Reddit Experience · 2026 Q1 · Austin

For those who finally made it into FAANG or top paying startups after multiple rejections, What mindset shift helped you?

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Interview Experience

I have been trying to break into FAANG companies for quite some time now, but its been a tough journey. I have faced rejections at different stages like sometimes at the resume shortlist, sometimes af

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I have been trying to break into FAANG companies for quite some time now, but its been a tough journey. I have faced rejections at different stages like sometimes at the resume shortlist, sometimes after the phone round & other times even after making it to the onsite interviews. Occasionally I clear a few rounds, which makes me feel like I am getting closer but in the end it still turns into a rejection. A lot of people say trust the process & I really try to believe that. But lately its been getting harder to stay motivated. With the rise of AI and the increasing number of highly competitive candidates, the bar feels higher than ever. At times it makes me question whether I am even in the right domain. Whats making it tougher is the current job market as well. I am applying a lot but at the end its not working out which has been pretty frustrating and mentally exhausting. For those who were in a similar situation and eventually managed to get offers from FAANG especially Google, Meta, Uber etc or other high paying startups, what was the one piece of advice, mentorship or mindset shift that helped you push through and finally make it? I would truly appreciate hearing about your experiences or any guidance you can share on how to stay motivated and keep pushing forward during phases like this. It would mean a lot to me personally and could really help me navigate this stage of my career. Thanks in advance!
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