In today’s competitive job market, landing a dream position at a tech giant like Google seems like an insurmountable feat for many. Yet, for Sahil Gaba, a young engineer with a background in mechanical engineering, it became a reality. Armed with determination, self-taught programming skills, and a finely crafted resume, Gaba secured a coveted role at Google with a staggering starting salary of $300,000 a year.
Gaba’s journey to Google’s doorstep was not a conventional one. Graduating with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Gaba initially found himself drawn to the allure of computer science. Observing the ease with which his peers transitioned into the field and secured lucrative positions, Gaba decided to pivot his career trajectory towards programming.
“I spent a good three, four months learning programming. I was quite optimistic. I went to the job market, tried to get some jobs, but still couldn’t get any of those Big Tech companies. I had that itch of working in Big Tech.”, Gaba says.
Despite his optimism, breaking into the competitive realm of Big Tech proved challenging. Rejections piled up, but Gaba remained undeterred. Eventually, he landed a software engineering role at a small fintech company in Chicago, marking his entry point into the tech industry.
However, Gaba’s hunger for growth and his aspiration to work in Big Tech persisted. Recognizing the need to continually evolve his skill set, he dedicated his evenings to mastering newer technologies and refining his interview techniques. His perseverance bore fruit when, after two years of relentless effort, he received his breakthrough: an offer from Amazon, marking his entry into the realm of tech giants.
Within a remarkably short span, Gaba’s talent and dedication attracted offers from Meta, Uber, and finally, Google. At just 29 years old, he found himself faced with a decision that would shape his career trajectory. Opting for Google, Gaba embarked on a new chapter, armed with a resume that spoke volumes of his capabilities.
Here’s the resume that got him offers from Big Tech Companies like Google, Meta, Uber and so on.
What set Gaba’s resume apart was not just his qualifications but also its meticulous crafting. Reflecting on his journey, Gaba shared insights into the nuances that made his resume stand out:
Lead with experience, not skills: Gaba emphasized the importance of showcasing work experience over skills, particularly when targeting roles in Big Tech. By prioritizing his professional journey, Gaba provided recruiters with a tangible demonstration of his capabilities.
Focus on the new: Acknowledging the transient nature of achievements, Gaba advocated for highlighting recent accomplishments over accolades from the past. This approach ensured that his resume remained relevant and impactful.
Simplicity of language: Gaba underscored the significance of clarity and accessibility in resume language. Eschewing complex jargon in favor of simplicity, he ensured that his achievements were readily understandable to recruiters and hiring managers.
While Gaba made several refinements to his resume over time, certain elements remained unchanged:
De-emphasizing education: Despite his academic accomplishments, Gaba recognized the primacy of relevant experience over degrees. Placing his education section strategically, he ensured that recruiters immediately encountered his professional credentials.
Hobbies: Gaba retained the “interests” section in his resume, recognizing its potential to foster rapport and initiate conversations during interviews. By sharing his interests, Gaba provided a glimpse into his personality beyond his professional endeavors.
Today, Sahil Gaba stands as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and strategic resume crafting. From self-taught programmer to esteemed software engineer at Google, his journey exemplifies the boundless opportunities that await those willing to pursue their aspirations relentlessly.
As Gaba continues to thrive i5 updates availablen his role at Google’s Seattle office, his story serves as both inspiration and a roadmap for aspiring engineers navigating the competitive landscape of Big Tech.
