Securing a job in today's market can be a challenging and lengthy process. Recent statistics indicate that, on average, it takes up to 21 weeks to receive a job offer from a new employer. In the tech sector, the competition among qualified candidates is particularly intense, with professionals continually enhancing their skills, expanding their technology stack, and acquiring new certifications. Aleksandr (Alex) Timashov, a machine learning engineer at Meta in London, has shared valuable tips and insights drawn from his success in obtaining an interview with one of the world's leading tech companies, ultimately leading to a job offer. Below are the key takeaways from his expert advice.
Diversify your experience across industries and geographies.
Companies like Meta value candidates who can transfer skills across fields and innovate in unexpected ways. Therefore, it's not always necessary to have a solid career in a major market like the US or UK to secure a job at Fortune 500 companies. Diversifying your international experiences can make you a stronger candidate, enabling you to adapt to different industry demands and solve complex, unique problems.
For instance, Timashov initially built a successful career in Southeast Asia global software and finance hubs, where he explored tech leader roles outside traditional Western tech sectors. He helped develop technology for data-driven fashion analytics for the Malaysian company Omnilytics, which gathers data for fashion brands to help them make better business decisions. "This experience allowed me to develop matching algorithms for large data sets and understand how to tailor machine learning solutions to specific business needs—a crucial skill for high-impact roles at companies like Meta," he tells Forbes.
Be active and network everywhere.
Today, up to 70% of jobs are not even advertised, and networking leads to 85% of job discoveries, according to recent data. Therefore, building connections is one of the most essential skills for getting a job. Nowadays, candidates often prioritize online contact, such as getting in touch with recruiters through platforms like LinkedIn. However, offline networking remains equally essential. You might encounter someone who can offer you a job opportunity at a local cafe or gym, Timashov notes. It is about creating meaningful connections with fellow professionals. "I know this from personal experience. While in Malaysia, I secured an exciting machine learning engineering role not through a traditional application process but through a chance conversation in a yoga class. My yoga instructor connected me with Omnilytics, where I ultimately got the job despite some language barriers." This experience marked a transformative chapter in Timashov's career, allowing him to bridge his expertise in machine learning with practical applications in fashion analytics.
Achieve measurable results and show them in your CV.
It is also crucial to share measurable, concrete results with future employers. For several years in Malaysia, Timashov worked at the oil and gas giant Petronas. He was initially hired as an executive in data science and was quickly promoted to the head of the department and lead machine learning engineer. His main focus was on applying machine learning in computer vision, and through a real-time video-analytic system he helped design and implement, he managed to optimize the company's security manpower by 30%. "I also improved social distancing compliance by applying graph traversal algorithms, which contributed to public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic," he recalls.
These innovations not only improved safety and security at Petronas but also saved the company over $10 million by automating labor-intensive industrial plant inspections. Additionally, showing measurable results in senior tech roles with prior employers helped Timashov secure a job at Meta. "I highlighted these accomplishments on my resume and during interviews, which made me stand out among other candidates," he explains. In fact, about 70% of employers believe that the list of previous professional experiences is the most important part of a resume.
Invest in your education.
Timashov recalls that he was satisfied with his career in Malaysia, but by the end of 2020, he realized he wanted to reach the next level in AI. "I usually need to look up to and learn from people, but at Petronas, I was the strongest, and people learned from me," he explains. This prompted him to enroll in a prestigious AI program at Stanford University in 2021.
This decision not only broadened his expertise in deep generative models and natural language processing but also attracted interest from top tech companies. "My Stanford credentials quickly became a draw for recruiters from companies like Tesla, Google, and Meta," he notes.
While elite education isn't mandatory and may not always be attainable, it can provide a strategic advantage, especially for competitive roles in leading tech firms. Alternatively, you can pursue certifications in in-demand technologies, attend specialized boot camps, or engage in intensive projects to demonstrate your commitment to cutting-edge skills.
Show that you are a leader and a team player at the same time.
Top companies value candidates who can work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and inspire innovation within their teams. Therefore, It's important to cultivate these skills early on by mentoring others, seeking out team projects, and continuously refining your interpersonal abilities. Even in highly technical roles, being a leader who fosters a team's growth and cohesiveness is invaluable. For instance, at Petronas, Timashov mentored and coached more than ten machine learning engineers, promoting a culture of curiosity, continuous learning, and collaboration. Highlighting this skill during interviews with potential employers significantly increased his chances of receiving an offer.
Last but Not Least
The aforementioned, in Timashov's opinion, are the most important rules of successful job hunting, but they are not the only ones. It's equally important to be patient, organized, and genuine. In fact, recent surveys indicate that well-crafted resumes can significantly increase your chances of securing a position within 90 days, and a simple spelling error is one of the most common reasons applications get rejected.
