Navigating the Tech Job Market: Proven Tips For Job Search Success

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Chan with a Plan, Max Speaks with Xue Hua, software engineer in tech and Chief Tech Officer at Boba Talks. During this conversation Xue discusses her journey to getting her job in tech, overcoming obstacles, and preparing for tech company interviews.

QUOTES FROM XUE

• “You'll feel like you're doing everything right, but you're still not landing an offer. It really depends on your learning style. Programming is an iterative process, so they just gave me the project. I didn't have to ask. I wasn't expecting it, and it was a big decision.”
• “It really depends on your learning style. I've had people learn from books. I've had people learn from Udemy videos. I've had people learn from practicing it.”
• “They saw that on my resume I had that freelance thing and that really set me apart from the other candidates because they had a problem with their current website or their current management system, and they needed somebody who understood how to make websites or applications. So that really helped me stand apart.”

 

TIMESTAMPS

• [01:12] Xue’s educational background
• [04:39] Difficulties in learning multiple coding languages
• [07:38] Resources for learning to code
• [09:56] Using internships and co-ops to help your career path
• [11:22] Preparing for first interviews
• [13:28] Gaining additional experience through projects in your job
• [16:20] Learning lessons when overcoming job search obstacles
• [19:07] Lacking the experience needed
• [20:35] Improving interview skills
• [24:45] Pivoting in your career
• [28:48] Tips for getting into top tech companies
• [33:37] Balancing offers while you wait for others
• [36:42] Culture shock
• [41:59] One big career challenge Xue had to overcame

 

RESOURCES & RELEVANT LINKS

• Xue Hua on Social Media:
  • LinkedIn
• Chan With A Plan
• Max Chan on Social Media