Andrew Eshak

Interesting discussion, I see reasonable perspectives from multiple angles in this post, for reference only.

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I bombed the interview so hard, I considered just walking out. In my second round at the Google onsite 7 years ago, my interviewer was visibly frustrated. I was bumbling through a tree traversal problem using a for loop 🙄. "𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘴", he said before he took over and showed me how he would've approached the problem. Let me be clear: this guy was an ass hat of the highest degree. He also exposed a major gap in my coding knowledge. I went on to spend lots of money on programs, books and courses to learn data structures and algorithms. This helped me pass a ton more interviews but also increased my confidence. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵: 99% of the technical interview advice you read is for the top 1% of companies. I just left the interview circuit and have spoken with 500 developers over the last 18 months. I also completed around 100 interviews over the last 10 years. Your next interview is much more likely to revolve around building a React component, talking about your past experiences and coding challenges that will involve arrays or strings rather than trees. I talk about how to prepare for the interviews for the 99% of companies outside FAANG here: https://lnkd.in/gRqHXib6

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As recruiters, we often post job openings on LinkedIn for senior level roles, such as Senior Software Engineer, Tech Lead, or Software Architect, requiring 5+ years of experience. Shortly after the post goes live, we receive notifications about new applicants. It’s exciting to see the numbers rise, but when we open the applications, it’s not uncommon to find a majority are from interns. This isn’t about criticizing anyone. It’s about a common challenge in the recruitment process. While we appreciate the enthusiasm of candidates, applying for roles that don’t align with their experience creates complications for both sides. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 🤔 👉 Here’s a hidden issue many people don’t realize. LinkedIn automatically pauses or closes a job post once it reaches 50 applicants. This means that if 40 out of 50 applications are from candidates who don’t meet the requirements, there’s less room for qualified candidates to apply. Imagine a perfect fit for the role trying to apply, only to find the job post has already been closed. This can be frustrating for candidates who meet the requirements and want to showcase their skills. 👉 Every job application we review takes time. When many applicants don’t meet the basic requirements, it slows down the process of finding qualified candidates. Instead of focusing on shortlisting the right talent, recruiters have to spend extra time filtering through unsuitable profiles. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 🧐 For candidates who meet the requirements but can’t apply because the job post is closed, this situation can feel unfair. If the opportunity is taken up by candidates who don’t fit the criteria, qualified professionals lose the chance to connect with the right job. For those who don’t meet the qualifications but apply anyway, it can also hurt their chances in the long run. Constantly applying for roles far above your current experience level may lead to being overlooked by recruiters, even for positions you might be suitable for. 💡 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐨 👉 Senior level job postings can help you identify the skills and experience you need to build for the future. Focus on gaining those skills to grow into these roles over time. 👉 Instead of applying for every role, take the time to tailor your application to positions where you meet most of the requirements. This not only improves your chances but also keeps the process fair for others. This situation is a learning experience for both recruiters and candidates. For recruiters, it’s a reminder to be patient and keep an eye out for those hidden gems. For candidates, it’s an opportunity to think strategically about their career path and how they can grow into those senior roles over time. At the end of the day, every senior professional started somewhere. The key is to apply for the right opportunities and build your way up step by step 😊

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Based on true story... There is one employee name Minah work at this A company almost 1 month. still under probation of course. During pay day (Tuesday) , supposedly Minah should received her salary but during lunch time Minah was told by the acc exec that Minah will receive the salary by cheque on Friday. She been told that on Friday morning , she can come to acc exec and collect the cheque. However , on Friday morning when Minah want to collect the cheque , the acc exec said that 'Manager' did not sign yet and Minah can hear from her cubicles that 'manager' was fierce when he heard the word "cheque". Fyi, the 'manager' is a foreigner. The question is : 1. According to Malaysia Labor law , salary by cheque only can give upon employee consent. Means that if there something wrong with the employee bank account or what not. Employer have to discuss with Minah earlier , if she agree to receive her salary via cheque. Unfortunately Minah only knew during the pay day it self. Acc exec told to Minah , this is company rules for new hired. but there are also new hired get salary on 25th via transfer. yet none one this stated and written in the LO. Verbally she was told the salary will be received every 25th. So what Minah should do ? 😊 #opinion #recruitment# #hr #leadership #trust

