I can't imagine how tough it is to go through all of that. I hope everything works out for you in the end!

Hiring as become more intentional on both the sides, and yes, companies low on funds are going to pull of unexpected moves (incl FAANG rn, they're just doing the firing drama for their activist investors)

Analyst

Interviewing when you’ve leverage makes the process whole lot easier. Else you’re just fighting against the wave.

Product Owner

Hi OP, can I get a referral for an APM role at razorpay if there is an opening?

Scrum Master

Interviewing is so tough. Too many ups and downs. Especially in this economy. More than the orgs/interviews/HR, it’s the fear of worst case scenarios (like an offer being extended then rescinded, o...

Welcome to Product Managers's Private Community

Interviewing is so tough. Too many ups and downs. Especially in this economy. More than the orgs/interviews/HR, it’s the fear of worst case scenarios (like an offer being extended then rescinded, or being onboarded but then laid off within a couple months) that makes the whole process that much more cumbersome. Just want interviewing season to end.

I pivoted into tech from a non tech bg totally starry-eyed and did not anticipate having to face THIS much uncertainty. Hope the pivot pays off one day - or sanyaas here I come 😝

Rant: Interviewing season is so tough

Product Manager

Rant: Interviewing season is so tough- Grapevine

Me and my friends aren't even getting shortlisted for an interview.LinkedIn isn't working, direct referrals isn't working. After multiple rounds they just decide to go the other way. And this is happening with experienced talent. What the hell is happening!

Rant:What is up with hiring market for product!!! It's way worse than developers. I know that a general comparison scenario but past few months it's gone super downhill.

Welcome to Software Engineers's Private Community

Why these HR’s not ready to provide feedback after the interviews round .

I am not getting if candidates attended interviews for 1hr / 45 min /30min at least they deserve feedback doesn’t matter if it’s positive or negative .

It’s better to accept negative/positive feedback instead of keeping hope . This is big demotivating for us.

It’s a request to all HR’s please don’t play with our times. And one question why you are more active before setup the interview and then act like dead .

Interview feedback

Senior Consultant

Just had a mid interview. Mid interviews feel so much worse than terrible interviews. Knowing you were close to being good. Anxiety if at all there'll be a 'next step'. The opening is somehow more exciting -- now that there's a chance I won't get through.

Urghhh.

Anyone having a worse day? Please make me feel better about my life :P

Rant here.

Hey all, idk what's been happening recently but I'm not able to clear any interviews, ig I mess up in managerial type questions due to nervousness and then the whole thing goes down, it's been 2.5 years since I've been working but now I feel so demotivated that I've been thinking of leaving tech. Idk what's been happening, even the companies don't provide a good reason for rejection or at least a feedback on where I went wrong,

Not being able to clear interviews

Software Developer

Welcome to Indian Startups's Private Community

Recently, I interviewed a senior individual about their job hunting experience after 8 months, 50+ interviews, and interactions with 10+ companies. What they shared is quite eye-opening and worth sharing with my fellow Grapeviners to stay informed about the current market trends.

There's a concerning trend of false interviews or what some might call "candidate fishing." Companies seem dissatisfied with many candidates they encounter initially, leading to rejections for trivial reasons or minor interview slip-ups. This indicates an oversupply of candidates in the market.

Most companies have multiple candidates lined up for each job role, creating unnecessary backups. Consequently, last-minute job offer declines are not uncommon, even after successfully navigating through all interview rounds.

The interview process itself can be lengthy, ranging from one to two months, with interviews scheduled during weekends, late nights, and early mornings becoming more common.

Some common reasons for rejection include:

1. Diversity hiring concerns
2. Expectations of being a master of everything
3. Common interview formats with overwhelming ratios like 2:1, 3:1, or 4:1, putting candidates on the spot
4. Companies adopting a "Why should we not hire you?" mindset
5. Scrutiny over resume details, such as short job stints, despite ongoing industry layoffs
6. Negative assumptions about candidates from top tech companies (FAANG) looking for new roles
7. Rejections after multiple rounds (7-10 rounds) of interviews
8. Ghosting becoming a prevalent issue

If you're experiencing these challenges, remember that you're not alone. Many others are facing similar issues. Hang in there; the tide will eventually turn.

Job Market Reality Check

Lawyer

Hey fellow grapevine friends, let me share a hilarious tale of my recent job interview rollercoaster ride! So, picture this: I chanced upon interviewing for one those new age alternative fintech firms, feeling like a boss, acing every interview level with flying colors. The interviewers were practically showering me with positive vibes about the role and the company. I was on cloud nine!

