Landing a job at major tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, or Meta can seem like a daunting task, especially for newcomers. However, a former software engineer who has worked at all three companies shares three key insights that helped him succeed despite not having a typical tech background. His advice focuses on practical steps that can make a big difference in your job application journey.

1. A Strong Resume is Key
   The first step towards getting noticed is having a well-crafted resume. The engineer recalled that his initial resume included irrelevant work like tutoring and serving, which didn’t showcase his tech skills. He quickly realized he needed to highlight his coding efforts. He built a 3D game through an online Unity tutorial, added it to his resume, and used this as a tangible project to show his abilities. This shift helped him get noticed by companies and land an internship at Amazon. His key advice: don’t just list experiences show what you’ve built. When seeking feedback on your resume, keep it to a small, trusted group of people (around 5-7), as too many opinions can lead to confusion.

2. Referrals Give You an Edge
   Referrals can play a major role in getting hired. While at Microsoft, the engineer came across a job opening at Meta on LinkedIn. Rather than just sending a message to the hiring manager, he did some research on the team’s projects and mentioned them in his conversation. This well-prepared, 10-minute interaction led to a referral, which helped him secure the job at Meta. His advice is simple: if your resume is strong and you have a clear understanding of the role, a referral can make a significant difference. Some companies even offer bonuses to employees who successfully refer candidates, creating a win-win scenario.

3. Interviewers Value How You Think
   Tech interviews often feature coding questions, but it’s not just about getting the right answer. Interviewers want to see how you approach problems. The engineer shared his experience of explaining his thought process clearly, even if he didn’t completely solve the problem. He emphasized that clear communication and structured thinking are often valued more than simply solving the problem. Having the ability to articulate your approach can make you stand out, even if the solution isn’t perfect. As someone who’s interviewed candidates at Amazon and Facebook, he stressed that logical thinking and effective communication are critical to succeeding in tech interviews.

By focusing on these three aspects building a strong resume, securing referrals, and communicating effectively in interviews—you can increase your chances of landing a job at top tech firms like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta. The key is preparation, persistence, and a proactive approach to showcasing your skills.