Akshay Phadké, a 32-year-old former Microsoft software engineer, has had a career trajectory that many in the tech industry would envy. Starting from an internship at Ericsson, he secured a full-time job in 2016, moved to Microsoft in 2019, and transitioned to the startup world as a senior software engineer in 2021. Despite his successes, Phadké has experienced his fair share of rejections, particularly notable are his final-round rejections from Meta, Amazon, Yelp, and Dropbox in 2019. Reflecting on these experiences, he offers valuable insights into the interview process that he wishes he had known earlier. At Meta, Phadké performed well in technical rounds but believes he fell short in demonstrating "product sense." This involved understanding the technical architecture, execution, rollout, and measurement of success and adoption of a feature on the Facebook platform. He notes that the informal feedback he received suggested he could have communicated his strategic thinking more effectively. His Amazon interview process was described as "a bit chaotic." He applied for multiple roles and worked with different tech recruiters, which may have contributed to his not performing as well as he would have liked in one of the coding rounds. Phadké recalls feeling unprepared for the varied roles and interview formats. In the Dropbox interviews, Phadké believes he struggled with a technical interview. He emphasizes that rejections are a natural part of the interview process and should be viewed as learning opportunities. "You learn a lot from rejections as opposed to wins, and you shouldn't let them discourage you or make you feel lesser," he advises. Drawing from these experiences and his own interviewing role, Phadké shares three key strategies for tech industry candidates: Show Your Human Side: While technical skills are crucial, interviewers also assess whether you would be a good fit for the team. Phadké recommends using the time before and after technical and behavioral assessments to let your personality shine. "Your interviewers are your peers, and they want to understand what kind of person you are, what motivates you, and if they see themselves working well with you," he says. Talking about your life outside of work can help establish a connection and make the interview more engaging. Prioritize Clear Communication: Effective communication is essential throughout the interview process. Phadké advises candidates to ask clarifying questions, discuss the problem at a high level, and explain their thought process while coding. "It's poor form to just be typing away silently for the duration of the interview," he notes. Being concise and attentive to the interviewer's hints and feedback is crucial. Additionally, well-commented and structured code can communicate your clarity of thought and problem-solving skills. Approach Interviews as a Two-Way Street: Interviewing is a mutual evaluation process. Phadké encourages candidates to view interviews as conversations where they can also assess the company and team. "Your interviewers are trying to see if you have the required technical skills and if you'd be a good fit within the company," he says. "But it's also your opportunity to determine if this role will allow you to meet your career goals." Candidates should not hesitate to ask substantive questions about the company's financial health, product vision, culture, and challenges. The quality of the answers can help you decide if the opportunity aligns with your professional aspirations. Industry insiders echo Phadké's sentiments, emphasizing that the interview process is as much about cultural fit and communication as it is about technical expertise. Companies like Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Dropbox are known for their rigorous interview procedures, which test not only technical skills but also the candidate's ability to work collaboratively and think strategically. Phadké's advice is particularly valuable for those navigating the competitive tech job market, as it addresses the holistic approach needed to succeed in interviews. His career progression and insights into both sides of the interview process make him a credible and practical resource for aspiring tech professionals.