Introduction

In the whirlwind that was my job hunt at the end of 2023/early 2024, I discovered that sending out hundreds of CVs doesn't guarantee a single callback — a stark contrast to my experiences just a year before. With my 8+ years of experience in the IT industry (Li Profile), back again to share a saga not just of trials but of triumph. Despite the non-FAANG odyssey with up to 10 interview stages (yeah, you read that right! 🤯), my perseverance led me to 7 different companies' interview processes and finally, 2 job offers. Let’s dive into the 50 nuggets of wisdom that illuminated my path.

Jokes aside, nothing will stop you now! 🔥

Pre-Interview Preparation

Not all of the below bullet points need to be applied, it's the sad truth that preparing for a job is your full-time job now, however, you can pick a few points that will be the best for you. I'd highly recommend grinding LeetCode for some time until you get comfortable with solving smaller problems on your own and building a few real-world coding projects that will improve your technology stack, and confidence, as well as generate that initial portfolio.

Don't forget to polish up your CV, build some exposure in social media, do networking, and tidy up your Li Profile, keeping it all up-to-date and avoiding silly typos.

1. LeetCode Grinding

Start with easy-medium problems to dust off your logic skills. It’s your secret weapon against the initial screening rounds.

It took me 1-2 weeks to see repeating patterns that are around string manipulation, arrays, objects, transformations, and sorting algorithms and it helped a lot to go through HackerRank/quick live coding algorithms to solve during interviews.

2. Build portfolio-worthy projects

Shameless self-plug? 🙈 But... Building portfolio-worthy projects (we have 20+ with Figma designs) is a great idea!

It's a testament to the power of showcasing around 3+ real-world projects on your GitHub.

Bonus: We got you covered with daily challenges to keep your skills sharp.

And you can message me for promo codes, collaboration, affiliate, sponsorship, or any other related topic!

3. Open Source Contribution

A stepping stone for gaining invaluable experience and making your resume stand out.

4. Catchafire

Dive into volunteering to get real-world experience. It’s unpaid but undeniably rewarding.

5. Portfolio Website

A personal website, can significantly drive traffic and interest your way. A bit older website that I created but still works I guess. It won't hurt to have one!

6. Your GitHub Main Page

A well-curated GitHub page speaks volumes. Start with a repository named after your account and build from there. There are many templates for README.md to choose from.

7. Writing Tech Articles

Establish your thought leadership and expertise by sharing knowledge.

8. LinkedIn Profile

Optimize your profile with detailed yet concise information. It's important to merge the job timeline to a compact format and make sure people can read it quickly, certificates, and asking peers for testimonials can be invaluable for recruiters.

Also, you can easily set "open to work" status with an appropriate avatar badge and even post on Li to your network if you're searching for a new gig!

9. CV Improvements

Streamline your CV to a simple, ATS-friendly format. Keep it to 1-2 pages, focusing on clarity and relevance to pass through initial screenings effortlessly.

Note: I'll be happy to provide you with the CV that I used for applying for jobs in 2024, as well as recommend a few tips around it, feel free to add and DM me on Li.

10. Mock Interviews

Utilize mock interview services to familiarize yourself with the interview process, reduce anxiety, and improve your performance under pressure.

The Hunt - Securing the Interview

It might be a great idea to have a separate email for searching for a job or just some clever filters as you'll be probably sending a lot of CVs and getting a lot of spam emails from different platforms if you create an account there. It's good to have notifications set up as well about new job openings so you can be one of the first candidates however it can stack quickly and spam your mailbox.

For me, Otta was a huge goldmine as I was able to land most of the interviews there.

There are some ways to automate CV sending as well and job aggregators could be a waste of time but worth utilizing a few of the below platforms for additional chances of landing that interview.

Also, it'd make sense to prepare a reusable template with smaller chunks like skills, and experience so you can easily reuse it between different platforms rather than creating each time manually.

1. LinkedIn

Utilize LinkedIn's features, such as "open to work" and job filters for remote positions, to maximize your job visibility. Engage your network by announcing your job search to leverage personal connections and referrals.

2. Indeed | Dice | Glassdoor

Job aggregator platforms can be valuable resources if used efficiently. While they may require sifting through numerous listings, they offer a broad view of the available opportunities but I don't recommend spending too much time on them unless you automate it.

3. Hacker News "Who is Hiring"

Monthly threads like this one above are a goldmine for tech positions, offering direct access to companies and their open roles. You could search for similar threads on other platforms, e.g. Reddit.

4. X

Use targeted keywords and hashtags to uncover job opportunities shared on X, tapping into the tech community and direct company postings. E.g. [tech] hiring.

5. Direct Applications

Explore companies' career pages to apply directly, ensuring you're getting the most accurate view of the role and its requirements.

The above link is a great GH repository with remote companies that are hiring globally.

6. Otta

My personal favorite, Otta stands out for its developer-friendly approach, matching you with companies based on your skills and preferences, and facilitating smooth communication with potential employers.

7. Cord

A responsive app that connects job seekers with exciting opportunities, emphasizing direct communication with hiring teams. They have various useful filters like compensation and I had a nice experience using this app.

