URGENT UPDATE: Maddy Zhang, a former software engineer at Google, has just shared five essential tips for landing a job in Big Tech during her latest appearance on the podcast “A Life Engineered.” With fierce competition in the tech job market, her insights are crucial for anyone looking to secure a position at top companies like Google, Amazon, or Airbnb.
With over four years at Google, where she worked on both the search and advertising platforms, Zhang emphasizes that timing is everything. She advises potential applicants to apply within hours of job openings being posted. “If you wait a day, probably there’s going to be hundreds of applicants for it,” Zhang stated. Her advice highlights the **intense competition** in the job market, making it an **employer’s market** right now.
According to Zhang, the first few applications received by recruiters are often the ones that get the most attention. She noted that **responding quickly** to job inquiries can significantly boost your chances of getting hired. Data from Indeed supports this, revealing that job seekers who reply within **24 hours** are **4.1 times** more likely to secure a job interview.
Another critical piece of advice from Zhang is the power of referrals. She explains that applicants referred by current employees have a much higher success rate. However, she cautions against seeking referrals from random LinkedIn connections. “If you don’t actually have a connection with them, it’s not going to help,” she said.
Once you navigate the application process, Zhang warns that candidates must also excel in technical interviews. Many engineers turn to **LeetCode** to prepare, which Zhang describes as a “necessary evil.” She recommends a balanced approach to practice, tackling a mix of easy, medium, and hard problems. It’s essential not just to look at solutions but to retype and run the code to grasp it fully.
Importantly, Zhang urges applicants not to underestimate themselves based on their educational background. Despite the stereotype that Google hires only from elite schools, Zhang reveals that many of her peers came from state universities or community colleges. “As you progress forward in your career, your school matters less and less,” she reassured listeners.
Lastly, Zhang stresses the importance of resilience in the face of rejection. With hundreds of rejections under her belt, she has learned that it’s not a reflection of her capabilities as a software engineer. “Maybe I had a bad day, maybe the interviewer had more qualified candidates,” she reflected. “Rejection is nothing on who you are as a software engineer.”
These insights from Maddy Zhang are particularly relevant as job seekers navigate the challenging landscape of Big Tech hiring. With these actionable tips, candidates can enhance their chances of breaking into this competitive field.
For those aspiring to join the ranks of tech giants, staying informed and adapting to the current job market dynamics is essential. Zhang’s guidance provides a roadmap for success that is timely and necessary. Will you take the plunge and apply now?
