Written by Ryan Stivers, Founder of RP Stivers Consulting
with contributions from Nydia Araya, M.Ed, Professional Career Coach and Resume Write
Landing a job in tech is more than just about acing interviews or sending out applications. It’s a complex game requiring a well-thought-out strategy, refined interview skills, and a deep understanding of what the interview process entails—especially if you’re aiming for a spot at top-tier companies like those in the FAANG group (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google) or the emerging “MATANG” lineup (Meta, Alphabet, Tesla, Apple, Netflix, Google).
Consider this: Google has a staggering low acceptance rate of just 0.2%. The fierce competition and lofty standards at these tech behemoths mean that getting a job offer is nearly as challenging as the job itself. Whether you aspire to be part of a FAANG giant or join a cutting-edge startup, the path to getting hired can seem daunting. So let’s start to demystify the tech interview process with three quick lessons.
The First Lesson –“Tech” Expands Beyond FAANG/MATANG
When you think of landing a tech job, your mind might instantly go to the big names like FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) or the newer “MATANG” (Meta, Alphabet, Tesla, Apple, Netflix, Google). These companies are notorious for their rigorous interview processes, but they’re not the only game in town. It’s easy to overlook giants like Costco or UnitedHealth Group when job hunting, enchanted by the allure of FAANG. Yet, did you know that UnitedHealth Group is a Fortune 5 company, larger than Google, and Costco ranks at Fortune 12, bigger than Microsoft? Even Kroger outstrips Meta in size. These companies boast formidable tech departments, offering competitive salaries and benefits on par with FAANG.
The key to acing tech interviews? Practice, practice, practice—and casting a wide net.
Don’t confine your options to just a few well-known names. The Fortune 1000 list is brimming with tech opportunities. On the flip side, startups provide a more intimate and often approachable environment, though their interview processes can be less structured and more unconventional. Remember, diversity in your job search not only broadens your opportunities but also enriches your professional experience.
The Second Lesson – Understand How Tech Interviews are Structured
Understanding the flow of tech interviews is not just beneficial; it’s crucial for success. While traditional non-tech interviews follow a linear path, tech interviews often involve multiple rounds, including technical assessments, recruiter calls, panel interviews, and on-site interviews. FAANG companies have rigorous processes lasting 4-6 months, with candidates sometimes facing 4-8 hours of on-site interviews. By understanding these processes, you can confidently navigate them and significantly increase your chances of success.
In traditional non-tech interviews, candidates typically progress through a linear process, starting with a phone screening, followed by one or two rounds of in-person interviews, and concluding with an offer or rejection. These interviews focus on assessing a candidate’s soft skills, work experience, and cultural fit within the organization.
The interview process at tech companies is different. It typically starts with a recruiter screen, followed by multiple rounds of technical assessments, behavioral interviews, and possibly a panel discussions – all of this on-top of an extensive 4-8 hour on-site. Depending on their field, candidates may face coding challenges, system design exercises, and problem-solving tasks to evaluate their technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities. For FAANG, the process can span several months, with candidates often undergoing multiple rounds of interviews, including on-site evaluations lasting several hours with 5-6 rounds.
On the other side of the spectrum, startups often have unconventional interview processes due to their dynamic and fast-paced nature. Interviews may involve informal meetings with founders, technical challenges, or group discussions to assess a candidate’s fit within the company culture. While startups may lack the formal structure of larger corporations, they offer opportunities for candidates to make a significant impact and contribute to the company’s growth from the ground up and often offer equity (ownership) or profit sharing in lieu of significant salary and job security.
The Third Lesson – Stand Out Through Performance
To stand out in tech interviews, candidates must go beyond technical skills. Utilizing frameworks like the STAR method and embodying the “3 C’s and a G” (Concise, Calm, Confident, Genuine) can elevate your performance. Leveraging cold outreach, referrals, and informational interviews also gives you an edge in hiring.
Do Your Research!
Larger companies typically have publicly available resources on their interview process or personal philosophy. For example, Netflix’s famous Culture Deck which articulates they will not tolerate “Brilliant Jerks” or Google’s infamous Ten Things We Know To Be True which clearly establishes “Great Just Isn’t Good Enough.” In addition to company websites, you can often learn more about current interview processes and even recent interview questions through networking groups or subreddits specific to your industry or target. Utilizing cold outreach to conduct informational interviews with current and past employees – knowledge is power, get as much information as you can.
Practical experience and specific industry examples of achievements form the foundation of a successful interview.
Whether you’ve successfully led a team in implementing a complex software solution or developed innovative algorithms to optimize performance for your previous employer, highlighting these accomplishments can showcase your ability to deliver tangible results.
Tech Employers are fundamentally evaluating you on 3 things:
- Past Achievement
- Culture Fit
- Potential for Impact
Utilize the STAR Method and interviewing best practices to craft a value-added argument. In short – PROVE that you are worth 10x more money than you cost AND that people will like working with you while you are doing it.
Conclusion
Securing a tech job today is clearly a multifaceted challenge that extends well beyond the simple submission of a resume. Whether you’re targeting industry giants under the FAANG and MATANG banners or exploring substantial opportunities in large corporations like UnitedHealth Group or dynamic startups, your approach must be nuanced and comprehensive. It’s essential to constantly refine your interviewing techniques, broaden your search beyond the usual suspects, and immerse yourself in continuous learning and networking. This will not only enhance your visibility but also increase your adaptability in the tech industry’s ever-evolving environment.
Lastly, remember that each interview is an opportunity to demonstrate not just your technical skills, but your ability to integrate into a team and contribute to a company’s culture and goals. The use of strategic frameworks like the STAR method, coupled with a genuine presentation of your skills and ambitions, will help you navigate through the complexities of tech interviews. Utilize resources like mock interviews on interviewing.com, career advisors, and informational interviews to build skills and gain insights into company culture. By doing so, you can turn the daunting process of job applications into a journey of personal and professional growth, leading you to a fulfilling career in the tech world.