from Gergely Orosz | by Gergely Orosz

More well-known, high-paying companies like Stripe, Twitter, Shopify, etc offer remote positions. Many engineers I know apply, and expect to get interviews at these places. Then get sorely disappointed. Here's what happens and why it's very competitive even to get an interview:

1. The competition for these places is incredible. They get huge amounts of inbound. Surprise - it's not just you who wants to work remotely at Stripe! Typically thousands of inbounds for some positions.

2. Your current residence. Contrary to popular belief, these companies do not hire in all countries: only in ones they have entities. This typically means US, UK, and a few EU countries. If you're not based in ones they have entities, you're probably out of luck unless...

3. Visas & relocation. These companies, of course, do sponsor visas for people to move to a supported country... for positions where they struggle to hire with people who don't need them. Visas are time-consuming and risky. Thus they're reserved typically for senior+ levels.

4. Standing out from the crowd. You know who else applies to these companies? People working at the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, Spotify, unicorn companies. Places that have similar work environment but lower compensation. Easier for these people to go through the resume screen.

5. It comes down to being aware of the "priority" of your application, understanding the competition. The more "similar" place you work at, and the more "local" you are in not needing visas, the higher the chances. Or, should I say they're lower if you don't have these.

6. I wrote about this in my book The Tech Resume Inside Out (free for anyone out of a job - get it here t.co/ETJDgAwWpu ) and illustrated it like this. The thing that *really* helps (on top of relevant experience)? Referrals, referrals, referrals. t.co/tMncUR490x

7. Expectations. These companies pay well. How well? For a Sr Eng position, $400K+ in US, €175K+/yr in Europe. For Staff, $500K+/€220K+. They expect a LOT in return (would you not?). Both in past experience, and nailing the interview. Some prep advice: t.co/OgLf9gBB6w