5 answers
Adam
Student
Rosenberg, Texas
3
Questions
Asked
3850 views
What are some good companies that hire entry level software engineers that don't follow whiteboard/leet code type questions as they are extremely hard and I freeze and don't know how to solve them. Any advice I don't want to do leet code, I have no desire to nor do I want to practice it...just being honest. What are some good ways to get experience having never had a job before?
I will be graduating coding bootcamp with MERN full stack (MongoDB, Expressjs, React, and Nodejs) as of Jan 24, 2025 and hoping to land a job ASAP?
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5 answers
ANTARU SHAMSU
data informatics
11
Answers
Lithia Springs, Georgia
Updated
ANTARU’s Answer
Good evening,
It's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by traditional technical interview formats like whiteboard coding and LeetCode-style questions. Fortunately, there are companies and strategies that focus on skills and practical experience rather than just algorithmic problem-solving. Here are some suggestions:
Below are Companies to Consider:
1. Startups: Many startups prioritize practical skills and cultural fit over traditional interview methods. They often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to contribute to the team. Startups in your local area or remote opportunities may be a great fit.
2. Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Smaller companies may have less rigid hiring processes and may focus more on your ability to work on projects and collaborate within a team.
3. Nonprofits and Volunteer Organizations: Many nonprofits need tech help but may not have the budget for extensive hiring practices. Volunteering your skills can give you practical experience and can be a great addition to your resume.
4. Companies with a Focus on Training: Look for companies that have a reputation for nurturing talent and providing extensive onboarding and training programs. Organizations like IBM, Salesforce and Accenture often have entry-level positions and training programs.
5. Remote Job Platforms: Websites like AngelList, Remote.co and We Work Remotely often feature companies that hire for remote positions and may have a more relaxed interview process.
Some Strategies to Gain Experience
1. Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your projects using the MERN stack. Include personal projects, contributions to open source, or any freelance work. This tangible evidence of your skills can impress potential employers.
2. Networking: Connect with professionals in the field through platforms like LinkedIn or local tech meetups. Networking can lead to job opportunities that aren't advertised and can provide valuable insights into the hiring processes of different companies. VERY IMPORTANT!!
3. Internships: Even if they are unpaid or part-time, internships can provide essential experience and help you get your foot in the door. Many companies are willing to offer internships without the stringent interview formats.
4. Freelancing: Consider taking on freelance projects through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. This allows you to gain real-world experience and build your resume without the pressure of traditional interviews.
5. Join Coding Communities: Engage with coding communities such as freeCodeCamp, GitHub or Stack Overflow. Participating in discussions, contributing to projects, and asking for feedback can help you learn and connect with others in the field.
There are plenty of companies and strategies that align with your preferences and can help you land a job as a software engineer after your bootcamp graduation. Focus on building practical skills, creating a portfolio, networking and looking for environments that value your contributions over traditional interview methods.
Good luck!!
It's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by traditional technical interview formats like whiteboard coding and LeetCode-style questions. Fortunately, there are companies and strategies that focus on skills and practical experience rather than just algorithmic problem-solving. Here are some suggestions:
Below are Companies to Consider:
1. Startups: Many startups prioritize practical skills and cultural fit over traditional interview methods. They often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to contribute to the team. Startups in your local area or remote opportunities may be a great fit.
2. Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Smaller companies may have less rigid hiring processes and may focus more on your ability to work on projects and collaborate within a team.
3. Nonprofits and Volunteer Organizations: Many nonprofits need tech help but may not have the budget for extensive hiring practices. Volunteering your skills can give you practical experience and can be a great addition to your resume.
4. Companies with a Focus on Training: Look for companies that have a reputation for nurturing talent and providing extensive onboarding and training programs. Organizations like IBM, Salesforce and Accenture often have entry-level positions and training programs.
5. Remote Job Platforms: Websites like AngelList, Remote.co and We Work Remotely often feature companies that hire for remote positions and may have a more relaxed interview process.
Some Strategies to Gain Experience
1. Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your projects using the MERN stack. Include personal projects, contributions to open source, or any freelance work. This tangible evidence of your skills can impress potential employers.
2. Networking: Connect with professionals in the field through platforms like LinkedIn or local tech meetups. Networking can lead to job opportunities that aren't advertised and can provide valuable insights into the hiring processes of different companies. VERY IMPORTANT!!
3. Internships: Even if they are unpaid or part-time, internships can provide essential experience and help you get your foot in the door. Many companies are willing to offer internships without the stringent interview formats.
4. Freelancing: Consider taking on freelance projects through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. This allows you to gain real-world experience and build your resume without the pressure of traditional interviews.
5. Join Coding Communities: Engage with coding communities such as freeCodeCamp, GitHub or Stack Overflow. Participating in discussions, contributing to projects, and asking for feedback can help you learn and connect with others in the field.
There are plenty of companies and strategies that align with your preferences and can help you land a job as a software engineer after your bootcamp graduation. Focus on building practical skills, creating a portfolio, networking and looking for environments that value your contributions over traditional interview methods.
