Ryan Donovan, Cohost, discusses strategies for success in the tech industry, including navigating the job market, conducting career audits, setting expectations during the hiring process, gauging company culture, and negotiating compensation. They also address the impact of company size on the hiring process and the frustration of uncertainty.
When searching for a new tech role, it's important to consider factors like work culture, team size, and remote vs. in-person work preferences.
To maximize value during the offer stage, ask for the entire benefits package, evaluate healthcare, time off, and retirement match, and seek advice before accepting or declining.
Deep dives
Setting Yourself Up for Success in the Job Market
In this episode, the hosts discuss strategies for setting oneself up for success in the tech industry job market. They acknowledge the current churn in the industry, with the great resignation and recent layoffs. The guest, Wesley Faulkner, emphasizes the importance of understanding one's priorities and preferences when looking for a new role. He suggests considering factors like work culture, team and company size, remote or in-person work preferences, and passion for the projects. Faulkner also advises not to self-censor or doubt one's qualifications before starting the job search. Taking interviews even when not actively seeking a job is recommended to gain clarity on personal preferences and potential opportunities.
Evaluating Companies and Interview Tactics
The hosts and guest discuss strategies for evaluating companies and preparing for interviews. They emphasize the importance of aligning one's online presence and skills with desired roles, using platforms like LinkedIn and Polywork. Researching company culture and performance through tools like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and Blind is recommended. They highlight the significance of reaching out to peer communities and networking to gain insights and perspectives on different companies. Faulkner suggests talking to both current and former employees to gather information about the company's work environment, resources, and onboarding process. He also offers tips for assessing the quality expectations and potential red flags during the interview process.
Negotiating Compensation and Maximizing Value
The hosts and guest delve into strategies for negotiating compensation and maximizing value during the offer stage. Faulkner advises responding to an offer by asking for the entire benefits package and a clear timeline for making a decision. He suggests evaluating benefits like healthcare, time off, and retirement match as part of the compensation package. Faulkner emphasizes the importance of taking time to consider the offer and seek advice from others before accepting or declining. He also highlights the significance of clarity on company resources, onboarding processes, and the ability to have open conversations about company priorities and expectations. The hosts conclude by sharing additional interview tactics and questions, such as inquiring about why people stay or leave the company.
ICYMI: On a recent episode, we talked about how these layoffs are reshaping the job market and where to find software engineering roles outside of tech.
Just laid off, or worried you might be? Cohost Ryan Donovan has some advice.