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The bar for junior coding jobs has 'risen dramatically,' cofounders of interview prep firm say

Apr 05, 2025 - businessinsider.com
The tech job market is currently challenging, with fewer positions available compared to the hiring peak in 2022, allowing companies to be more selective. Junior engineers, especially recent graduates, face the toughest competition, as companies have scaled back university hiring programs. The technical bar has risen, requiring candidates to master fundamental algorithms and data structures, with successful juniors typically solving 150-200 coding problems before interviewing. Despite the difficulties, the interview process is learnable with proper preparation, as the rules are public and can be practiced.

Engineers in niche specialties like AI infrastructure and machine learning operations are seeing better opportunities, while those in core domains such as frontend, backend services, and mobile development face fewer openings. The market favors those who are well-prepared and willing to put in the effort, as dedication can significantly improve interview performance. While many engineers struggle, there are still opportunities for those who can adapt to the heightened expectations.

Key takeaways:

  • The tech job market is challenging, with fewer positions available compared to 2022, allowing companies to be more selective.
  • Junior engineers face significant challenges, with companies scaling back university hiring programs, potentially creating an experience gap.
  • Engineers in niche specialties like AI infrastructure and machine learning operations are in higher demand, while core domains see fewer openings.
  • Preparation is key for job seekers, with mastery of fundamental algorithms and data structures being essential for junior roles.
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