The elite of the tech world, the top engineers, are elusive and not easily found on LinkedIn, according to Michael Novati, a former Meta principal software engineer with the nickname 'coding machine'. Novati argues that these exceptional engineers, who are highly sought after by recruiters, prefer to stay off the platform, avoiding any public display of their success or job hunting activities. This strategy is not for the average coder but for those at the pinnacle of their field.
Novati's insight into the tech industry's secret recruiting methods is eye-opening. He explains that these top engineers have strong, long-term relationships with recruiters, often formed through campus recruiting events or other industry connections. These recruiters, who are well-paid and highly experienced, know the 'secrets of the industry' and can spot the most desirable candidates.
The example of an engineer bonding with a company recruiter during campus recruiting at Stanford illustrates this point. These engineers, who are not on LinkedIn, are the ones recruiters are desperate to poach. The '100 million engineer' is not flaunting their success on the platform, but rather, they are the ones with the most desirable skills and the highest value.
However, Novati emphasizes that this doesn't mean you should delete your LinkedIn account and expect job offers to pour in. These top engineers are a rare breed, and their approach to personal branding is minimal. They don't seek the spotlight or engage in public displays of success, which sets them apart from the rest of the tech community.
The tech industry's talent war is fierce, especially in the field of AI, where companies like Meta and OpenAI are willing to pay huge packages and even involve CEOs in the recruitment process. But the key to success in this industry is not just being offline; it's about understanding the unique dynamics of the tech recruiting world and the specific strategies that can help you stand out from the crowd.
