1h Google Hangout (LeetCode Easy) - 6 onsite interviews.

I discovered during the onsite interview that they do not have upfront commitment regarding visa sponsorship, which immediately triggered a red flag. I got the impression that they are experimenting with scaling the team.

If you have priorities like this, be aware that many businesses are scaling their tech teams these days. However, keep in mind that great scaling comes with great risk. If businesses are unable to hit their forecasted targets, these jobs will be at higher risk. In short, don't let these factors drive yourself or your creativity.

If you are giving 100% of your efforts, then expect your employer to show that confidence through the opportunity. During the process, I encountered many red flags while interacting with their teams and saw clearly that they were sort of looking for temporary team scaling, not having a long-term vision.

If you have any priorities, such as visas, then avoid putting yourself into these kinds of situations and go for more established opportunities.

I have always seen that the majority of tech opportunities are categorized into two parts:

1. Tech opportunities with companies that do non-tech business.
   • Here, IT budgets are allocated based on the yearly growth of the business. Chances are higher for tech positions to be ramped down with less impact on business positions like analysts or managers if business forecasts do not meet the targets. In short, Business drives IT.
2. Tech is the core business.
   • Companies having core tech business, which is an essential part of the market. These are the places where your performance will keep you growing. In short, Tech drives the Business.

As a candidate, I would suggest making hiring a two-way evaluation process, not just one-sided. Take each opportunity given to you to ask questions. By asking wise questions, you can uncover the work culture and practices being followed at your future employer, avoiding risky positions based on your priorities.

Over time, you will develop an art of asking questions that will help you evaluate your future peers. By asking them questions, you gain a hidden opportunity to indirectly conduct their interviews without their knowledge, getting exposure to the maturity of the tech work/teams they have and evaluating it with your expectations.

60% behavioral, 40% tech/algo/sys design. LeetCode easy.