UPDATE: Maddy Zhang, a former Google engineer, has just shared critical insights on landing a job in Big Tech, revealing five essential tips for job seekers aiming to break into companies like Google, Amazon, and Airbnb.
During a recent episode of the podcast “A Life Engineered,” Zhang emphasized the intense competition in the tech job market, stating, “It’s honestly an employer’s market.” With this urgent advice, she aims to help applicants navigate the challenges of securing a position with leading tech giants.
FIRST TIP: Apply immediately after job postings go live. Zhang advises candidates to submit their applications within hours of openings being posted, as delays can lead to a flood of applicants. “If you wait a day, probably there’s going to be hundreds of applicants for it,” she warned.
Research backs this up: LinkedIn data indicates that job seekers who respond to employer messages within 24 hours are 4.1 times more likely to get hired and 6.7 times more likely to secure an interview, according to Indeed.
SECOND TIP: Leverage employee referrals. Zhang noted that friends who applied with a referral from a current employee had a significantly higher success rate. However, she cautioned against asking random connections on LinkedIn for support, stating, “If you don’t actually have a connection with them, it’s not going to help.”
THIRD TIP: Prepare rigorously for technical interviews. Zhang highlighted the importance of practicing with LeetCode, a popular coding challenge platform. “I know no one really likes it,” she said, “but it’s a necessary evil.” She recommended tackling a mix of easy, medium, and hard problems, emphasizing the importance of understanding solutions instead of just memorizing them.
FOURTH TIP: Do not underestimate your educational background. Many of Zhang’s friends attended state schools or community colleges before transferring to prestigious institutions. She emphasized, “As you progress forward in your career, your school matters less and less.”
FINAL TIP: Accept that rejection is part of the process. Zhang revealed she faced hundreds of rejections early in her career, which she initially found discouraging. “Rejection is nothing on who you are as a software engineer,” she stated, urging applicants to view setbacks as a numbers game rather than a personal failure.
As the job market continues to evolve, Zhang’s insights provide invaluable guidance for aspiring tech professionals aiming to land coveted positions in Big Tech. With over 1,500 positions currently available at top tech firms, following her advice could be the key to securing a spot in this competitive landscape.
Job seekers are encouraged to act swiftly and intelligently, applying Zhang’s tips to enhance their chances of success. For those ready to take the plunge into the tech world, it’s time to put this advice into practice and transform career aspirations into reality.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from industry experts as the job market continues to shift and evolve.
