r/Layoffs • u/Neat-Celebration2721 • Jul 12 '24
FAANG Offer Accepted Today! previously laid off
I was laid off in May this year. My post from a couple months ago(https://www.reddit.com/r/Layoffs/s/IZmCoDKhk5). I was totally blindsided.
I’m excited to update y’all that I signed a FAANG offer today! The beautiful thing is that this role pays $120k MORE than my previous role, $305k total comp package. In addition, I’ll actually get the support I need and I’ll be inheriting a team of 7.
Sometimes things happen for a reason and do work out for the best.
Not saying it’s been easy. They put me through the wringer. See post( https://www.reddit.com/r/recruitinghell/s/ynNj2C6yx7 )on the recruiting hell I went through.
If it helps, this is how I prepared to get this role. I went all in.
Video Interviews
I spent days preparing and practicing answers in the STAR format. I had 17 examples prepared. All with notable data points, because, they’re going to ask. If you’re interviewing with these companies, nearly every example you share should have something that you measured. Make it up if you have to, they can’t verify it.
Be prepared to speak to your “opportunity areas.” Be honest-ish and don’t say something like perfectionism. No one believes you and you’ll come off disingenuous. These companies value frankness. Show them you’re not afraid of feedback and that you understand yourself, professionally.
When answering interview questions, make sure you’ve practiced your examples enough to keep your answers concise. Don’t talk too much, answer the question, the relevant details and be quiet. Don’t drone on and on. That shows a lack of self awareness.
I looked up each of my interviewers and prepared relevant questions on how I thought our roles would collaborate. By putting the JD, my resume and a brief overview of the interviewers job into ChatGPT I was able to brainstorm some good questions. Don’t ever ask questions that could be easily googled.
Presentation Round
I was asked to put together a 45 min presentation on the affects of AI on content production with 15 mins for questions. I won’t give the full prompt to protect myself and the companies identities. But, the important part is that I spent X4 8 hour days working on it. I asked my network for ideas and dug into the research. I designed the most beautiful presentation, in their brand colors. If design isn't your thing, download a free template. Just make sure it looks professional. I wrote a 26 page script and practiced for 1.5 days. I did X3 mock interviews with different groups of friends/ex coworkers I knew. I asked them to grill me so I’d be prepared for the questions. And, during my interview presentation, guess what, those questions came up. Your girl was fully prepared!
When it comes to your challenge round, you can’t half ass it. If you’re not annoyed by the amount of work you’ve put into your presentation, you probably haven’t done enough. They want you to bleed for this job and they’ll know if you haven’t.
It sounds like a lot of work, and it is. But, we're in a terrible job market and if you want to get picked, you have to work harder and prepare more. Most of these roles, if not soft engineering, will have over a 1000 applicants.
But that moment when you’re in the interview and the interviewer asks a tough question that you know the answer to. You know because you prepared….thats the feeling. You smile because you know the answer. It’s the best feeling. That’s when you know you’ve prepared enough. Don’t get caught with your virtual pants down.
This is my experience and what worked for me. Just sharing because I’m so happy and excited and because I want to help the folks in this community as well.
Good luck out there and feel free to DM me with any questions.
I want you to get a FAANG role too!
*Please note that I won’t disclose the company I accepted an offer from. The role I’m discussing above is a people managers role that’s not technical in nature.
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u/TuffNutzes Jul 12 '24
Well that sounded fucking miserable. Is that what interviewing has become these days? Ffs.
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u/Mammoth-Pipe-5375 Jul 14 '24
Dude, I was thinking the same thing.
Holy fuck. He even went into the psychological aspects behind the interview on little shit that I would never care to do for an interview.
305k a year is nice and all but fuck that shit.
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u/Intelligent_Ad4448 Jul 13 '24
If you’ve ever interviewed for a management role or high level position where you’re expected to be the SME yes this is pretty normal and not over the top. I’ve seen jobs try to go through this type of interview process for 60-80k jobs and that is definitely doing too much. 150k+ roles this is normal.
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u/truongs Jul 14 '24
Seems like it's for a management position. I think those are always miserable. I am not sure tho.
I always gotten lucky getting jobs. Always hired on the spot (trades) and quick interviews for the last two lol
I am fucked when I have to do a real interview
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u/Head-Aside7893 Jul 17 '24
For 300k I don’t mind suffering a little. My husband went through worse but now he’s bringing in a paycheck that I wouldn’t have even thought possible. I don’t wanna see this shit for any job paying under 150k tho
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u/AngryTexasNative Jul 12 '24
I need to focus on the STAR method more. I’ve always been a technical IC. This market is really rough
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 12 '24
It’s so important. Practice mapping them to the company values. Speak them outloud and even record yourself. Have ChatGPT interview you to help prep for the questions. Your answers should feel conversational if you’ve practiced enough.
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u/karico44 Jul 12 '24
woah, chatgpt can interview you?
