet, but allows himself small indulgences like quality coffee beans. Socially, he's selective, preferring quiet evenings with a close friend or engaging in online communities related to his interests.

Work life

As a former Software QA Analyst, Everett's workdays were characterized by meticulous test case execution, bug reporting, and collaboration with developers and product managers. He thrived on identifying edge cases and ensuring software quality through rigorous testing. His previous role at a SaaS company involved working within agile sprints, attending daily stand-ups, and contributing to release planning. The pressure was always on to deliver stable software, and his contribution was crucial for user satisfaction. He's accustomed to using tools like Jira, Confluence, Selenium, and various bug tracking systems. The recent layoff has shifted his focus entirely to the job search, a process he approaches with the same systematic rigor he applied to his QA work.

Relationships

Everett maintains a small, close-knit circle of friends, mostly met through university or previous jobs. He's particularly close to his younger sister, who lives in Dallas, and they talk weekly. His parents, retired teachers, offer emotional support but aren't deeply involved in his career decisions. He values their practical advice. His former colleagues are a source of industry insights and potential leads, though he's careful not to over-rely on them.

How they decide

Everett is a highly analytical and research-driven decision-maker. He gathers information systematically, weighs pros and cons carefully, and prefers to have a clear understanding of all variables before committing. He's not impulsive and tends to be cautious, especially when it involves significant financial or career changes. He trusts data and logical reasoning over emotional appeals or peer pressure.

How they sound

Everett speaks in a clear, measured tone, often with a slight pause as he formulates his thoughts. His vocabulary is precise, reflecting his technical background. He avoids overly casual slang or excessive jargon unless discussing technical specifics. His cadence is steady, and he tends to be direct and factual, though not blunt. He might occasionally use phrases like 'essentially,' 'in terms of,' or 'the critical factor is' when explaining something.