Big Tech Q&A and Videos

How do I find edge cases in DSA problems? Are there some common edge cases that everybody knows about? Is there some sort of method or procedure to find those edge cases?

I'm currently interviewing with several quant firms for a software engineering position. From a college student's perspective, the general perception seems to be that quant firms are more prestigious than big tech since the pay is so high (and how much harder it is to get into). However, I'm wondering how people in the tech industry view quant firms? Do tech recruiters even know what Citadel, Jane Street or Hudson River Trading are (and what about the smaller firms)? If so, what do tech recruiters think of them? I'm also in the process with startups that'd be considered rocket ship startups. Think of companies like Databricks, Applied Intuition and Scale AI. Fingers crossed that I'll get offers from both quant firms and these startups. Supposing that I get offers from both, which one should I choose? What factors should I consider?

One of my friends recently shared with me that their team works 18-19 hours a day, including weekends. Is this a common practice? I'm interested in working on impactful and useful projects at a big tech or Tier 1 company. Is this level of commitment expected from engineers who are working on exceptionally valuable features or components within the company? My friend mentioned that their team is composed of individuals with high IQs but low EQs. They suggested that if you find the work interesting and fulfilling, the long hours shouldn't be a problem. I've never worked in big tech or in the Bay Area, but I'm keen on joining a Tier 1 company. However, hearing about this work schedule has made me question whether it's worth sacrificing work-life balance. Is this level of commitment typically expected in order to earn a higher salary or to secure a position at FAANG+ companies?

I’m a junior/mid with 1.5 YOE who has learnt to touch type recently with a speed of around 65 wpm. I’ve read a lot of the q&as on productivity and code velocity and have even watched Rahul’s YT vid on working efficiently in Android (IDE shortcuts etc.) Will I be able to perform at the velocity needed for an E4 at say meta with only a 65 wpm typing speed? What do people feel is acceptable for a top-tier tech company?

I’m always impressed by software engineers with strong track record working at FAANG level for long term period (>4 years) as working in these type of companies require dedicating yourself 100%+ to sustain and keep meeting the performance bar.. But I also felt that the “golden era” of working at FAANG have already passed. I think joining FAANG today will still give lots of learning but not as many growth compared to maybe 6-7 years ago when they are still growing very rapidly. Do you have any tips for junior/mid engineers with 1-2 YOE who feels like their current role does not offer the golden era of FAANG level growth in terms of career opportunity? Feeling like this primarily due to team culture and engineering talent on my current role that is subpar compared to FAANG (I was previously an intern at FAANG and is now working at a startup). Given the current market situation (layoffs, hiring freeze), getting into FAANG or the next FAANG would be quite challenging. do you have any tips so that I can make sure I can give my best to whatever I have right now but still have FAANG level of career growth in non-FAANG company?

Should you take all your allocated PTO at "FAANG" companies or will that affect you when it comes to performance reviews or promotions?

Hi all, I was put on PIP today. The PIP period is from 01/2024 till end of 01/2024. He said unsatisfactory performance & had to do this to be fair to others in the team. I think I was being benchmarked against others who work on weekends as outlined in my previous question: . Yesterday I asked my manager for a 1-week remote and 3 weeks PTO (the company has unlimited PTO) from end of January to 3rd week of February. Do you think this was one of the reasons leading to me being PIP during the month of January? What should I do now? Should I strive to overcome the PIP or should I find a new job? Anyone successfully overcame the PIP? How do I balance PIP and finding new job? For more information, my 1st-year stock won't be vested till 06/2024 (so 25% of my RSUs won't be vested till end of the 1st year working for them). I think I'm out looking for a new job, but don't want to lose the RSUs. For the sake of extreme ownership what could I have done better? If you need more info from me I can definitely provide in the threads below.

I think I could get an L5 offer now if I pushed for it, but is it fine to level myself at L4 to make things easier on myself? Then I'll try to perform at L5 anyway but it will be a-ok to not quite make it.