UPDATE: Maddy Zhang, a former software engineer at Google, has just revealed five critical tips for job seekers aiming to break into Big Tech. In a recent episode of the podcast “A Life Engineered,” Zhang emphasized the urgency of applying for positions within hours of their posting, stating, “If you wait a day, probably there’s going to be hundreds of applicants for it.”
With the tech job market more competitive than ever, Zhang asserts that it’s essential to act swiftly. According to LinkedIn, applicants who apply immediately have a significantly higher chance of landing an interview. Furthermore, responding to employer inquiries within 24 hours increases hiring chances by 4.1 times.
Zhang, who now works at Airbnb after stints at Amazon, IBM, and Microsoft, also highlighted the importance of securing referrals from current employees. “Friends who have applied with referrals had a higher success rate,” she noted, stressing that genuine connections are crucial. Simply reaching out to random contacts on LinkedIn will not yield positive results.
The technical interview process is another hurdle that candidates must navigate. Zhang advised potential applicants to prepare rigorously using LeetCode, a platform known for coding interview preparation. “It’s a necessary evil,” she remarked, recommending a balanced approach by tackling a mix of easy, medium, and hard problems. She also urged candidates not to simply glance at solutions when stuck but to thoroughly understand and debug the code.
Many aspiring tech professionals believe that attending prestigious schools is a prerequisite for success. However, Zhang challenges this notion, stating, “As you progress forward in your career, your school matters less and less.” Most of her colleagues did not attend elite computer science programs, proving that determination and skill trump academic pedigree.
Despite these strategies, Zhang stresses that rejection is a common experience in the tech job hunt. “I’ve faced hundreds of rejections,” she admitted. “It’s not personal. There could be factors beyond your control.” This perspective is vital for candidates to maintain resilience in the face of setbacks.
Zhang’s insights serve as a timely reminder for job seekers navigating the competitive landscape of Big Tech. As companies continue to hire, understanding how to stand out in the application process is more crucial than ever.
Looking ahead, aspiring tech employees should be prepared to adapt their strategies and remain persistent. With the right approach and mindset, landing a position at a tech giant could be just a few applications away.
