Submitted by Mogady t3_y7708w in MachineLearning
_learning_to_learn t1_issz842 wrote
Reply to comment by Apprehensive-Grade81 in [D] How frustrating are the ML interviews these days!!! TOP 3% interview joke by Mogady
The first step would be to be clear on what you expect from the company you're applying to. Once you have that clarity, the next step would be to evaluate what a company has to offer you and how it fits into your career plan.
Based on my experience, before applying to start-ups, it's always good to talk to their current and past employees, look at the history of the founders and study the product they are building and their customers.
Appropriate_Ant_4629 t1_ist71um wrote
> talk to their current and past employees
That's brilliant.
From now on I'm going to ask employers for a list of references of past employees I can contact.
cyancynic t1_ist9bp6 wrote
Glassdoor can be useful sometimes
Appropriate_Ant_4629 t1_isth0b4 wrote
Sure.
But if the employer actually can (and is willing to) provide references of happy past employees, it says a lot about their culture.
They sometimes will asks candidates for references from their previous employers - so it's only fair for them to do the same.
fernandodandrea t1_isuwhpc wrote
I wouldn't want a previous employer giving my contact information like this.
Appropriate_Ant_4629 t1_isvnwbh wrote
> I wouldn't want a previous employer giving my contact information like this.
Which says something about that employer too.
There are some of my previous employers where I'd be happy to be a reference. Others that I wouldn't want to.
TrueBirch t1_iswykvd wrote
It's a common practice to offer departing employees money in exchange for signing an agreement not to criticize the company. My employer does this.
Acrobatic-Artist9730 t1_isvisyo wrote
Just use linkedin to find ex employees
Apprehensive-Grade81 t1_ist21ac wrote
I get that. I have trouble approaching a company with that mindset, though. Often I’ll I end up taking whatever they give without any pushback because I am too worried about coming off negatively and hurting my chances during the interview.
I’m sure a lot of this is anxiety/imposter syndrome from entering a new industry, but it’s hard to convince myself of that in the moment.
Ataru074 t1_ist8z4p wrote
But that’s on you, not on them. Imposter syndrome is real and hard to shake off… but keep in mind that large employers are much better at selecting personnel than small companies. So, maybe it’s time to step up the game and go for the big ass corporations.
Apprehensive-Grade81 t1_istbg1b wrote
100% agree with you. I actually came from the startup space and am quite comfortable there, but I’ve been going for larger corporations because I want to make sure I hit a standard that can assess my abilities on the market today.
I didn’t mean to come off as either whiny or as a victim of the interview process. I was just acknowledging that there is a roadblock in doing what I know is needed, but I also know that’s 100% on me. I know it’ll get better with time as well as it’s a growth period for me, which is moving outside of a comfort zone and enduring some painful experiences- but these are the good pains associated with growth.
I appreciate your advice, though. My mentor gives me the same talk, so at least I know I’m in good company (he’s just insanely brilliant, so I’m lucky to have him helping me along as well).
Ataru074 t1_istbyrf wrote
I recommend anyone to go work for a while for the big dogs. That gives you a much better perspective in your professional life.
I mean, if you can get a job in a F100 corp, do it, see if you like it, and then have the peace of mind that if you are good enough for one of the largest corporation on the planet, you should be plenty good for pretentious small shit.
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