But hold on to your seats, folks, because things took an unexpected turn. After the initial warm reception, it suddenly went colder than an iceberg. I waited eagerly for responses from the TA team, but all I got was radio silence. Not even a peep. It was like they vanished into thin air!

Now, I wasn't keen on pestering the hiring manager, but desperation got the best of me. I decided to shoot them a message, hoping for some answers. And guess what? They hit me with the most mind-boggling news ever – a hiring freeze! Can you believe it? Talk about bad timing, right? I must have brought some serious jinx along with me.

As if that wasn't enough, I then discovered something straight out of a conspiracy movie. I noticed that the TA team's LinkedIn profiles had that same little green circle, indicating they were open to work.. But wait, there's more! A bunch of ex-employees and other members of the team also had that eerie green circle. What on earth was happening here? Are they secretly communicating in some LinkedIn language that mere mortals like us don't understand?

Oh well, my friends, the job hunt can be a wild and wacky adventure, full of unexpected twists and turns. But fear not, for I am armed with resilience and a great sense of humor! So, with popcorn in one hand and my resume in the other, I shall continue my quest to conquer the job market. While also finding the anomalies of the start up world. Here's to embracing the unpredictability and staying positive on this crazy journey! Cheers to the next chapter of my job hunt! 🍿🚀

From fintech hopes to deep freeze: My epic interview saga

Operations Manager

So I interviewed for a SaaS company serving US clients. I got selected after three rounds (basic email chat, built a project, technical coding round at last) and got selected. 

Finally, it was time to discuss salary and joining date with the CEO. He was impressed by the about section on my portfolio, where I mentioned that I like to go on treks, hikes, read books, lift weights, go on a run, etc. During our call he mentioned that everyone at the startup works 6-7days a week, 12hrs a day and asked if I'd be fine with it as I have a "happening life".

I said that I'm not used to it but I'll manage and work in appropriate working hours. He seemed to agree on it.

But he ghosted me after that, and when I pinged him in the email thread; he said he's not moving ahead with me because my other properties won't allow me to "work as much as other employees".

How am I supposed to react to this lol

I didn't get selected because... I have a happening life?

Glad, that CEO let you live for a better opportunity

Growth Manager

Software Engineer

Welcome to IT Company Discussion's Private Community

Hey all I started recently interviewing and found that these days recruitment has gone down a lot and many companies are not taking over next stage of interviews 

I have been shortlisted for multiple companies like Accenture, capgemini and lg soft and few smaller firms in Bangalore and all wanted immediate joining and i started giving interviews and found people giving interviews and not even hiring or updating folks after the interview status  i talked with multiple friends in the companies and found few facts 

1) Mass hiring IT companies are downsizing and they conduct interviews and hire people at the cheap level possib;e

2) Interviews to keep public and investors happy and build brand value 
3) To show good morale in teams

Reality is that one hr who hires for multiple firms told me that now many companies are putting their hires on hold till december and it was through him i got interview calls but seeing all these fear me a lot

So think before you resign get 2 offers or more before you press the button !

Finally wishing all best in job search

We are entering in the phase of slowdown and think twice before pressing resign button! Interviews

Data Analyst

I am thinking of leaving my current job and focus on myself, getting to know myself better etc. Currently I have enough money saved for my expenses for next 6-8 months. 
   Everyone I have asked about this say don't leave your job if you don't have another lined up, in this tech winter. I understand their view point. It aligns with what my parents think as well.

Is there anyone who has had done this in the past? Do you recommend this route? Are the consequences far too severe? Does anyone have a different opinion from one stated above?

Anyone ever left job without having another job lying around for their mental peace?

I'm in the same boat, on the verge of quitting, and will most probably take the leap next month.  
 Thanks for the thread. A lot of insights. It has made me confident that I'm not doing anything stupid.

Consultant

I was recently laid off. I am applying for jobs. One question that has been a bother for me is on my unfortunate past short stints. 
Need help from folks on how to tackle these Q's.
I am applying for product / strategy roles.
2015 - tier 1 engg
2019 - tier 1 MBA
1.5 yrs - did my own startup...fairly successful but later failed due to covid
11 months - worked in a fairly well known fast growing startup - left coz wanted to move to a product centric startup
14 months - worked in product based big unicorn startup - got laid off
10 months - joined an early stage startup - startup failed and laid off again

What should be my interview strategy? How do I portray my story in a positive light?

How to tackle interview Q's on my short stints?

