What are the work things you thought were common knowledge but aren't

The biggest thing is salary negotiations. All the companies (including big tech) expect candidates to negotiate and try to begin with a lowball offer. Companies know that majority of people accept the first offer as it is, and thus start with the lowest pay as possible.

If you don't negotiate and accept the offer as it is, you are leaving on average good 10-15% pay on the table. No matter how big the " brand name " or tech stack, always negotiate once you receive an offer!

Proof reading your email body before hitting send