Applying for Jr. Engineer with 9 yoe
So I have over 9 yoe mostly in analytics and data side. My current role's responsibilities span into few different roles including ML Engineer or SWE. I really want to move into SWE, but not sure how to explain this to recruiters and hiring managers. I have optimized my LinkedIn profile to attract attention but after few interviews I feel like I have bit a whole lot then I chew. - Is there any way to express my desire to learn but not discredit my experience so far? - Would anyone hire such a person? Would you hire someone like me?
I don't think there are ways of getting around not knowing the material. Being a quick study is great and all but remember that you are competing against people who do know the material. You don't need to disregard your previous experience. Just highlight why that experience makes you stand out from the crowd. I've made it onsite for a few FAANG companies for SWE now and I can tell you that they take your past experience into consideration for soft skills but they don't really care that much about what you actually did if you can pass the coding interviews. I'd recommend getting on the LeetCode.
Yeah, I have noticed that too FAANG usually are open to all levels despite of your background. I have couple of interviews lined up there, hopefully at least one them works out. And yes I am working on LeetCode problems and basics of SE.
Learn the fundamentals, grok system design, leetcode and you may not have to downlevel
Be upfront with what you are offering Let others visualize working with you Don’t let the interview ‘happen’ to you— by that I mean if the questions don’t highlight your talents remember the questions are just mediums to demonstrate ‘you’ not merely get a solution Def would work with such a background. I look for talent to succeed and not similar experience.
Thanks, that helps. I have started being clear of what I offer and where I am learning. This means the less chances of getting interview calls after talking to recruiters. But at least I don't stress out for preparing for unrealistic expectations.