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Disclaimer - This post is not meant to justify or criticize Amazon's 5 day return to office policy. I am just sharing how this policy affected my decision making. As I come to terms with giving up a house deal I had nearly finalized, I’m experiencing a mix of emotions. The decision was not easy, but it has ultimately led me to reflect on my priorities and the future I envision for myself. The house was a perfect fit in many ways—great location, ample space, and the promise of a cozy home. However, with Amazon’s 5 day return to office policy looming, I realized that my current lifestyle and work dynamics would need to adapt. The thought of commuting 2+ hours daily and adjusting to a more rigid work schedule made me reconsider my choice. While it’s disappointing to let go of a deal I was excited about, I’m trying to view this as an opportunity rather than a setback. It gives me the chance to reassess what I truly want in a home, particularly in light of my work situation. Perhaps there’s a better option out there that aligns more closely with my new routine and professional commitments. This change also encourages me to explore different areas that might offer a more convenient work-life balance. I’m excited about the prospect of finding a place that not only meets my needs but also enhances my overall lifestyle. Ultimately, while I’m sad to step away from this deal, I’m hopeful about what lies ahead. This is a moment to realign my goals and find a home that will support my journey as I navigate this new chapter in my career.

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This week has been very devastating to see many of our top talent let go as part of the 7% layoff. I want to share a few helpful tips that really worked for me during my previous job search when I got laid off. I hope these tips will be useful to everyone impacted by this layoff. 𝟭. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Create a Google Drive folder and write your resume in Google Docs. This makes it easy to export in different formats. For every job application, make a copy of your resume, tailor it to the specific role, then export as a PDF. It’s a time-saver! 𝟮. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 ATS systems often scan resumes first. Make sure yours includes relevant technical terms and measurable achievements. Numbers help—e.g., “Improved productivity by 40%,” “Automated a process saving 100+ hours.” 𝟯. 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿 Use a Google Spreadsheet to track all your applications. Include columns like “Role,” “Company,” “Status,” “Referral,” and “Notes.” It’s easy to lose track of applications, and this will give you a clearer picture of where you stand. 𝟰. 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘀 Before applying, check LinkedIn for 1st or 2nd-level connections at the company. Ask for referrals or introductions. Don’t hesitate—people are often more willing to help than you’d expect. Referrals can make a huge difference in getting your application noticed. 𝟱. 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗝𝗼𝗯𝘀 Job openings receive hundreds of applications. Aim to apply early, ideally within the first 100 applicants. It increases your chances of being shortlisted, which is often more crucial than being overly prepared. 𝟲. 𝗨𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗜 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 There are AI tools like careerflow.ai, yoodli, and swiftcover.ai that can help tailor your resume, generate cover letters, and even autofill job applications. These tools can save time and effort in a competitive market. 𝟳. 𝗠𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 Interviews can be tough, especially if you’re rusty. Mock interviews with friends or colleagues are a great way to practice and identify areas to improve. Don’t hesitate to ask for help—I’m happy to assist! 𝟴. 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Keep a list of projects you’ve worked on. These will help with common interview questions like “Tell me about a challenge you faced” or “How did you handle disagreement with a boss?” If you need support, I’m here to help in any way I can. Let’s stay connected, and best of luck to everyone in their next chapter. #jobsearch #layofftips #careeradvice #networking #resume

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Depending on which data set you look at, hiring is up a double or even triple digit % year over year. 🔥 Along with that being great news for job seekers (especially TA folks looking for their next work home), it also means companies that were doing some…not great things when it came to candidate experience will very quickly have some things catch up to them. 👀 Ghosting, 27 rounds of interviews, incredibly lowball offers, offer rescinsions, 2025 isn’t looking like it’ll be kind to companies/hiring teams pulling those levers. 💪 #hiring #hiringtoptalent #recruitmentlife #recruiterlife #dogsatwork #coworkersbelike #recruiters #remotejob #remotehiring #jobsearching #interview #talent #peoplefirst #employeeexperience #newbeginnings #newbeginnings2024 #jobalert

