Applying for job opportunities goes beyond simply submitting applications through company websites or job boards. It involves reaching out directly to hiring managers and recruiters through cold emails or cold direct messages (DMs), presenting a personalized pitch and highlighting why you are a suitable candidate for the position. By proactively connecting with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn and requesting informational interviews, you can distinguish yourself from other applicants who rely solely on the applicant tracking system (ATS) screening process.
Nick shared his experience of landing a job at Google. Despite being an intern at Microsoft in Seattle while an opportunity with Google's Nest Labs arose in San Francisco, Nick decided to RSVP to the event and not attend physically, ensuring his resume would be on file.
A month later, Google contacted him, expressing interest and initiating the interview process. However, there was a period of silence, so Nick followed up with multiple emails. His persistence paid off when the recruiter scheduled his first interview. This experience taught Nick two valuable lessons: the importance of exploring alternative application channels and the significance of tenacity when advocating for oneself.
It's really funny how much just caring a little bit can be a competitive advantage
Some people believe that it is impossible to prepare for these interviews, assuming that anything can be asked, or that a high GPA or strong academic background is sufficient. Nick emphasizes that interviewing is a distinct skill, separate from academic performance or technical expertise.
For software engineering roles, interviews often focus on data structures and algorithms, and resources like the book Cracking the Coding Interview. Data science interviews tend to be more open-ended, making preparation more challenging due to the diverse range of topics involved, which is why Nick wrote his own book Ace the Data Science Interview. Nick dispels the notion that preparation is unnecessary, highlighting the existence of common patterns, strategies, and frameworks that can be applied to tackle the most frequently asked questions in these interviews.
He encourages exploring opportunities across the board without worrying about the company's size. Nick has enjoyed working in startups, experiencing roles in data product and evangelism, etc. While big companies offer attractive perks, the startup environment holds a special place in his heart, which is evident in his own venture, datalemur.com. The key to success lies in the effort
