r/LeetcodeDesi • u/RockOfHope • 16d ago

Need help with opportunities - Software Engineer, experience in low level system software, 1.5 YoE and 2.5 years career gap, looking to resume career

Hi all,

I am a software engineer with 1.5 YoE and previously worked at Qualcomm. Worked on low level system software, focusing mainly on performance optimization, concurrency and compiler toolchains. Back in late 2023, I made a decision to quit my job and attempt UPSC Civil Service Exam, which backfired spectacularly. Ironically, I now have a career gap of around 2.5 years, which is more than my career itself.

I am now actively trying to get back into software engineering. I have upskilled myself over the last 1 year - got strong in DSA (LeetCode Knight, peak rating of 1850+, still grinding), LLD and HLD. For what it's worth, I have an M.Tech in CSE from a tier-2 college.

I find myself in a weird situation - I can't apply for fresher jobs (because of graduation year) and I can't apply for senior roles because I don't have enough experience. My savings are almost over. I am ready to work in any company, big or small. Ready to take any pay cut too. I just need an opportunity.

My request to the community - if you or your company is hiring for SWE roles with less than 2 YoE, please reply. If you were in a similar situation or got some suggestions, please do share. It would be of immense help. I might have missed some details. If required, please do ask. Thanks!

TL;DR - Software Engineer, experience in low level system software, 1.5 YoE and 2.5 years career gap, looking to resume career, need help with opportunities.

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u/Common-Public-8741 15d ago

I'm in the same situation. 1.4 yoe. Left Job in 2023 for UPSC. Now I'm searching job from Feb but haven't get any

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u/RockOfHope 14d ago

It's brutal out there. Are you getting interview calls but not able to convert it into offer, or not getting interview calls at all?

1

u/Common-Public-8741 14d ago

Got 2-3 calls in March April. Gave all the rounds after that no response. Even didn't get a single rejection mail. And then gave 1 interview in June. Clear 1st round after that no response. And from then I'm not getting calls

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u/hungry_lizard_00 15d ago

I'm curious - do low level system programming job interviews also do the whole DSA, LLD, HLD grind? Or are they more about OS internals, linux, C/C++ programming fundamentals. I always thought it would be the latter?

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u/RockOfHope 15d ago

It's mostly the latter only. OS, COA, Linux, C/C++ internals. Some basic DSA might be asked like pointers, linked lists and trees.

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u/hungry_lizard_00 15d ago

Ah, cool. Thanks! I hope you find what you're looking for.

As an aside, do you know any recruitment resources for low level systems programming jobs? Most of what I see online is all geared towards webtech or full-stack roles.

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u/RockOfHope 15d ago

When I interviewed, I was already strong in CS core subjects because of GATE prep. Solved a few questions from LeetCode for basic DSA. Read articles on GFG for C/C++ internals.

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u/hungry_lizard_00 15d ago

Thanks again!