8. Wellfound

Specializes in startup jobs, offering access to high-growth potential roles and competitive compensation packages.

9. WeWorkRemotely

Ideal for finding remote work, this platform caters to those looking to work from anywhere.

10. EchoJobs

Although relatively new, it offers a curated list of tech jobs, making it easier to find relevant positions.

Interview Preparation - Setting the Stage for Success

Let me remind you this one more time: Your full-time job is searching for jobs right now including preparing yourself for the interview, it might seem like overkill but it can save a lot of time in the long run to implement the below steps into your interviewing routine.

I think being stressed initially is the most difficult part as you have to go out of your comfort zone through a bunch of interview stages where you were happily coding for x years/month in the previous company without a need to do so.

But it's okay, take your time, learn from your mistakes, rest, exercise, hydrate, regenerate, and keep adapting until you nail it.

Ah, and take this GitHub Repository link for an awesome list of interview questions!

1. Perfecting Your Tech Setup

An often overlooked aspect of remote interviews is the quality of your video and audio setup. I learned the hard way that relying on a laptop's built-in microphone can lead to poor audio quality, echoing, or even being too faint if the laptop is too far away. Test and record yourself to ensure your video and audio are crystal clear, minimizing any chance of distractions or miscommunication.

2. Screen Sharing Mastery

As developers, screen sharing is part of our interview routine. Before your interview, clarify which tools and environments are permitted. For coding challenges, platforms like JSFiddle can be invaluable for quickly demonstrating your code and logic. If there's any uncertainty, don't hesitate to ask beforehand about the tools you're allowed to use, including specifics like JavaScript versus TypeScript.

3. Live Coding Strategy

Live coding tests are a high-pressure part of the interview process. It's essential to know upfront what resources you can access during this phase. Can you Google? Is ChatGPT on the table? Clarify these details before the interview to avoid any awkward moments and to prepare yourself adequately for the challenge ahead.

4. Research and Reconnaissance

Understanding the company's culture, values, and goals can significantly impact your interview performance, especially during behavioral segments. Take the time to research the company and, if possible, the interviewers themselves. This insight can give you an edge in aligning your responses with what the company values.

5. Embracing Failure as a Step to Success

Not every interview will lead to an offer, and that's okay. The key is to learn from each experience. Reflect on the questions asked, the problems solved, and any feedback received. Use this information to prepare for future opportunities, improving your approach each time.

6. Taking Your Time

If you're in a position to do so, don't rush into accepting the first offer if it doesn't feel right. Assess each opportunity to ensure it aligns with your values and career goals. Sometimes, waiting for the right fit is better than jumping into a situation that may lead to burnout or dissatisfaction.

7. Prioritize Your Well-being

Job hunting is mentally and physically demanding. Ensure you're taking care of yourself by staying active, hydrating, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that reduce stress. Your health and well-being are crucial for maintaining the stamina needed for a successful job search.

8. Leverage ChatGPT for Pre-Interview Research

Use tools like ChatGPT to gather information about the company and the specific role you're interviewing for. This AI can help you understand what skills and knowledge areas to focus on, providing you with relevant practice problems or topics to study.

In my case, I liked the idea of sharing the company's website URL to ChatGPT so it could generate questions like LeetCode challenges or high-level questions depending on the interview type. You could even give additional context depending on how much information you received for a particular interview stage to prepare upfront.

9. Prepare for High-Level Discussions

For interviews that delve into architecture or complex problem-solving, let ChatGPT assist in identifying key topics to review. Understanding the broader technological landscape can help you articulate how you approach problems and design solutions.

10. Organize Your Job Search

Keep track of your applications, interviews, and follow-up actions with tools like Otta or the Huntr Job Search Tracker Chrome extension. An organized approach will help you manage the process more effectively, ensuring you're always prepared for the next step.

Navigating Job Platforms - Let Them Find You a Job

To be honest, it's another rabbit hole. In my whole experience history with these job platforms, I can 100% backup G2i as I got a dream job there and Toptal, Lemon.io, Turing, and Arc.dev are fine but people have different opinions about them, sometimes they want to charge you a lot, sometimes there is a lack of jobs, etc. It's a thing to consider, but hear this out.

Most of these platforms will test you in some way and this is already a great experience to get to practice for your interviews, solve a few tasks and see where you are with your current skills, what you lack and need to learn, when you're lucky enough you might end up scoring a job there so it's a win-win then, right?

1. Toptal

Toptal prides itself on connecting the top 3% of freelance talent with innovative companies. Specializing in software developers, designers, finance experts, and project managers, Toptal conducts a rigorous screening process to ensure only the best are matched with freelance opportunities that suit their expertise.

2. G2i

G2i is a hiring platform for engineers by engineers. Focused on web development and primarily React and Node.js positions, G2i offers a vetting process that emphasizes not just technical skills but also remote working capabilities, ensuring a good fit for both parties.

3. Lemon.io

Lemon.io is a freelance marketplace that matches startups with vetted software developers quickly and efficiently. Known for their speed in finding a match, they cater to startups looking for developers proficient in a wide range of technologies.

