UPDATE: Maddy Zhang, a former software engineer at Google, has just revealed crucial tips for aspiring candidates eyeing jobs at Big Tech firms like Google, Airbnb, Amazon, and Microsoft. In the latest episode of the podcast “A Life Engineered,” she shares five essential strategies designed to help job seekers stand out in a fiercely competitive market.
Zhang, who spent over four years at Google and now works at Airbnb, emphasizes the importance of acting swiftly once job postings go live. “Apply within hours of the openings being posted,” she advises. “Because there’s so much competition, it’s honestly an employer’s market. If you wait a day, probably there are going to be hundreds of applicants for it.” This insight is critical as immediate action can significantly increase the chances of securing a position.
According to data from LinkedIn, job seekers who respond to employer messages within 24 hours are 4.1 times more likely to be hired and 6.7 times more likely to land an interview. Zhang’s emphasis on speed is a game-changer for those looking to break into the tech industry.
Another key strategy she recommends is to seek referrals from current employees. Zhang notes that her friends who applied with referrals had a much higher success rate. However, she cautions against reaching out to random connections on LinkedIn without a genuine relationship. “If you don’t actually have a connection with them, it’s not going to help,” she states.
Once past the initial application stage, candidates must excel in technical interviews. Zhang advises utilizing LeetCode, a popular platform for programming practice. “I know no one really likes it,” she acknowledges, “but it’s a necessary evil.” She suggests tackling a balanced mix of easy, medium, and hard problems, and emphasizes the importance of understanding solutions deeply rather than just skimming the answers.
Importantly, Zhang challenges the notion that only graduates from prestigious universities can succeed in Big Tech. “Most of my friends didn’t go to ‘good computer science schools,'” she reveals, highlighting that many attended state schools or community colleges before transferring. “As you progress forward in your career, your school matters less and less,” she adds, offering hope to those who may feel disadvantaged by their educational background.
Despite these strategies, Zhang reminds job seekers that rejection is a part of the process. “I had been rejected hundreds of times,” she reflects. “Rejection is nothing on who you are as a software engineer.” This perspective is critical for maintaining resilience in a challenging job market, underscoring the importance of viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth.
As the tech job landscape becomes increasingly competitive, Maddy Zhang’s insights serve as a vital resource for those aiming to secure positions at top companies. With her actionable tips, candidates can better navigate the hiring process and improve their chances of success.
For more on Maddy Zhang’s strategies, listen to the full episode of “A Life Engineered” and stay connected for more updates on job market trends.
