Ask HN: How to get into top tech companies during this hiring slowdown?

Just heard back from Microsoft, apparently they are not moving forward with any new grad applications as all roles were filled by return offers to interns.

I interned at a fairly large tech company this summer, but I don't want to go back to work for them. I'm graduating next year.

I'm having a really hard time with new grad applications this cycle. Does anyone have any tips? Other things I can do to maximize my chances?

12 points | by sss111 569 days ago

4 comments

  • YouWhy 569 days ago
    Having had a short and unpleasant stint at a BigTechCo, it's my projection that pushing hard to make it will likely get you into a bad team - one of those 50%-90% at each corp where people are set up for failure and spend years persevering rather than thriving.

    I would instead focus on sticking out of the crowd: making a cool side project (e.g., a utility app that brings you $100/mo in profit), finding a mentor, finding a partner in crime, finding current employees who could give you leads to good teams, upping your game in some advanced tech/data analysis etc.

  • Hakashiro 569 days ago
    Most of it is luck. Everyone wants to get into Big Tech and the fact there are hiring slowdowns and mass layoffs will only work against you, for quite obvious reasons.

    If there was an shortcut, everyone would be taking it.

    Just have patience, and keep applying. Depending on how bad you need an income, you may consider joining a company that may not be your dream company, but will at least let you sustain yourself financially.

    Good luck!

  • dev_0 568 days ago
    Leetcode harder