Why CS Majors Can’t Land New Grad Offers

Summary

In this video, Dev reveals the three key reasons why most Computer Science majors struggle to land new grad offers and the ultimate solution. He discusses common mistakes like having a generic resume, failing to leverage networking effectively, and not performing well under interview pressure. Dev emphasizes the importance of storytelling, building credibility, and strategic networking. With personal experience landing offers from Amazon and Google, Dev provides a practical guide to rewriting resumes, securing referrals, and acing interviews. His coaching has helped hundreds of students land their dream jobs at top companies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many CS majors struggle to land new grad offers due to lack of understanding of what recruiters truly care about.
• 😀 A resume is a marketing document, not a reflection of your potential. Focus on impact rather than effort.
• 😀 Showing impact on your resume (e.g., reducing latency by 30%) is more compelling than simply listing a project.
• 😀 Over 50% of new grad offers go to candidates with internal referrals, emphasizing the importance of networking.
• 😀 Networking is about showing value, not begging for favors. Offering feedback on a company’s product can lead to a referral.
• 😀 Even with a great resume and a referral, you can still fail the interview if you don't manage pressure well.
• 😀 Interviews are about maintaining control under pressure, not just answering technical questions.
• 😀 The key to performing well in behavioral interviews is storytelling and conveying ownership and leadership, not just answering questions.
• 😀 Computer science degrees often fail to teach how to sell yourself, and it’s essential to learn how to position yourself strategically.
• 😀 Success in landing offers is about strategy and how you present yourself, not raw intelligence or technical skills alone.
• 😀 Personalized coaching and interview drills can make a significant difference in landing a job, helping you tell compelling stories that stick.

Q & A

Why do most CS majors struggle to land new grad offers?

Most CS majors struggle because they are not aware of how to properly present themselves to recruiters. Their resumes are typically generic, and they often rely on strategies like solving thousands of LeetCode problems without focusing on showcasing their actual impact or experience.

What is the first key issue that causes students to struggle in their job search?

The first issue is having a poor resume. Most CS majors focus on listing their GPA, coursework, and class projects without emphasizing the real-world impact they made. A resume should highlight results and ownership, not just tasks completed.

How can students improve their resumes to stand out to recruiters?

Students can improve their resumes by focusing on the results and impact of their projects. Instead of stating what they built, they should describe how their work solved real problems or improved systems. For example, instead of just saying 'Built a full-stack app,' they could say 'Delivered real-time AI responses to 1,000+ users and reduced latency by 30%.'

What is the misconception about resumes that most students have?

Many students believe that their resume is a reflection of their potential, but it's actually just a marketing document. Recruiters typically spend only 7 seconds reviewing it, and they are looking for impact, not just effort or technical details.

How important is networking when looking for a new grad job?

Networking is crucial, with over 50% of new grad offers going to candidates who had an internal referral. Hiring managers prefer candidates who are vouched for by trusted employees, as it reduces the hiring risk.

What is the right way to network and get referrals?

Networking shouldn't be about begging for favors. Instead, students should reach out to professionals by showing value, such as seeking feedback on projects they have built that are inspired by the company’s products. This demonstrates initiative and can lead to referrals without directly asking for them.

Why do many students fail interviews despite having a good resume and referral?

Even with a great resume and referral, students often fail interviews because they don't know how to present themselves under pressure. They may have the right answers, but they lack the confidence or communication skills to effectively convey their qualifications.

What role does confidence play in interviews, and how can students improve in this area?

Confidence is crucial in interviews. Candidates who act like they are seeking permission instead of presenting themselves as the right fit for the job are often overlooked. Students can improve by practicing behavioral questions, framing their answers as narratives of ownership and leadership, and maintaining strong body language and tone.

How does the traditional computer science education fail students in the job application process?

Traditional CS programs teach technical skills like syntax and algorithms, but they don't teach students how to market themselves or tell compelling stories about their work. As a result, students struggle to sell their abilities and experiences in interviews.

What can students do if they feel defeated or like they are running out of time in the job search process?

Students should not blame themselves. The recruiting system often places too much emphasis on LeetCode scores or speed in assessments. Success is more about strategy, positioning, and having the right support to navigate the process. Students should focus on developing a strategic approach, refining their resumes, and getting personalized coaching to improve their chances.