tech-career

Follow a phased plan: weeks 1-2 for diagnostic assessment and foundations, weeks 3-6 for daily algorithm practice using lists like Blind 75 plus weekly system design practice, and weeks 7-8 for mock interviews and behavioral story preparation. Track mistakes in a journal throughout.

Never give the first number, research market rates on levels.fyi or 脉脉, and evaluate total compensation including base, bonus, equity, and signing bonus. Ask for 15-20% above your target with data-backed reasoning, and if base is fixed, negotiate signing bonus, equity, or level instead.

IC tracks reward technical depth and impact through code and architecture, while management tracks reward people skills and impact through team output. Choose management if mentoring and unblocking others energizes you; stay IC if you prefer deep technical problem-solving.

Yes, it covers the Chinese tech ecosystem including 秋招/春招 hiring timelines, 内推 referral strategies, 牛客网 assessments, and compensation structures like 15薪 or 16薪 packages. It also addresses Western markets including FAANG interview processes.

Use the XYZ formula: accomplished X as measured by Y by doing Z. For example, 'Reduced API latency by 40% by implementing a Redis caching layer' instead of vague statements like 'worked on backend systems.' Keep resumes to one page under 10 years of experience.