4. Turing

Turing offers a platform that uses AI to source, vet, match, and manage remote software developers from all over the world. With a focus on matching based on technical skills, projects, and time zone preferences, Turing aims to make the process of finding remote work seamless.

5. Arc.dev

Arc.dev provides a straightforward way for developers to find remote jobs with vetted companies. By emphasizing long-term positions, Arc ensures that both companies and developers can find a match that is conducive to growth and development.

6. Gun.io

Gun.io specializes in connecting freelance software developers with flexible, remote work. They pride themselves on their community of professionals who are not only proficient in their technical skills but also in their communication and project management capabilities.

7. X-Team

X-Team is designed for developers who value continuous growth and exploration. Offering remote positions with some of the world's leading brands, X-Team supports its developers with funding for education, fitness, and even exploration.

8. Scalable Path

Scalable Path matches companies with a curated network of freelance developers and designers. They focus on understanding the specific needs of a project to ensure a perfect fit between the freelancer's skills and the project requirements.

9. A.Team

A.Team builds flexible, on-demand teams of senior engineers for companies tackling ambitious projects. They emphasize the synergy between team members and projects, ensuring that each team is tailor-made for the challenge at hand.

10. Remotebase

Remotebase offers an innovative approach by rapidly connecting talented developers from emerging markets with tech companies worldwide. Specializing in building remote engineering teams, they provide a unique opportunity for companies to access untapped talent pools.

Bonus Tips: Elevating Your Job Hunt Strategy

After navigating the extensive process of preparing, applying, and interviewing for tech jobs, there are always additional strategies to enhance your approach. These bonus tips aim to further refine your job search, offering innovative ways to stand out, streamline your efforts, and ensure you're maximizing every opportunity.

1. LazyApply

Leverage automation tools like LazyApply to send out your CV en masse, saving countless hours. While personalization is key for top-choice roles, LazyApply can increase your volume for a broader reach, ensuring you don't miss out on potential opportunities.

I've used it and saved some time, however, it's quite expensive for what it does but always nice to automate things if you have that opportunity! Was fun to see automated CV sending on the other screen while I was working on other stuff.

Maybe even create your next-gen-bot-scrapper-ai-automatic-cv-uploader and make money out of it? 👀

2. Create a Personal Brand

Develop a personal brand that highlights your unique skills, experiences, and interests in technology. This could involve a combination of blogging, vlogging, or podcasting about topics you're passionate about, which can attract attention from recruiters and hiring managers.

3. Networking Through Tech Meetups and Conferences

Engage in community events, both virtual and in-person. Platforms like Meetup are great for finding tech gatherings where you can connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.

4. Enhance Your Skills with Online Courses

Continuously update your skill set with courses from platforms like FrontendMasters or egghead.io. This not only makes you more attractive to employers but also keeps you competitive in the fast-paced tech industry.

5. Utilize LinkedIn Features to the Fullest

Beyond setting your profile to “Open to Work,” actively engage with content in your field, join industry groups, and contribute to discussions. This visibility can lead to direct messages from recruiters.

6. Feedback Loop from Interviews

After each interview, whether successful or not, seek feedback. This insight is invaluable for identifying areas of improvement and can significantly enhance your performance in future interviews.

Companies in 99% of scenarios will skip this step but it's always worth writing a follow-up email while being nice and polite with a "Why?" to at least understand what could have been improved.

7. Optimize Your Social Media Profiles

Ensure all your social media profiles are professional and reflect your career aspirations. Recruiters often review these profiles to get a sense of your personality and professionalism.

Update any relevant links, your current email, job experience, and skills to make it fresh and up-to-date on any socials you're actively on.

8. Follow Industry Leaders and Companies on Social Media

Stay informed about the latest trends and opportunities by following leaders and companies you admire on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. This can also lead to direct engagement opportunities.

Alternatively, deep dive into trending GH repositories which are open-source publicly available, see what people are building, browse the codebase, and learn a ton out of it!

9. Participate in Coding Challenges and Hackathons

Platforms like HackerRank and CodeSignal host challenges that not only hone your skills but also can put you on the radar of tech companies looking for talent.

10. Exclusive BIGDEVSOON50 Promo

As a thank you for reading, use the promo code BIGDEVSOON50 on BigDevSoon for a special discount.

Dive into real-world projects that can elevate your portfolio and make you stand out in your job search.

Summary

The journey from sending out hundreds of CVs to securing the right job offer is both challenging and rewarding. By following the comprehensive steps laid out in this article, from pre-interview preparation to leveraging job platforms and beyond, you're not just searching for a job; you're strategizing for success. The bonus tips provided offer additional avenues to enhance your visibility, streamline your application process, and continuously improve your skills.

It's always a pleasure to share my experiences with the community, and I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have, please spread the word around and go BIG!

I'm happy to collaborate on content promotion, as well as seek sponsorship for the BigDevSoon, always looking for new opportunities! Reach me out on Li if interested.

Happy coding! ❤️