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I had an interesting first interview today, and first since I got the "1:1 meeting that has a third person from h.r." blues. It was to be a first interview anyways, but rather the recruiter unfortunately was calling to tell me they had just been told they are in a hiring freeze. It wasn't the conversation I was expecting but I tell you this, I was grateful for that call. They could have ghosted me or sent a generic email, but instead they gave me the courtesy and dignity of a conversation. That conversation, however brief and far away from the one I really wanted to have, did a lot for me. I have less jitters with the thought of the journey I am on. I have a better feeling about what I offer, even if there isn't an offer. I got back in the swing of researching who I want to work with and preparing to let them know that I can make an impact for them. It's not always as dark as it seems and the little kindnesses are a pleasant surprise. That being said... #OpenToWork #businessoperations #legaloperations #legaltech #dignityandcompassion

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Technical Program Managers at Google in the United States have an incredible compensation package. According to Levels(.)fyi, TPM salaries at Google range from $179K to $850K per year, and a median total package of $316K. This comp package includes the base salary, stock, and bonus breakdowns. The TPM career is an exciting career to explore. TPMs possess strategic thinking and forecasting abilities to anticipate risks and implement mitigation strategies, significantly improving productivity. TPMs oversee technical project delivery, aligning software development teams on critical decisions. They bridge the gap between business needs and technical teams. They coordinate complex projects, manage stakeholders, and solve unforeseen problems. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity! Join my Break Into TPM upcoming cohort today. Spots are limited. https://lnkd.in/eb64xmet Remember, investing in yourself is the best investment you will ever make. Agree? Disagree? Let's start a conversation. Share your story. 👇 ——— ✍️ Your insights can make a difference! ♻️ Share this post if it speaks to you, and follow me (Elvi Caperonis) for more. #personaldevelopment #jobseekers #careers

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Personally shocked by how comfortable people are canceling an interview THEY AGREED TO with the expectation that they will get another one. I had someone tell me today… “Schedule me for the day after. It works better for me” They way they said it was so non-chalant. What amazes me even more is once you tell them there’s a waitlist for Jan 2025 and that they’re not priority for a re-schedule / there is no other immediate date … SUDDENLY THEY CAN MAKE IT. THAT is wild to me. When you cancel your interview less than a week before, what you’re really doing is taking a spot away from a job-seeker that might need the job. That spot doesn’t get backfilled immediately. From this side, I highly advise - don’t confirm or say yes to things you don’t plan to see through. Backing out last minute is WORSE than communicating you might need a little more time to prepare. It’s normal to get nervous, stressed, or feel over-whelmed about an interview. Personally (and I only speak for myself), I don’t believe we should normalize flaky behavior, poor communication, and entitlement. There are plenty of people who want to work for Microsoft, see it as an opportunity of a lifetime, WANT to be here, and will see their commitment to interview through the end despite the outcome. THOSE are the people I want to find, engage with, and move through the interview process!

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One thing I wish I had explained to me sooner was the Mega Backdoor Roth. I was under the impression that you could only contribute to a Roth if you made under X amount. When I worked at Amazon I was under the income threshold - therefore I was eligible to max it out. When I transitioned to Microsoft, I started making more than the cut off. For 2 years I didn’t have Roth contributions, until I started exploring the compensation package more. Instead of being upset about that, I think more people should openly talk about what they know, don’t know, mistakes they made and what they do. This is how I found out about it … people were talking about it and I looked more into it. Microsoft 401k allows for a Mega Backdoor Roth. Instead of the regular $7k that everyone believes is the “cap”, you can contribute a lot more. For 2024 I believe it’s $69k for anyone under 50 as far as total contributions. That number seems crazy … but don’t disregard it. Max 401k contribution is 23k for 2024. Microsoft gives 11.5k (50% match). Leaving you at 34,500 From there, you can put in $34,500 instead of worrying about missing out on $7k. The cool thing about this is your money can be traded, you’re paying no cap gains tax on it, you won’t pay taxes when you retire, and in 5 years you can pull out that initial contribution you made. You are parking your money, to make free money, that will make more free money at a faster rate. There are other companies outside of Microsoft that are structured to allow this, but I love that my company offers it as an option. It helped me catch up rapidly on 7 years of missed retirement contributions. Also having employees contribute to 401ks is actually an advantage to the employer so really everyone wins in this scenario. Take the free 401k money. Forget the traditional Roth. Find a company that supports the mega backdoor roth. You can actually surpass people who make above $161k base pay this way😉

