Getting the first job after transition is always going to be hard, I was six months unemployed after I transitioned, for the only time in my life. But going back to male mode just wasn't an option. And to be honest I don't think it would have raised my chances at that point...

... because by *that* point I knew it would be a lie and I knew it would show, and any interviewers would be able to tell that i was playing them false. You have to interview as you and get a job as you, because otherwise any sufficiently competent interviewer would be able to see your falseness. And anyway, if they can't, and you get the job under those terms anyway, the stress down the road would be much worse. Better for your own mental health to tough it out and find an employer who doesn't give a damn about irrelevant stuff like you being trans...

... Which it looks like has happened. :-)