SWE @ Microsoft Dublin

Microsoft office at Dublin had opened a position for Software Engineering back around 3rd November and I had applied for the job by 18th November (link added for reference). Approximately 2 weeks after that (around 3rd Dec) I had received a codility test assessment link and was instructed to complete it within 10 days. I completed the assessment by 10th December and never heard back from Microsoft. I cold emailed the recruiter who was supposedly hiring for the said role 2 weeks back but never heard from them. While my application hasn’t been rejected yet and is still “under review” I see a “*no longer accepting applications” sign for the job posting. Should I just expect a rejection in a couple of weeks? Microsoft assures to get back in 2-3 weeks but neither recruiter has reached out to me nor do I see them accepting anymore applications for the post.

https://jobs.careers.microsoft.com/global/en/job/1782001/Software-Engineer

I’ve been with my current company for about 4 years, and I’m facing a recurring issue during performance reviews. Each time, my manager tells me that I “still need to improve my performance,” but she never specifies what I need to improve or sets clear objectives.

For context, I have 10 years of experience in my field, so this vague feedback is both confusing and frustrating. It’s been the same story for the past 4 years, and I feel stuck.

To make matters worse, one time she mentioned that she has to “consider other team members,” and implied that bonuses are limited—essentially saying that someone has to miss out for others to get rewarded.

I’m not sure how to interpret this situation or how to move forward. Has anyone else experienced something similar? How would you handle this?

I live in Germany and have a master degree in computer science. After more than three years of freelancing I now have a permanent job. I work as a developer and get 67 000 with bonus per year. I also get a few shares that should bring my salary to around 72 000 in the end.

Most people in my company are unhappy with their salary.

Hi everyone! I apologize if this topic does not suit the subreddit. If that's the case, I would appreciate alternative places to ask about this! There's a TL;DR at the end and, of course, my DMs are open for any kind of feedback or tips! :D

I am aware of the general pessimism in regard to the job market saturation in the US and how difficult it is nowadays to get your foot in the door without studies. However, I wonder whether the case is the same for where I live, Spain.

I (23M) studied Translation and work as a translator for a foreign company. I'm understandably worried about my future job stability and I have always been interested in programming, so, after months thinking about it, I have decided to change careers. That being said, I am not desperate about transitioning ASAP; I want to learn properly, enjoy the process and create decent-ish projects before even thinking about changing careers.

My goal is to self-study as much as work and life allow me (~15h/week) following The Odin Project. I am also consideing quitting my job by mid 2025 and focus on my studies while working part-time, which would increase significantly the amount of time that I could dedicate to it. I have always been pretty independent and I'm used to learn things on my own (I actually got my job thanks to a skill I learned entirely by myself), so I don't think I'm being unrealistic. What I'm unsure about is: would it be possible for me to get a job without official related studies in Spain? Or I'd be better off dedicating 2 years to (something similar to) an associate's degree? Also, how many hours should I dedicate to learning programming to be job-ready here? I'm not sure if it'd be of any help that I can speak English fluently.

As I said, my DMs are open and I'd appreciate any kind of guidance or tips. I'm open to receive your feedback! Thank you everyone <3

TL;DR: Realistically, could I get a job as a web developer without related studies in Spain, provided that I dedicate enough time to learning?

Hello all,

I’m in my final year of studying a non-CS STEM degree at a global top-tier university (the type of university everybody has heard of). I have received a job offer outside London with a TC of £60k for a graduate software role. My job search this year has been quite unsuccessful and this is the only offer I’ve managed to land trying to break into SWE this year (I only realised I wanted to go into this field 6 months ago).

The problem with this company is that it’s not a full SWE role, it’s half software engineering and half application support for the scientific software and programmes this company sells and this will be the case for the duration of the graduate programme, hence I don’t see myself staying here for the long-term. This company is somewhat well-known in the tech industry and has offices in many countries all over the world.

