Ask HN: Why are banks offering me jobs, but not tech companies?
Background: early 20's, no college degree, significant work experience (full-time, contract, and high-profile internships).
I've spent the past few months applying for "career jobs"; hoping to focus my time and efforts over the next few years on progressing up the ladder within one company. As someone who takes ownership of their work, I'm tired of jumping around from gig to gig as an outsider and really want to take pride in being a dependable, go-getting team player for 'Company X'.
So, after casting a wide net, I started hearing from recruiters--mostly banks/financial institutions and large tech companies--almost immediately. Interestingly, the application process for the banks were the most organized and I received my first offer within a month. The tech companies on the other-hand couldn't quite figure me out... For starters, at one tech co. an interviewer insisted on knowing my salary requirements, and because it was a company I really wanted to work for, I responded by saying "flexible". She asked me again, and I told her about a job offer from a bank and she looked up to say, "who wants to work at a bank?". The interview ended abruptly and the next day I found out the company wasn't going to proceed.
While all this was going on, I was truckin' along through Google's application process. Considering how competitive Google's hiring requirements are, I was not feeling optimistic until they invited me to the final, on-site interviews. I left their offices (which are awesome btw) feeling really good. I honestly thought that it could not have gone any better. Unfortunately, the next day I was told they were proceeding with different applicants. My heart dropped into my stomach; I had come so far, tempted by the possibility of being a part of the dreamy Google culture, only to be shot down in the end.
Despite not having a college degree, I'm a fairly straight-arrow professional. I take work very seriously, and so I dressed-up (coat and tie) to all my interviews to reflect that. Considering the stark contrast in culture between banks and Silicon Valley tech companies, is this character trait playing against me at places like Google? I can't help but over-analyze the situation as all my cards seem to be falling on one side of the table.
I'll take any advice I can get from the HN community. Thanks everyone.