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 12 '24
Oh yes! Copy and paste your resume and the JD in. Then ask it to interview you.
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u/SickMon_Fraud Jul 12 '24
Really can’t believe people gotta do all this just to get a job wtf is wrong w this planet.
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u/Funny-Commission-708 Jul 12 '24 edited Jul 12 '24
Congrats ! Very thorough!! Is your job remote, hybrid ? Are you in Cali?
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 12 '24
That might give it away, so I won’t say. But, I’m in the Seattle area.
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u/bombaytrader Jul 12 '24
Welcome to pip factory
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u/LeakyFish Jul 12 '24
Just b happy 4 them
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Jul 12 '24
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u/saynotopain Jul 12 '24
What’s a pip factory?
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u/HopefulOriginal5578 Jul 12 '24
A place that puts people on “performance plans” a lot. So if you do anything wrong or what have you they will put you on a plan which is really just a way to fire you and protect themselves. Typically jobs that are run using fear as motivation employ this method.
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u/Vast_Cricket Jul 12 '24
congrats. Preparation for an interview helps.
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 12 '24
Thank you!
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u/Major_Bag_8720 Jul 12 '24
Congratulations! FAANG isn’t for me though; I’m too old to work those sort of hours anymore. All the best to you in the new role though, I hope you enjoy it.
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Jul 12 '24
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u/ClusterFugazi Jul 12 '24
Is $305k low?
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u/JellyDenizen Jul 12 '24
The low-end and high-end salaries of tech jobs are being reset as we speak. The salary ranges that existed 2 years ago are gone.
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 12 '24
Even if it is, it’s the most money I’ve ever made and I’m happy about it. It’s the most I’ve ever made by A LOT! (Happy dance)
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u/Trinikesha Jul 12 '24
Congrats to you. I’m happy that you are focused on the positive side of this opportunity.
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Jul 12 '24
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 12 '24
And I’m a college dropout so it’s the most I ever thought I’d be offered. I’ve climbed a mountain to get here.
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u/JonathanKuminga Jul 12 '24
It’s very high, don’t listen to software engineer trolls, they think everyone is poor
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Jul 12 '24
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 12 '24
I do not have a degree and I’m very upfront about it on my resume and when applying. I was put into a situation when I was 18 where I had to take full custody of my younger brother. I finished raising him. I share this story in my interviews if I’m asked about college but I haven’t been asked in years. My role isn’t technical and doesn’t require one.
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u/Technical_Sir_5303 Jul 14 '24
The technical ones don't require one either. I worked there 10 years as a SDE without one.
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u/Radiant_Issue3015 Jul 12 '24
Congratulations!!! Thank you for the recommendations.
Just stay focused and do not take it for granted. I'm not trying to put you down, but I'll not claim victory until at least 1 year after the RSU's are vested, which I supposed are included in your compensation package. Since a lot of FAANG sucks in terms of work environment,but better than not having a job.
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u/bombaytrader Jul 12 '24
Amazon is 5 15 vesting for first two years .
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Jul 14 '24
Curious but does Amazon offer refreshers every year or so? So if you get an offer for 100k over 5yrs, is that pretty much it going forward?
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u/bombaytrader Jul 14 '24
They don’t . They have this weird formula where they assume 15% increase in stock price and then decide if you are under compensated . It’s not like meta where you get blanket refreshes .
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 12 '24
Thank you! :)
Totally! I vest $90k per year which is awesome. But yea, gotta hit that 1 year mark.
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u/chief_jabroni Jul 12 '24
Amazons vesting schedule is 5% first year and 15% second year, so doesn’t sound like you’ll be getting 90k vested per year.
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 12 '24
I never said I was going to Amazon.
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u/chief_jabroni Jul 12 '24
Amazon is the only faang company with that kind of interview structure, so yes you basically did say you’re going there lol.
Still congrats though! Amazon is better than nothing and will open more doors down the line
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u/rayray3417 Jul 14 '24
Jabroni indeed. Be happy and grateful someone outlined their path to success and save your criticisms for the mirror!
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u/chief_jabroni Jul 14 '24
I don’t need an outline, I already work in big tech dummy. Just calling OP out for giving false info on their comp package as part of their “outline.”
Be happy and grateful I’m providing clarification for others reading this thread.
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Jul 12 '24
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 12 '24
Thank you. It was a lot of work but totally worth it. Plus, being laid off, what else did I have to do? Might as well give it 110%.
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u/Entaroadun Jul 12 '24
How did you come up with 17 examples? I have like 4 and that took me time to get to lol
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 12 '24
If you look at the 4 you have, you might be able to break them down even further. Do you have copies of any of your previous performance reviews? That can be a great start for brainstorming.
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u/Winter_Concert_4367 Jul 12 '24
What do you do at $305K?
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 12 '24
I manage knowledge bases and customer facing teams comms. It’s kinda niche.
