From Layoff to 4 Crore Package: A Software Engineer's Journey to Success

Arjun Verma 11:39 PM 03 May 2024

Transitioning from one job to another can be challenging for anyone, but for software engineers, it can be even more daunting. Hemant Pandey, a software engineer currently working at Meta with a staggering Rs 4 crore yearly package, knows this all too well. His journey to success was marked by a layoff from Tesla, but he persevered and ultimately achieved his dream job.

A Dream Turned Sour

After completing his graduate program in Delhi in 2018, Pandey landed an internship at Tesla, his "dream company". He was overjoyed to have the opportunity to work for one of the most innovative tech companies in the world. However, just seven months into his full-time employment, Pandey was laid off. This setback meant he had to start building his professional reputation all over again in a short span of time."It was my first job, and getting laid off meant having to prove myself once more," Pandey shared. To make matters more challenging, he had even invited his parents to California from India. Determined to find another job, Pandey took on roles at SAP and later switched to Salesforce, where he stayed for two years.

Seizing the Opportunity

In 2021, Pandey came across information about the "crazy" salary packages offered by Meta on tech forums. Intrigued by the possibilities, he decided to apply. Despite receiving offers from LinkedIn and TikTok, he ultimately chose Meta. This decision not only secured him an impressive salary but also further validated his expertise and experience as a software engineer.

Tips for Writing a Standout Resume

Pandey, having experienced the ups and downs of the job market, shares three valuable tips for software engineers when crafting their resumes.

1. Keep it concise: Pandey advises applicants to limit their job descriptions and summarize their work experiences. Instead of writing lengthy paragraphs, he prefers to keep it ambiguous and provide more details during interviews. Recruiters often spend only a few seconds reviewing each resume, so it's crucial to use concise phrases that effectively convey information.

2. Embrace failures: Pandey believes in being transparent about personal failures and setbacks. He includes his low GPA and being fired from Tesla in his resume. Rather than being seen as negatives, he believes they showcase growth and the ability to learn from mistakes.

3. Highlight technical skills: As software engineers progress in their careers, their roles often shift from coding to leading teams and delivering projects. However, when applying for positions at startups, technical skills are still highly valued. Pandey recommends showcasing coding abilities and providing links to past coding work to demonstrate expertise.

Through his journey from layoff to a 4 crore package, Pandey exemplifies the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous self-improvement for software engineers. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring engineers facing career challenges.