Zian got an offer as a Senior technical program manager at TikTok

I'm excited about trying a new working style and collaborating with new teams around the world, as TikTok is a growing company in terms of size and business level. There's more energy and excitement around building new things.

Microsoft

I spent one month preparing. First, I prepared by myself for a few weeks, using an IGotAnOffer article to structure my preparation strategy. After that, I did some peer to peer mock interview sessions and booked a series of coaching sessions. I learned the most during the week I spent doing mock interviews, as coaches have industry level experience and prepared questions to help prepare.

There were some questions that required me to evaluate my career experience, which I was unprepared for. Thankfully an interview coach taught me a strategy on how to deal with questions that made me freeze up, and how to pivot the question.

What do you think is the most important aspect to this career? This question was broad and hard to answer.

My biggest tip, especially for people who are making a career shift from SWE to TPM, is that it's the most efficient to use this website's blog posts and articles as a structure starting point. Also, check out the YouTube page for interview questions for the company you're going for. If you think you lack in any area and don't feel comfortable with that part of the interview, finding a coach is the best resource to overcome this. Coaching sessions are worth the investment. Take notes on what the coach says and review those notes. What you're afraid of will most commonly be what you'll be facing in the interview.