Getting the Job
Thu, Sep 07
In this class period we'll then turn our attention current hiring practices in tech, and think about circumstances where they work well and where they don't. We're going to spend some time thinking about the human toll those multi-round interviews, and the logic of LeetCode challenges.
We have three main in-class learning goals. By the end of lecture today you will:
- Learn what tech hiring looks like from the people who are doing it.
- Think critically about the strategy of "hiring the best"
- Think critically about the strategy of "hiring the trendiest"
The slides for today's lecture.
Read This:
Quincy Larson on whiteboard interviews.
Rajiv Prabhakar on why tech hiring is broken.
Scott E. Page writing in Aeon argues that hiring the "best" people produces the least creative results.
Jeff Atwood is also skeptical about hiring the "best" people, and advocates for different approaches.
Dan Luu questions the hiring strategy of hiring the "trendiest" people.
If you're looking for information that might give you an edge in the hiring game, there are different tactics one can deploy that can help (or, depending on the circumstances, potentially undermine) your efforts. These optional readings will give you the flavor of this type of advice:
Ten Rules for Negotiating a Job Offer
How not to Bomb Your Offer Negotiation
Why Recent Graduates Don't Negotiate
Apple, Facebook, Google, Amazon Top Interviewer Reveals Secrets of Landing Dream Job
Do This:
Writing Reflection 01
See the instructions posted on the assignment's page.
This writing reflection is due on 9/12 at 5pm.
Dialogue Group Meetings
If you haven't yet, find at least one hour to meet with your group to discuss the prompt of the week: What does the future you want to see look like? This is the Ice Breaker activity to get the group acquainted with each other, set norms, and introduce individual perspectives.
Schedule your group meeting for next week. The new prompt is: "How have you approached the meritocracy in your own education?"