Good luck!!
Thank you very much. I have a Bachelors degree and noticed based on company's internship requirements I typically do not qualify.
Adam
Ramprasad varri
Architect
1
Answer
Avon, Connecticut
Updated
Ramprasad’s Answer
The "TIP" I have for you is IT (Computer Science / Engineering) offers different tracks of career:
"T"echnology: Based on technology you could be looking into Database Administration, UI / UX Designers, Infrastructure / Operations Administration (Server room), Limited to No-code platforms (Salesforce), Full stack developers.
"I"ndustry: Based on industry: Finance, Marketing, Government, Medical, Manufacturing, Technology, Startups,
"P"roficiency: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Each of the above come together to create a combination that will result in what the interviewer expects. The way I came over my fear of interviews is through Internships. In internships, learn what Managers want in a candidate. Hiring a beginner Managers do know that you will have a learning curve. But if you can highlight, how in your internship(s) you operated and contributed as a team player willing to wear multiple hats (Testing, developing, Agile management, etc) to keep the ball rolling will be my recommendation.
Also fear is a result of personal traits (shy / introvert) or lack of knowledge. Computer Science is introvert friendly, and it is not friendly to people not seeking to continuously learn. So if you are weak at rapid response because of lack of knowledge you need to practice till you get good at it. IT moves at rapid pace so always fast learners and quick problem solving skills are desired.
Get Internships and learn different areas of SDLC - Requirement capturing (BA), Design (UI / UX), Organization (Waterfall / Agile / User Stories - SM/PM), Development, Testing
Get Internship in Operations - DBA, System Security, Operational support, Server Maintenance, etc
Identify which area is best match for you
Highlight your Internship successes to your interviewer
Have a awesome career
"T"echnology: Based on technology you could be looking into Database Administration, UI / UX Designers, Infrastructure / Operations Administration (Server room), Limited to No-code platforms (Salesforce), Full stack developers.
"I"ndustry: Based on industry: Finance, Marketing, Government, Medical, Manufacturing, Technology, Startups,
"P"roficiency: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert
Each of the above come together to create a combination that will result in what the interviewer expects. The way I came over my fear of interviews is through Internships. In internships, learn what Managers want in a candidate. Hiring a beginner Managers do know that you will have a learning curve. But if you can highlight, how in your internship(s) you operated and contributed as a team player willing to wear multiple hats (Testing, developing, Agile management, etc) to keep the ball rolling will be my recommendation.
Also fear is a result of personal traits (shy / introvert) or lack of knowledge. Computer Science is introvert friendly, and it is not friendly to people not seeking to continuously learn. So if you are weak at rapid response because of lack of knowledge you need to practice till you get good at it. IT moves at rapid pace so always fast learners and quick problem solving skills are desired.
Ramprasad recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for the advice.
Adam
Brandy Morris
Customer Success Manager
7
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Brandy’s Answer
You could consider a low-code, no-code platform like Salesforce.
Thank you! I've heard of Salesforce, but no experience with it. Can you recommend a good position or are you able to have an informational interview on this? I am very interested in learning more.
Adam
Colleen Piel
Data Analyst
10
Answers
Ballwin, Missouri
Updated
Colleen’s Answer
I would contact the LaunchCode organization (www.launchcode.org) and see if they can help you with interviewing skills and job placement. I started my data career through them. I was first placed in a paid apprenticeship, which then led to me being offered a full time job at the same company. We practiced whiteboard coding in interviews. Best wishes to you!
Hello, unfortunately I don't qualify as I don't live in St. Louis & Kansas City.
Adam
I apologize. At one time LaunchCode was working in a lot of areas, but it looks like they are now focusing only on St. Louis and Kansas City. There needs to be a LaunchCode everywhere :-)
Colleen Piel
No worries at all. I appreciate the answer and thought you put into it though. I live in TX (Houston area) so not anywhere close LOL. How do you like the data career though? I considered at one point, but then re-considered when I learned math and statistics was involved.
Adam
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Adam!
Entry-Level Software Engineering Opportunities Without Traditional Interview Processes
1. Companies with Alternative Hiring Practices
There are several companies known for their more relaxed interview processes that do not heavily rely on traditional whiteboard coding or leet code-style questions. These companies often focus on practical skills, cultural fit, and real-world problem-solving abilities. Here are some notable examples:
GitHub: GitHub has been recognized for its inclusive hiring practices and often emphasizes collaborative problem-solving over algorithmic challenges. They value contributions to open-source projects and practical experience.
Shopify: Shopify is known for its commitment to a diverse workforce and often employs a more holistic approach in interviews. They focus on how candidates can contribute to the team rather than just technical prowess.
Basecamp: Basecamp values simplicity and practicality in their hiring process. They tend to favor candidates who can demonstrate their skills through real-world projects rather than abstract coding challenges.
Buffer: Buffer is another company that prioritizes culture fit and practical experience over traditional technical interviews. They look for candidates who align with their values and can demonstrate relevant skills through previous work or personal projects.
