Cracking the Job Hunt Code: Strategies Beyond the Conventional-- with Nick Singh

Jul 23 2023 • 37 mins

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.

Breaking into Google: The Power of Persistence

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

Common Misconceptions about Technology Interviews

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 put into the job and projects, along with dedicating additional time outside of work to continuous learning.

Next Episode: The Transformative Power of Data and AI

Join us as we explore the transformative power of data science and AI with Walter Shields, a renowned data expert, author, and educator, uncovering the history, innovations, and future implications of these fields.

Get a notification for this episode

The Realities of Cold Emailing

Cold emailing means reaching out to individuals you don't know. Ensure that your message is relevant, friendly, and demonstrates effort. Grab attention and establish a personal connection. Highlighting shared interests or achievements, you can capture their attention and increase the chances of forming a meaningful connection. Simply stating, "I want a job," is unlikely to stand out. You gotta show that you're response worthy.

Cold emails only work when you put in the work previously and you put out work, especially if you've done work in public

Cold email tactics are not a guaranteed solution and won't yield positive responses every time. It's a numbers game, and rejection is common, even for someone with internships at Google and experience running a startup. However, even if the majority of people ignore your emails, if one out of ten responds positively, it can lead to significant opportunities, such as informational interviews or referrals.

Cold emailing is more effective when you have a solid foundation of portfolio projects and accomplishments to showcase. Reaching out without any prior work experience or projects is unlikely to yield results. Having a public presence, such as publishing articles on Medium, sharing code on GitHub, or creating popular data visualizations, increases the chances of getting noticed and receiving a positive response. Without these accomplishments, it's best not to solely rely on cold emails as a means of securing opportunities.

More of The Future in Tech

Showcasing Work Publicly and Making an Impact

When sharing your work, it's crucial to ensure it is public and provides relevant information. Data analysts can make an impact by creating dashboards using tools like Tableau and making them public. Aligning portfolio projects with desired industries or personal passions demonstrates enthusiasm and commitment to potential employers or collaborators, making individuals stand out.

By connecting personal passions with projects, individuals can highlight their diverse interests and showcase their commitment to data and technology. Through discussing the features, algorithm, development using Spotify data, and passion for music and data, individuals can convey enthusiasm and engage others. Sharing personal stories, helps establish connections and likability, even if the projects are not directly related. Demonstrating passion sets individuals apart in the eyes of potential employers or collaborators, as it showcases a level of commitment beyond mere interest in data.

Beyond the First Job

Maintain enthusiasm and avoid becoming jaded. Even a small amount of care can be a competitive advantage. Find ways to stay engaged and excited about the work and company vision. Embrace a flexible mindset, as today's job market allows for rapid job switches and title changes, especially in the data field. One's career can extend beyond the nine-to-five job, encompassing activities such as teaching courses, publishing books, hosting podcasts, contributing to open-source projects, and offering consulting services. The modern world's opportunities, fueled by social media and blogging, enable individuals to pursue multiple avenues of income alongside their full-time jobs.

Embracing Side Projects and Building Confidence

Undertake side projects related to one's job. While good managers may grant some time for such endeavors, often individuals need to find extra time to pursue them. Demonstrating ideas is crucial for gaining support and recognition. Additionally, taking on long-term projects and maintaining an attitude of experimentation and adaptability brings excitement and fosters progress.

Transitioning from engineering at Facebook to becoming a content creator and data expert, the speaker shares how sharing career advice on LinkedIn gradually built a substantial following. With 50,000 followers, they gained the confidence to write a book. Similarly, engaging in small initiatives that gradually snowball can lead to unforeseen opportunities. Visualizing the potential and taking small steps consistently helps build confidence, not just for others but also for oneself.