I joined TCS 3yrs ago and since then I couldn't switch. I am planning since last year March but actually not able to work on it. Even I couldn't apply actively. Currently I am involved in a role which has nothing to do with development and I feel bit less confident. So I want to know why it is so hard to leave? Does everyone feel same? Is this ecosystem somewhat responsible for this?

Why is it so hard to leave first company?

6 YOE joining 5th company next month.  
    
  Never let a retard shame you for job hopping.  
  Job hopping is one of the fewest ways to attain some economic mobility in this shithole country.   
  For a corporation understand that you're a fungible resource. They'll throw you under the bus once you've outlived their utility. Always lookout for your own personal interest first.

I am a java full stack developer with 2+ yoe. Have built projects in MERN as well. I've been trying to switch and started applying 2 months back in hopes of at least getting  some interviews, but it looks like it's becoming a task nowadays. My mail is full of rejections for most of the applications I've submitted on naukri and LinkedIn.

So, now till this date I had just got one interview for PWC. 

Is it the same for everyone? Or am I doing something wrong here?

Is landing an interview this difficult?

I think about seriously quitting my job atleast once every few months but I've stuck it out here for almost 3 years now.

I don't know if it's just me but the idea of putting myself out there and starting afresh at a new company is just terrifying -  the struggle to find something exciting but stable, being evaluated at interviews all over again, the uncertainty of fitting into a new team and having to prove myself all over again at a new work place - all of this just puts me off from taking any real action

I see everyone around me talking about career growth and taking up new opportunities. And rationally, I get it.  I get that there are tons of benefits to changing jobs - better salary, escaping a toxic workplace, etc. etc. I truly admire people who make these frequent shifts - seriously, how do people navigate this?

Job Switching is not for me

U guys are lucky to have job in product based companies: 
  
 We, in service based have to give interviews every now and then as the project changes. So as a byproduct we are kind of used to interviews 😂 (cry aa rha)

Growth And Strategy

Welcome to Office Gossip's Private Community

I think this is the worst phase to be in for looking out for jobs..

 just recently given an interview. Got the feedback of strong technicals but lacking confidence & bias for action in last round🥴 
was so confident to get hired in there but it looks they have found some low ctc ask candidate and thus, did some cost saving there..absolutely disappointing. 

are we heading into salaries correction phase for real? fyi i had asked fairly for industry standards.. do you guys quote ctc expectations during the initial convo with hr? any experiences here

Headed for a correction?

Program Manager

"Interviews are hard in that they have absolutely nothing to do with your day-to-day job. If I were to go through the interviews again right now I'd make a massive fool of myself. 

I'd say it's basically common knowledge that prior to making any hops, you've got to take at least a month or two to grind leetcode problems so that you're back in that head space where you can solve pointless problems with high efficiency.

Interviews are also hard because, if you end up with the personality type which views interviews as a chance to show how much more clever they are than everyone, then you've already failed. Their ego is tied to their "high bar" and impossible question set, and you're just fodder for them to show off that "high personal bar" during the de-brief."

A lot of FAANG engineers seem to report that the interview was the hardest thing... | Hacker News

A lot of FAANG engineers report that the interview was the hardest thing that they've done, harder than anything they do as part of their actual job

I know hiring tech is nothing new, but still many issues persist. 

We are planning to build a platform which will focus on solving many issues with the current interview system in an innovative/futuristic manner. 

We'll utilise AI/LLM based solutions wherever possible, although the focus is on solving the core problem.

Mostly it will be a B2B SaSS type, focusing on hiring designers/developers etc.

What are the various issues you have faced during your interview process which you feel should have been solved by now? doesn't matter how big/small it is, if it has bothered you ever, please comment about it.

[Startup Idea Validation] Hiring Tech

Senior Software Engineer

I know this will sound like a very biased opinion but just sharing my 2 cents of today’s market.

The way with highest probability of success, money and ensuring a better future for your future generations is to startup.

It has the highest risk, highest reward. But in today’s landscape: where inflation is always higher than your hike, there’s no guarantee of employment even in next 1 years, the effort to remain in top 1% is humongous and many other reasons like that, really make me feel that if you’re able to start a company and even capture 0.1% of market who’s willing to pay something for your service/product, that’s all you need. Of course the struggle doesn’t end there and you have to keep working for as long as possible? But your capacity to earn and provide for generations to come is much higher than working for someone else.

All disagreement is welcome :)
Just tired of running this race for years now and still never feeling financially secure.

