How to start on interviews preparation after a decade
I joined Microsoft almost 9 years ago as an SDE1 and now I’m still and SDE2 even though all my rewards were 120s which should mean that I’m not a low performer, it’s just my team sucks at the growth rate and all seniors in my team are above 35 years old I’ve been at the same team for 9 years but now I’m so pissed off and want to change company but not sure how to start with the interview preparation since it’s been 9 years since I did interview. I amm targeting level 5 or 6 at Meta or Google #tech #software #sde
You won’t pass the interview for level 6 if you’ve been working as SDE 2, your stories just don’t have the scope required. Also, you wouldn’t be able to perform the job. As for practice, obviously you’ll need a lot of LC if you haven’t done it in 9 years. Probably plan on at least 2 months of hitting it pretty hard. System design can be learned in two-three weeks. Start collating your behavioral stories now and shaping them up. I mean, everything you need is highly available on the internet, should t be any big surprises at Google or Meta.
Can you share some examples/resources for behavioral stories?
Here’s a good resource https://a.co/d/bVj6QNe
L6 at Meta is more like 66+ at MS, not 61. Code doesn’t level you, behavioral do. You need to have several examples of projects that you directed with near company wide scope and directing teams to come in at L6.
Don’t worry. It’s just prep Start by revising your DSA/ALGO concepts. Then start practicing Leetcode. You will feel rusty to begin with but there are so many good free online resources available these days. Consistency is the key. Make sure you practice 1-2 hours each day. You will be slow to start but should get interview ready in 3-6 months if you dedicate yourself. Second, start your system design prep by reading all the fundamentals again and then doing a lot of design questions and practice. Again, use online resources and forums including the system design primer on GitHub Third - and this really important for targeting L6 roles, you will have to prepare a lot to answer behavioral questions like a senior. Especially if you don’t have that scope in your current job, it takes a lot of building narrative around your work to showcase such leveling All This takes time and serious effort. Don’t expect miracles. Don’t get disheartened by the slow progress initially. It takes time to get used to studying after such a long break. Focus and dedicate 1-2 hours daily for interview prep. You will do great in 3-6 months Finally, make sure you apply to some other companies first before applying to your top5. Nothing beats real interview experience. You don’t want to waste your most important companies in the first few attempts
Thanks for being so encouraging
You’re l62?
Yes but my 63 promo has been delayed for at least 1.5 or 2 years now for shi**y reason, one half they say because of the layoffs then my paternity leave affected my work then low budget, then a cycle with zero promos in the team.. etc. all promos in the team are significantly delayed not just mine so I honestly see no future here
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