IT is filled with stories of self-made men and geniuses that no one believed in until they suddenly made it to the top with their revolutionary solutions. These crazy times are over now that technological development has advanced so much, but still, you can fulfil your professional dreams much easier than in most industries if only you’re really determined. We prepared a guide that may help you bring your career to the next level – even if it does not mean landing a job at one of the Silicon Valley giants.
Big tech companies in the US and how likely is it to get into them?
How hard is it to get a job at Apple? How to get a job in Facebook or Google? If these questions come into your mind first, you definitely aim high. Keep it up – these jobs could be potentially beyond your reach if only you are specialized in a particular field, have an impressive portfolio, and speak English fluently.
However, the truth is, the likelihood of getting into Apple is low, considering its low acceptance rate (3%) and high retention rate (over 80%). Google accepts even fewer candidates (their acceptance rate is below 2%) while receiving over 2 million applications per year. The probability is thus low, but it’s worth trying!
Facebook, now Meta, is known for its demanding recruitment process, just like the previously mentioned companies. Considering its recent moves, getting into Meta could be even more difficult than usual – the company laid off 11 000 employees in November 2022, and in 2023, another 10 000 will have to go. These lay-offs are connected to discontinued investments in the metaverse. However, keep an eye on their postings – it may always change!
What to do to get hired by one of the top tech companies in the US?
Remember that in big tech companies, everyone who makes it to the interview phase is qualified for the job. They thoroughly verify your skills through a sequence of tests to make sure that you are a good fit for the job in a purely technical way. So, in the interview phase, you will have to face thousands of candidates whose skills are on the same level as yours.
That’s why you should be well aware of your strengths and aspects that make you stand out. Avoid clichés like good communication skills – the company will check these anyway. Instead, try to find something unique about yourself and underline it in your interview. Maybe, for instance, you tell a story of how a particular event has sparked your passion for technology and led you where you are today?
Note that applying to these companies, you should be well aware not only of their story but also of their culture and ethics. Recruiters will surely check whether you are familiar with it and if you match it. Culture books are your best friend! They are available on companies’ websites, and they can give you a hint of what could give you additional points during the interview. The majority of tech giants put a strong emphasis on gender equality and cultural diversity, so it’s worth showing that you share these values.
Where to look for jobs in the biggest tech companies in the US?
This aspect, at least, should not cause you any problems. Most big tech companies, including Google or Apple, are pretty transparent about their recruitment processes and keep their IT job offers widely available on their websites. You likely will not find their postings anywhere else, though – they don’t post on job boards, etc.
Anyone can apply, no matter where they are from and what their background is. So, if you want to try, nothing is stopping you! Try not to get discouraged if you get rejected – as we said, considering the number of applications sent, the probability of getting into big tech companies is low. But persistence pays off!
