Degree Free
Biggest Job Lies #4: “We Only Want What’s Best For You” (DF#105)
Wed Jul 12 2023Description
The episode discusses how companies prioritize their own interests over employees', the interview process for tech jobs, and how company size affects the interview process. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing oneself in career decisions and provides insights into the number of interviews and differences between smaller and larger companies.
Insights
Companies prioritize their own interests
Despite claims of wanting what's best for employees, companies prioritize their own interests and making money. Negotiating salary is a clear example of this.
Tech job interviews involve multiple rounds
Tech job interviews typically consist of at least three rounds, including a 'vibe check' with a recruiter, technical assessments, and final assessments with the hiring manager or team members.
Number of interviews varies
The number of interviews can vary widely between companies and roles. Some senior positions may require multiple interviews, while smaller companies tend to have fewer interviews compared to larger companies.
Interview process reflects company size
The interview process can provide clues about the size of the company. Larger companies often have more established procedures and red tape, while smaller companies may have a less defined hiring process.
Chapters
- Companies and Prioritizing Interests
- Tech Job Interviews
- Interview Process and Company Size
- Company Size and Interview Process
Companies and Prioritizing Interests
00:00 - 06:41
- Companies often say 'we only want what's best for you' as a way to soften bad news or difficult conversations.
- While bosses may not care about you in the same way, individuals within companies can still have empathy and sympathy.
- Ultimately, companies prioritize their own interests and making money.
- Negotiating salary is a clear example of how companies prioritize their own interests over yours.
- If a company or boss is trying to make you quit, they do not have your best interests at heart.
- Always prioritize what is best for yourself in your career.
Tech Job Interviews
06:17 - 13:04
- Expect at least three interviews when getting hired for a tech role.
- The first interview is usually a 'vibe check' with an internal or external recruiter to see if you fit the team and company culture.
- The second interview is typically more technical and may involve coding challenges or technical discussions.
- The final interview is often with the hiring manager or team members and focuses on assessing your skills and fit for the role.
- The number of interviews can vary depending on the role's technicality and seniority level.
Interview Process and Company Size
12:44 - 19:45
- When talking to a recruiter in the first round, it's usually because the company hired a recruiting agency or there is a lot of red tape in a large company.
- The second interview is typically with your direct report and involves common interview questions like 'Tell me about yourself' and 'Why do you want to work for this company?'
- In some cases, the second interview may be a panel interview with the team you'll be working with.
- The third interview is often a panel interview with your bosses and may involve negotiations and discussions about salary range.
- It's important to get everything in writing when receiving a formal offer.
- The number of interviews can vary widely between companies and roles.
- Some senior positions may require multiple interviews, such as eight or more.
- Companies conduct multiple interviews to ensure they hire the right candidate and reduce productivity loss during training.
- Smaller companies tend to have fewer interviews compared to larger companies.
Company Size and Interview Process
19:27 - 25:39
- Larger companies have more interviews due to established procedures and red tape.
- Smaller companies or teams within larger companies may have fewer interviews.
- The interview process can provide clues about the size of the company.
- In smaller companies, job roles are less defined and employees wear multiple hats.
- In larger companies, job roles are more focused on specific tasks.
- Smaller companies often have a less defined hiring process compared to larger companies with dedicated resources.
- Remote work has made it easier to conduct interviews, leading to an increase in the number of interviews being held.