Networking >>> Leetcode

Jan 22 85 Comments

I have seen people (colleagues) literally walk into FAANG and other companies after barely passing (or not passing interviews) because they had someone who would “vouch” for them.

I have had mediocre (and less than mediocre) engineers hired into my team because I referred them/agreed to “vouch” for them.

Whatever “vouch” means :)

OTOH, I have seen people struggle day and night with Leetcode/System Design practice and interview multiple times at FAANG (and other companies) only to fail once more.

Many times the interview goes perfectly, but they fall through the cracks in the administrative processes. Even though you spend 6 months Leetcoding day&night for FAANG, you’re just another candidate - one of several hundred/thousand.

It lead me to the hypothesis that your best path to career advancement, higher TC, FAANG, etc is to be a friend and maintain a good network. Have people who will “vouch” for you.

It’s a lot better than brute forcing your interview process (aka leetcoding hard).

#engineering #software #swe #leetcode #leetcodehard

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TOP 85 Comments
  • Wish
    ySfe02

    Go to company page Wish

    ySfe02
    What kind cap is this. Networking only gets you to the interview stage. After that it’s all leetcode
    Jan 22 9
    • LinkedIn
      RolanRyans

      Go to company page LinkedIn

      RolanRyans
      The problem thag good engineers might not be good in leetcode and hence they can be rejected is a problem known to exist in the industry. There is no way out.

      Also note that I have interviewed candidates only upto Staff level. I my you talking only about above staff candidates then maybe my observations don’t apply
      Jan 22
    • OP
      > The problem thag good engineers might not be good in leetcode and hence they can be rejected is a problem known to exist in the industry.

      This is a classic example of “no body cares until it happens to them.”

      As a hiring manager, I wouldn’t want to hire a leetcode addict. I would want the best “engineer” I can possibly find for my team. Because MY team’s future/reputation/success is at stake.
      Jan 22
  • Google
    RJQt82

    Go to company page Google

    RJQt82
    Straight up avoid HC? No way. But definitely a very senior set of people saying “this person is awesome” would probably get you more likely to uplevel your hiring level you’re applying for/help away any HC that looks at your packet. Still have to pass interview though and have a legit resume.
    Jan 22 4
    • Google
      BOtg28

      Go to company page Google

      BOtg28
      You said literally FAANG. Facebook, Amazon and Google have HCs. Netflix and apple depend solely on the Hiring Manager, and Netflix will fire you if you suck regardless of who you know. The only possible choice left is Apple, but only because I have no idea who they work.

      HFTs care even less as a quant or swe. You either deliver or you get fired even if you somehow walk through the door.

      Every recruiter will throw your app to the HC if you have any chance at all because they get paid based on hiring metrics.

      It just sounds like you're salty you got rejected or something
      Jan 22
    • OP
      I said “…literally walk into FAANG and OTHER companies.”

      As far as getting fired for poor performance - that’s a topic for another day :) It’s not really relevant to this post. This post is about getting an offer.
      Jan 22
  • New
    itsvj865hc

    New

    itsvj865hc
    This is true for L8+ only. And in this case it’s a lot more about the right fit and background. Also you won’t walk into these roles without already having been in the same or similar role elsewhere.

    So the best path

    LC hard —> FAANG—> work hard&smart —> climb the ladder —> network —> “walk” into roles
    Jan 22 8
    • New
      itsvj865hc

      New

      itsvj865hc
      Been on hiring committee as well a HM for at least a couple dozen hires across 3 companies (including one FAANG).

      Nothing of sort you are hinting at happens ( at scale) .Well connected People come in through references / personal network and those who do well get in and those don’t do well don’t get in.

      Not denying that nepotistic rats 🐀 don’t exist at FAANG but let’s not exaggerate their numbers.
      Jan 22
    • OP
      FAANG and non-FAANG will get it’s numbers and meet its hiring goals regardless.

      It’s up to each individual - do you want to be a statistic (and hope for the best)? or do you want to objectively get what you want?
      Jan 22
  • LinkedIn
    RolanRyans

    Go to company page LinkedIn

    RolanRyans
    To grow you need both. Someone vouching can you can
    1. Help you pass through borderline cases in interview
    2. Help you get promoted and grow quickly by getting you the right projects and right opportunities

    Someone vouching for you, cannot get you accepted in companies like google, fb, LinkedIn etc with one or more strong negative interview feedback. Someone vouching for you also cannot get you promoted beyond Sr without you executing on the projects
    Jan 22 6
    • OP
      Very true. Nepotism exists everywhere (including FB&G). A fair interview process and hiring committee is not the “only” way in the door (or to get promoted). There are soooo many engineering managers and directors out there with very little (hands on engineering experience).

      That said, nepotism aside, a referral/recommendation (basically having someone to vouch for you) goes a long long way. I know it for a fact. When you apply for a job, you’re a stranger. With someone to vouch for you, you’re much less of a stranger.
      Jan 23
    • LinkedIn
      RolanRyans

      Go to company page LinkedIn

      RolanRyans
      Well if you guys know for a fact, then I guess good for you!!
      Jan 23
  • Amazon
    PIPCherio

    Go to company page Amazon

    PIPCherio
    Network + Leetcode > Leetcode >>> Network
    Jan 22 2