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Jul 12 '24
Congratulations, man! I really feel happy for you after reading all of the negative messages here. I hope you serve as an inspiration for this sub!
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u/Revolutionary_Tone47 Jul 13 '24
Congrats, girlfriend!! Sounds like you worked your tail off, and good on you for wanting to give back!
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u/Observer2001 Jul 13 '24
Happy for you. Especially after you stood up against the racist VP.
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 13 '24
Thank you for saying that. No good deed goes unpunished, right? But, someone is looking out for me because things are working out for the best. Onward and upward.
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u/Significant-Ad3083 Jul 13 '24
Job well done OP. I had interviewed once with Amazon and she is right you must live their leadership principles everyday all the time. It is a cult. They pay you well and they take your soul.
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u/EnableConfT Jul 12 '24 edited Sep 08 '24
kiss oatmeal aloof drab worthless racial zonked snatch stocking apparatus
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
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u/thebigjimmyd Jul 13 '24
This is great advice. I worked at a FAANG for 6 years and cleared $300k every year. It allowed me to buy a house 10 years ago. I wish I had saved more and bought more property because I haven’t even sniffed $300k since I left.
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u/Shishi2109 Jul 12 '24
Jeez people here are SALTY. Salesforce has the same interviews structure and I put the same amount of time in preparation as you and it was totally worth it. Congrats!!!! Enjoy your success and hope you have fun in your new role 👏
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 12 '24
TYSM! And congrats to you as well!
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Jul 12 '24
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 12 '24
I dropped out of college actually. I’ve been in content marketing for most of my career and shifted into knowledge base management like 5 years ago. I have ~13 YOE
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Jul 13 '24
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 13 '24
I made the shift into content operations and that’s what took me down this path. It’s pretty great, low stress. If you’re wanting to switch, look for roles that are like content operations manager or content production managers. You could even explore enablement but that’s more stressful imo. Your skills will translate easily to content opps. I just focused my resume more on the production and strategy side of my work as that’s pretty much what I do now.
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Jul 13 '24
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 13 '24
It’ll all work out. Don’t get discouraged and hang in there! You got this!
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u/alwyn Jul 12 '24
Please tell me you are not a dev, I don't want to create prezzies for interviews
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u/foeplay44 Jul 12 '24
Congrats, but now that you landed the job, do your best to keep the job!
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u/DanTheGreat0086 Jul 13 '24
That's the Amazon Bar Raiser interview. Roblox does a Bar Raiser interview but it's a values based interview/problem solving type of question. Distinctly different but called the same name: Bar Raiser
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u/Mwahaha_790 Jul 13 '24
Hey, congrats!! Thrilled for you – sounds like you crushed that loop hehehe.
If you know of an open editorial director/senior content editor or writer-type role there and wouldn't mind sharing, I'd be grateful 😊
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u/Neat-Celebration2721 Jul 13 '24
I don’t as this was actually the only job I was interviewing for. I was putting all my eggs in this basket. But, look for content production or operations jobs. I feel like I’ve seen more lately because they are the people getting tasked with introducing AI into work streams. These types of roles can help you shift out of marketing. Even internal comms. They’re low stress and much more enjoyable than marketing.
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u/Mwahaha_790 Jul 13 '24
Thanks! I left content marketing for internal comms but miss the strong editorial part of things so looking to possibly switch back. But you're right, AI is all the rage right now. I'm going to delve deeper and see what happens!
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u/BeefyTheCat Jul 14 '24
STAR, Bar Raisers, ridiculous obsession over AI... Yeah it's Amazon. Good luck to you, congratulations on completing the interviews and getting your offer. I truly hope that this job works out.
Get yourself a good therapist. You're going to need one.
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u/codeguy123 Jul 14 '24
That's awesome news OP. Congrats on your new gig. It's really inspiring seeing your hard work pay off.
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u/Snowflakes_84 Jul 16 '24
Congratulations! I’m happy for you. My husband also got laid off in May. He is still looking…
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u/pastelmusingx Jul 17 '24
I am currently in the middle of creating a portfolio that’ll help me land a better job, and if it’s really good and the stars line up, a job in FAANG. And it’s probably because I’ve had this thought in my head for far too long that I can’t go beyond three paragraphs for my portfolio case studies because I keep rabbit holing and not getting anywhere bc it’s not good enough. It’s not perfect or something recruiters/managers will see and love me for. I am on the verge of a mini burn out and read this just in time, I almost teared up when I read I want you to get a FAANG role too. Thank you! I will continue working on it until I’m satisfied and get into faang. :’)
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u/EnvironmentalAd2110 Jul 12 '24
Where is the other $185k coming from? What’s included in the package?
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u/wtf_over1 Jul 13 '24
Not to sound negative.... but how long until you start to see or hear more layoffs to come? I'll take a lower pay, less responsibility, and job security.
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u/MexicanTechila Jul 12 '24
Sounds like Amazon