Thread by @BassemDy

Working in Tech and relocating to Europe or the USA is NOT about merit. Let me explain, a thread 🧵 #Programming #SoftwareEngineering

1/ People born in countries with limited accessibility to the west share a common misconception that finding a job and relocating to a western country is about merit or having above average skills.

2/ while it is true that having above average skills will open many doors for you, this is not the full story. Companies hiring in these desired destinations are looking for top talent WHILE remaining cost effective and reducing risk!

3/ If finding and relocating someone will be more expensive than hiring locally, it will not happen. If finding a relocating someone from a neighboring country is cheaper, it will not happen. If the visa process is too complicated, no matter who you are, it will not happen!

4/ you could still ace an interview, and the hiring manager pushing to hire you, but if the process of relocating you is not well understood, tried and tested: best case you’ll have a bumpy experience, worst case you’ll be rejected. This has nothing to do with your abilities.

5/ to maximize your chances of finding a suitable role and relocate faster, ask the company for their experience hiring and relocating people from your country in the interview. The more they’ve done it the better your chances.

6/ don’t limit your options to working for big tech and only interviewing for these companies then giving up for not getting accepted. These companies can literally hire whoever they want, for each job post within a few hours of making it public they get 100s of resumes

7/ aim for companies that have easier barriers to entry and that are willing to take risks. Give them your best work after you relocate, this will help you build a strong new network in a foreign country and opens doors for other opportunities down the line.

8/ working in big tech is a privilege and certainly the combination of: LUCK, timing, skill, opportunity, mobility and a good personal brand. Don’t make it your objective when starting out.