Trello (Atlassian): Trello has a reputation for valuing collaboration and communication skills alongside technical abilities. Their interview process often includes discussions about past experiences rather than purely technical assessments.
2. Gaining Experience Without Prior Jobs
As you prepare to graduate from your coding bootcamp, there are several strategies you can employ to gain experience even without prior job history:
Build a Portfolio: Create personal projects using the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js). This could include web applications, tools, or any software that showcases your skills. Make sure to host these projects on platforms like GitHub or deploy them using services like Heroku or Vercel.
Contribute to Open Source: Engaging with open-source projects is an excellent way to gain real-world experience while also building your resume. Websites like GitHub have numerous repositories looking for contributors. This not only helps you learn but also demonstrates your ability to work collaboratively in a development environment.
Internships or Apprenticeships: Look for internship opportunities that specifically cater to entry-level developers. Many companies offer internships that do not require extensive prior experience but provide valuable learning opportunities.
Networking: Attend local tech meetups, hackathons, or online webinars related to software development. Networking can lead to job opportunities and mentorships that may help you land your first role.
Freelancing: Consider taking on freelance projects through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Even small gigs can help you build your portfolio and gain practical experience working with clients.
Online Coding Challenges (Optional): While you mentioned not wanting to engage with leet code-style problems, consider participating in less formal coding challenges or hackathons where the focus is more on collaboration and creativity rather than strict algorithmic solutions.
By focusing on these strategies, you can enhance your employability without needing extensive prior job experience or engaging in traditional interview formats that you find challenging.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. GitHub Careers Page
The GitHub careers page provides insights into their hiring philosophy which emphasizes collaboration and practical skills over traditional coding tests.
2. Shopify Engineering Blog
The Shopify engineering blog discusses their inclusive hiring practices and how they assess candidates based on real-world problem-solving abilities rather than just technical interviews.
3. Buffer’s Company Culture Page
Buffer’s company culture page outlines their approach towards hiring which focuses on cultural fit and practical contributions rather than conventional technical assessments.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Entry-Level Software Engineering Opportunities Without Traditional Interview Processes
1. Companies with Alternative Hiring Practices
There are several companies known for their more relaxed interview processes that do not heavily rely on traditional whiteboard coding or leet code-style questions. These companies often focus on practical skills, cultural fit, and real-world problem-solving abilities. Here are some notable examples:
GitHub: GitHub has been recognized for its inclusive hiring practices and often emphasizes collaborative problem-solving over algorithmic challenges. They value contributions to open-source projects and practical experience.
Shopify: Shopify is known for its commitment to a diverse workforce and often employs a more holistic approach in interviews. They focus on how candidates can contribute to the team rather than just technical prowess.
Basecamp: Basecamp values simplicity and practicality in their hiring process. They tend to favor candidates who can demonstrate their skills through real-world projects rather than abstract coding challenges.
Buffer: Buffer is another company that prioritizes culture fit and practical experience over traditional technical interviews. They look for candidates who align with their values and can demonstrate relevant skills through previous work or personal projects.
Trello (Atlassian): Trello has a reputation for valuing collaboration and communication skills alongside technical abilities. Their interview process often includes discussions about past experiences rather than purely technical assessments.
2. Gaining Experience Without Prior Jobs
As you prepare to graduate from your coding bootcamp, there are several strategies you can employ to gain experience even without prior job history:
Build a Portfolio: Create personal projects using the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js). This could include web applications, tools, or any software that showcases your skills. Make sure to host these projects on platforms like GitHub or deploy them using services like Heroku or Vercel.
Contribute to Open Source: Engaging with open-source projects is an excellent way to gain real-world experience while also building your resume. Websites like GitHub have numerous repositories looking for contributors. This not only helps you learn but also demonstrates your ability to work collaboratively in a development environment.
Internships or Apprenticeships: Look for internship opportunities that specifically cater to entry-level developers. Many companies offer internships that do not require extensive prior experience but provide valuable learning opportunities.
Networking: Attend local tech meetups, hackathons, or online webinars related to software development. Networking can lead to job opportunities and mentorships that may help you land your first role.
Freelancing: Consider taking on freelance projects through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Even small gigs can help you build your portfolio and gain practical experience working with clients.
Online Coding Challenges (Optional): While you mentioned not wanting to engage with leet code-style problems, consider participating in less formal coding challenges or hackathons where the focus is more on collaboration and creativity rather than strict algorithmic solutions.
By focusing on these strategies, you can enhance your employability without needing extensive prior job experience or engaging in traditional interview formats that you find challenging.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. GitHub Careers Page
The GitHub careers page provides insights into their hiring philosophy which emphasizes collaboration and practical skills over traditional coding tests.
2. Shopify Engineering Blog
The Shopify engineering blog discusses their inclusive hiring practices and how they assess candidates based on real-world problem-solving abilities rather than just technical interviews.
3. Buffer’s Company Culture Page
Buffer’s company culture page outlines their approach towards hiring which focuses on cultural fit and practical contributions rather than conventional technical assessments.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.