Re:Ask HN: Joining Big Tech in One’s 40s
by lostdog on Tuesday January 07, 2020 @02:44PM
(#21983920)
> I would not recommend trying to interview as a manager...without having first been a manager in another role.
This is my experience too. Companies don't like hiring managers without at least a little experience, and often are resistant to hiring first level managers at all. Instead, they look for "senior IC, but manager material" candidates, and extend an IC offer with a loose expectation of becoming a manager in a year or so. It's not an explicit role you can apply for, but you can target it by applying for an IC role and keeping any leadership and team-focused experience visible on your resume and during your interviews.
As I get older, this is the bucket I tend to get put in during interviews, and then after joining I decide if I want to be a manager this time around.
This is my experience too. Companies don't like hiring managers without at least a little experience, and often are resistant to hiring first level managers at all. Instead, they look for "senior IC, but manager material" candidates, and extend an IC offer with a loose expectation of becoming a manager in a year or so. It's not an explicit role you can apply for, but you can target it by applying for an IC role and keeping any leadership and team-focused experience visible on your resume and during your interviews.
As I get older, this is the bucket I tend to get put in during interviews, and then after joining I decide if I want to be a manager this time around.