UPDATE: Maddy Zhang, a former software engineer at Google, has just revealed critical tips for securing a job in Big Tech, emphasizing the urgency of applying quickly in today’s competitive market. On the latest episode of the “A Life Engineered” podcast, Zhang shared insights drawn from her extensive experience at top tech firms, including Amazon, IBM, and Microsoft.
Zhang, who now works at Airbnb after spending over four years at Google, asserts that job seekers must act fast. “Because there’s so much competition, it’s honestly an employer’s market,” she stated. Her first tip? Apply to jobs within hours of their posting. Delaying even a day can result in hundreds of applicants flooding in, making it crucial to be among the first.
With hiring processes becoming increasingly competitive, Zhang advises that a swift response to employer messages can dramatically boost your chances. According to data from Indeed, US job seekers who reply within 24 hours are 4.1 times more likely to get hired and 6.7 times more likely to secure an interview.
Another vital strategy she shared is securing a referral from a current employee. Zhang noted a significant success rate among her friends who used referrals during their applications. However, she warns against randomly asking connections on LinkedIn for support; genuine relationships yield far better results.
Once past the initial application stage, candidates must conquer the technical interview. Zhang recommends utilizing LeetCode as a preparation tool, despite its reputation as a “necessary evil.” She suggests practicing a mix of easy, medium, and hard problems and advises candidates to retype and run solutions instead of simply looking at the answers when stuck.
A common misconception is that only graduates from elite universities succeed in tech roles. Zhang dispels this myth, stating, “As you progress forward in your career, your school matters less and less.” Many of her successful peers came from state schools or community colleges, highlighting that perseverance often outweighs academic pedigree.
However, even with the best application and preparation, Zhang emphasizes that rejection is part of the journey. “I had been rejected hundreds of times,” she admitted, encouraging candidates to view rejections as non-personal setbacks. “Maybe I had a bad day, maybe the interviewer had more qualified candidates,” she explained, underscoring that resilience is key in this competitive landscape.
As Big Tech continues to evolve, Zhang’s insights serve as a vital guide for aspiring tech professionals. Those looking to break into the industry must act swiftly, network effectively, and prepare diligently for challenges ahead. With her practical advice, Zhang empowers job seekers to navigate the often daunting landscape of Big Tech with confidence.
Stay tuned for more updates on job trends in the tech industry, as the competition intensifies and opportunities abound.