The guaranteed way to success (if there’s one)

It depends, founding a startup is a 24/7. For me, I need the time that 9-5 jobs provide after work for my health issues. Also my current company is doing a lot of layoffs so everyday I start with uncertainty and anxiety, but cannot quit cos I need the income. We are definitely moving backwards in growth in this corporate slavery, expensive education and inflation. In India, Our entire identities is based on our jobs as though your life is useless if you don’t have one!!

Senior Designer

I've been in the job market for about 4 months now.
It's disheartening to go through the process and companies not valuing your time or the word they gave.
I've been in offer stages for 3 companies now and it's just frustrating for one reason or other things just don't end up working out. Either it's low balling the offers or just plain "internal misalignment". 

I've 7 years of 0-1 sales experience and it's getting tough to see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Not sure why I'm ranting here, maybe there are folks in the similar boat and would love to hear how your experience has been looking for a job in this climate

Job Market is scary/frustrating

Sales Manager

People who are recently doing a job search, how difficult is the current market
Especially for generalist roles- Program Manager, Founders office, Product managers. 

Also, how do you secure referrals.

Any tips would be helpful

Thanks

Job search

Google L4 role. My phone round feedback was "strong hire." Post that, First round, I quickly solved a question and a follow-up. Later, another follow-up was asked where I wanted to use a sliding window approach. I proposed a for loop with an internal while loop, but the interviewer expected me to use two pointers and an if loop. He said a sliding window cannot have a while inside, and I finally agreed to use two pointers. While coding, he said he knew I could write the code and would convey the same, though I clearly stated I would finish coding. leaning towards L3. Second, I quickly provided a solution. The interviewer asked if it was the most optimized solution, and I said yes. He kept pestering, so I took 2-3 minutes and confirmed it was optimal. He agreed and asked me to proceed with coding. I asked if there was a follow-up, and he said he couldn't say. Then he gave me inputs one by one. The third input was an edge case, which I realized myself and modified the solution accordingly. He asked a follow-up with 13 minutes to spare; we discussed the approach, and he said that was the right direction and stopped the interview. Result: leaning no hire. Third, I gave the DS immediately, list in the map’s value; he asked why an integer wouldn't be sufficient. I explained that if we need the data again, since we're getting the stream inputs from the API, a list would enable us to reuse those values. I also said that, in this use case, an integer would be sufficient and proceeded with the code. He asked a follow-up, and I was trying to optimize my approach because it required checking the list’s last two elements every time in the map for a key, and also going through the entire hashmap again to check the last value of the list (timestamp). The interviewer wasn’t happy with the optimization where I wanted to remove used elements to avoid repeatedly checking and optimize the searching again. In feedback, it was he provided me help with DS, which was untrue. Leaning no hire

Rant: Interviewing season is so tough

Discover More

Product Managers on

by Jordon Lee

Gojek

Rant:What is up with hiring market for product!!! It's way worse than developers. I know that a general comparison scenario but past few months it's gone super downhill.

Software Engineers on

by Kendall Everett

Capgemini

Interview feedback

Misc on

by Matilda Carmden

Stealth

Rant here.

Software Engineers on

by Kendall Lee

Stealth

Not being able to clear interviews

Indian Startups on

by Dezi Taye

Stealth

Job Market Reality Check

Layoffs on

by Kendall Gabriel

Stealth

From fintech hopes to deep freeze: My epic interview saga

Indian Startups on

by Kendall Hyrum

Stealth

I didn't get selected because... I have a happening life?

IT Company Discussion on

by Matilda Lee

Stealth

We are entering in the phase of slowdown and think twice before pressing resign button! Interviews

Misc on

by Jordon Hyrum

Freelancer

Anyone ever left job without having another job lying around for their mental peace?

Layoffs on

by Kalan Lee

Stealth

How to tackle interview Q's on my short stints?

IT Company Discussion on

by Karilyn Carmden

TCS

Why is it so hard to leave first company?

IT Company Discussion on

by Jordon Carmden

Wipro

Is landing an interview this difficult?

Indian Startups on

by Kendall Nadeen

Swiggy

Job Switching is not for me

Office Gossip on

by Karilyn Lee

Stealth

Headed for a correction?

FAANG on

by Kendall Carmden

Swiggy

A lot of FAANG engineers report that the interview was the hardest thing that they've done, harder than anything they do as part of their actual job

Indian Startups on

by Anise Carmden

Stealth

[Startup Idea Validation] Hiring Tech

Indian Startups on

by Jordon Dean

Cred

The guaranteed way to success (if there’s one)

Indian Startups on

by Jordon Olive

Stealth

Job Market is scary/frustrating

Indian Startups on

by Kendall Carmden

Stealth

Job search

FAANG on

by Blair Denver