Facing the Test: Strategies When You Can’t Avoid It
Hi everyone,
We’ve talked about how networking and reputation are key (remember the 75% rule!). But let’s be real, sometimes you do end up facing a coding challenge. Maybe it’s for a huge company, maybe it’s for an entry-level role, or maybe even with a recommendation, they still ask you to do one.
So, what do you do? Here’s some advice from our podcast discussion:
- Understand the “Why”: Sometimes, especially in big companies, the test is just part of the process they must follow. Pedro shared an experience where his manager told him, “I need you to do this code challenge because I need to check here in the process.” It was just about ticking a box! Knowing this can reduce stress.
- Study Smart, Not Hard: If you know you’ll face tests for companies you want to join, Bruno Souza suggests you might need to practice a little. But don’t go crazy! He said, “your goal… is is not to be the best one It’s just not to get rejected.” You need to know enough so that the person recommending you can still help you through. Don’t waste “one year doing… two hours per day doing these kind of things” as Thiago warned against!
- Consider Saying “No” (Sometimes): This is bold advice from Bruno! He knows people who, when asked to do certain tests, just say “no not interested.” He mentioned, “I’ve seen many many times where when people say I’m not interested… companies will figured out a way to still hire you without you going to the test.” This depends on your experience level and how much they want you, but it’s food for thought!
- Fairer Alternatives? Lucas mentioned a test he felt was fairer: “I had like a few days to actually deliver a small product.” This removed the time pressure and felt more like real work. Maybe you can gently suggest or look for companies using these types of assessments?
- Remember James Gosling: Bruno used the creator of Java as an example. Would Google or Amazon really ask James Gosling to do a LeetCode test? “It’s inconceivable,” Bruno said. While we might not all be James Gosling, it shows that for the right people, companies can bend the rules. Your goal is to become one of those “right people” through your network and reputation!
The key takeaway? Don’t let tests define your worth. Focus on building connections and skills, and handle tests strategically if they come your way.
Next time, we’ll wrap up with final thoughts on building a successful international career beyond just passing tests.
Keep going!
