Cracking the Tech Career - 2nd Edition by Gayle Laakmann McDowell (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Cracking the Tech Career is the job seeker's guide to landing a coveted position at one of the top tech firms. A follow-up to The Google Resume, this book provides new information on what these companies want, and how to show them you have what it takes to succeed in the role. Early planners will learn what to study, and established professionals will discover how to make their skillset and experience set them apart from the crowd. Author Gayle Laakmann McDowell worked in engineering at Google, and interviewed over 120 candidates as a member of the hiring committee - in this book, she shares her perspectives on what works and what doesn't, what makes you desirable, and what gets your resume saved or deleted.

Apple, Microsoft, and Google are the coveted companies in the current job market. They field hundreds of resumes every day, and have their pick of the cream of the crop when it comes to selecting new hires. If you think the right alma mater is all it takes, you need to update your thinking. Top companies, especially in the tech sector, are looking for more. This book is the complete guide to becoming the candidate they just cannot turn away.

• Discover the career paths that run through the top tech firms
• Learn how to craft the prefect resume and prepare for the interview
• Find ways to make yourself stand out from the hordes of other applicants
• Understand what the top companies are looking for, and how to demonstrate that you're it

These companies need certain skillsets, but they also want a great culture fit. Grades aren't everything, experience matters, and a certain type of applicant tends to succeed. Cracking the Tech Career reveals what the hiring committee wants, and shows you how to get it.

From the Back Cover

PREPARE TO SAY YES TO A CAREER AT THE WORLD'S MOST EXCITING COMPANIES

Let's be real: preparing for a career at one of the world's most powerful companies can be incredibly challenging. But, if tech is the right place for you, it could be the most rewarding challenge of your life. In Cracking the Tech Career, Gayle Laakmann MCDowell compiles countless insider tips on how to stand out from the hordes of applicants to land the most coveted jobs in the tech industry.

Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and other top tech firms are at the cutting edge when it comes to employment. But with perks like free organic food and shuttles to and from work, these companies can afford to be choosy. Successful candidates have to be special. Cracking the Tech Career walks you through the whole process.

This book is for any student or job seeker who ever wondered--is tech right for me? Even if you aren't a programmer, breaking into Silicon Valley takes some planning. In Cracking the Tech Career, you'll learn what it's really like to work for the big names and the small startups. Get the experience that they're looking for discover how to:

• Get your foot in the door with a knockout resume
• Nail the tricky coding, behavioral, and estimation questions
• Break into the exclusive world of game design
• Get offered the job!

With job offers from over 10 tech firms, Gayle Laakmann MCDowell knows her stuff. Read Cracking the Tech Career to find out how she did it, and learn how you can, too!

About the Author

GAYLE LAAKMANN MCDOWELL worked as a software engineer for Google, Microsoft, and Apple, and has received offers from ten other top tech firms. She was one of Google's most active interviewers and served on Google's hiring committee. As the founder/CEO of CareerCup.com, she now consults with tech companies on their hiring process and coaches candidates through the process.