Applying to Big Tech (and Everywhere Else)

How big tech hires juniors

Companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon and Meta use a fairly standard process:

1. Online application or referral: referrals get read far more often
2. Online assessment: 1–2 timed coding problems (easy–medium DSA)
3. Phone or video screen: one coding problem with an engineer, explained out loud
4. Final loop: 3–5 interviews: coding (DSA), behavioral, sometimes light design
5. Team matching and offer

They test fundamentals and communication, not frameworks. That's exactly what the DSA course, Interview Prep and the 45-minute method train.

Programs built for juniors

• New grad / early career roles (you don't always need a degree; read the requirements)
• Apprenticeships for career changers and self-taught developers (several big tech companies run them)
• Internships, if you're a student or recent grad

Search each company's careers page for "apprentice", "new grad" or "early career", and note their application windows. Many open once a year.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket

Big tech is very competitive. Your first job can be anywhere that lets you write real code with good teammates: startups, agencies, mid-size product companies, banks and retailers all hire developers. Many engineers join big tech after one or two years elsewhere, with a much stronger chance.

A weekly plan

Each week	Target
Tailored applications	10–15 across company sizes
Coffee chats / referrals	3–5 messages to engineers
Timed DSA problems	5, out loud
Mock interviews	1–2 (with a friend, or a peer mock-interview site)
Portfolio commits	4+ days

Consistency over months beats bursts of motivation. Track everything in a spreadsheet so you can see what's working.