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More bad news for OPT and H1B workers. Canada has paused their program for at least 3 years due to the massive amount of tech workers coming in after US tech layoffs. That leaves very few employers open to hiring any kind of Visa workers. If you have a job don’t quit. If you don’t find a company like Amazon or Microsoft who can shoulder the cost and burden of bringing you on. Also be prepared to beat out all citizen workers for your spot. I teach Amazon loop classes which will help you ACE the soft skills but I can’t do much on tech tests. For that lean on the open source community on blind, leetcode, and levels. For affordable loop classes shoot me an email. [email protected] Understand I can’t promise anything but if you want to stay give it your best shot. #h1b #opt #visa

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This post is clever and funny 😁. However layoffs (especially in Tech) are no laughing matter 😟 . If you are on a work visa such as an H-1B, L-1 or E-2, your ability to remain in the US is tied to your employment. Even F-1 international students on post completion OPT or STEM OPT from their F-1 visas must remain employed to maintain status once they graduate. If you hear "you is fired" and you lose your job, you only have a finite amount of time (usually 60 days) for your grace period. During this 60 day grace period you must: 1) Find a new job and get a new sponsor (such as an H-1B transfer) 2) Change your status to another visa type such as B1/B2 or F-1 3) Depart the country 4) Or risk unlawful presence These are just some options you can consider if you lose your job while on a work visa. In certain circumstances you could file an EB-2 NIW or EB-1A self-petition when you are between jobs. If you file while you are still in status, you will not accrue any unlawful presence while your petition is pending. * this might be a time to use premium processing 🤔 However, if you petition is ultimately denied, you then likely will accrue unlawful presence for any amount of time over 60 day grace period. If necessary, try to avoid any unlawful presence over 6 months. Did you know it may be possible to file an I-539 to request an extension of your status? The USCIS has discretion to extend the status granted by your I-94 on your last admission. If you know in advance of a possible layoff or fear future layoffs, it might not be a bad idea to contact an immigration attorney and be proactive as opposed to reactive. The more time we have to work on your case, the better. I also would prefer to file an EB-2 NIW or EB-1A case while you are employed. It just looks better (even if you are downsized or let go from factors beyond your control). I remember during the height of Covid, so many pilots were laid off or furloughed and this was a concern for their EB-2 NIW petitions. Enjoy the bad AI video. But take the advice to heart. Always plan ahead. #immigration #globalmobility #pilots #aviation #greencard #tesla #spaceex

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Are you an H1B visa holder laid off from your job or actively seeking new opportunities, either from the United States or India? Navigating the process of transferring your H1B visa can be daunting, but fear not, as you're not alone in this journey. Here, we'll discuss key aspects and offer guidance for those embarking on the path of H1B transfer amidst job transitions. Pls contact me on [email protected]

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Are you an H1B visa holder laid off from your job or actively seeking new opportunities, either from the United States or India? Navigating the process of transferring your H1B visa can be daunting, but fear not, as you're not alone in this journey. Here, we'll discuss key aspects and offer guidance for those embarking on the path of H1B transfer amidst job transitions. Pls contact me on [email protected]

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LinkedIn folks, After spending 2.5 years at Amazon as a Senior Product Manager, I was laid off. At first, a wave of fear based decision-making ensued. I then realized that throughout life, we are trying to optimize for a balance between time, money, and energy, and often in vain. Finding myself with this powerful trifecta on my hands, I decided to take a break and chase other dreams of mine. I traveled to India to get certified as a yoga teacher and taught yoga and breathwork classes in 4 countries this year. I solo traveled in South America and volunteered across four cities to experiment with wearing different glasses to see how they shifted my worldview and learn new skills. I am now back in NYC and ready to find my next opportunity. I have six years of experience as a Product Manager and Data Consultant. At Amazon, I had the terrific opportunity to help drive the global CRM SaaS product strategy across two products, one to onboard third-party sellers that sell on Amazon and the other for vendors. It was an incredible learning experience where I worked with stakeholders from 20+ countries and learned how to be fluent in building relationships across cultures, functions, and hierarchies, leaned on the nuance of context and data to iteratively build products, and learned how to influence without authority. I am looking for NYC-based / remote opportunities in product management, strategy, and, founder’s office where I can be a thought partner and contribute to impactful initiatives. If you have referrals or leads for people who are hiring or want to chat, do reach out because I would love to connect! #productmanagement #strategy #startups #foundersoffice #layoffs #opentowork

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