I graduate summer 2025 and would start this job soon after, is it smart for me to take this role to boost my CV and help me get interviews at FAANG tier companies? Specifically, my plan is to reapply from October 2025, a few months after I graduate, to FAANG tier companies for their graduate roles, and hopefully the fact I would already be employed as a SWE would improve my interview rate. This year I struggled to get interviews at Big Tech and mainly managed to get interviews at financial firms, which I am not interested in at all.

I just want to see if there’s any holes in my plan and if there’s anything I should keep in mind before accepting this job offer.

I'm not looking for a job myself but interested in finding out more about the industry if anyone involved in recruitment in Poland (especially for non EU/EEA citizens) wouldn't mind dming me.

Would really appreciate some of your time.

Thanks

Hi,

I've just been made unemployed after 10+ years in the same company. I'm completely bashing my head against the wall trying to hack my CV into shape, and would be grateful for some feedback.

I've done various roles around IT project implementation, supply chain optimization etc. I''m just trying to create a master CV, which I will then adjust depending on the jobs I apply for etc.

thanks!

(formating is not perfect, but I hope it's readable)

-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
Brad Pitt
Address. #, PostCode Town
+123-123-123123123
bradpitt@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/bradpitt

SUMMARY
▪Business Systems Analyst with 10+ years of experience driving IT systems architecture design and large-scale project management across Pharma and IT industries. 
▪Proven success in implementing CRM and ERP integrations, translating complex business requirements into actionable technical solutions, and leading €1.5m+ IT projects. 
▪Dual-qualified in Computing and Business Studies, with expertise in systems design & project management, quality management and supply chain optimization.

WORK EXPERIENCE
IT System Designer 
Pharma Company, Town01/2022 to present
▪Managed the technical implementation of IT operations solutions across all lifecycle phases, from planning & development to maintenance – as driven by business requirements and resulting in significant operational efficiency gains at Pharma Company.
▪Led a two-year, €1.5M implementation of a Document Management System and SAP S/4HANA Digital Invoice Workflow & Quality Control system (“Digital Life Sciences”) - adhering to GxP and GAMP validation methodologies.
▪Designed and implemented a custom Salesforce Configure-Price-Quote (CPQ) module to streamline the pricing process, reducing sales time-to-quote by 60% and enabling faster deal closures.  
▪Integrated & coded HubSpot CRM API with the ERP system via Python & SQL, automating processes, reducing manual workload and optimizing the quote-to-cash processes, reducing errors and processing time by 50%. 
▪Developed a Business Intelligence reporting system leveraging SAP S/4HANA Reports, Queries, and SAP Business Objects, delivering actionable KPI insights empowering C-level executives to make data-driven decisions.

Market Intelligence Manager
Health Company, Town01/2019 to 12/2021
▪Built a team to manage development & execution of the market intelligence strategy for the sales department, identifying new customer segments, industry trends & product opportunities and competitor activities and pricing.
▪Established a purchasing team in Shanghai, China - reducing operational costs by 30% through improved supplier negotiation and enhanced supply chain efficiency via process optimization & best practice mentorship.
▪Designed and managed yearly budget & monthly reporting dashboards using SQL and Power Query, integrating ERP data for real-time performance tracking and empowering sales with actionable insights for strategic planning.
▪Built comprehensive internal databases and interactive dashboards to analyse the European dietary supplement market, providing detailed insights into market size, growth trends, competitor strategies & emerging opportunities.


Head of Supply Chain & E-Commerce
Health Company, Town 06/2015 to 12/2018
▪Led and managed an 8-member team across purchasing, logistics and inventory, ensuring seamless operations and high-quality outcomes, while meeting KPI goals and fostering performance growth in the team.
▪Managed supply chain operations for 1,000 products valued at €8M, reducing inventory while improving delivery times for 300+ customers.  
▪Developed a sales & purchasing forecasting system, optimizing stock levels with real-time ERP updates.
▪Strengthened supplier relationships & product quality through regular audits of factories in China.  
▪Built pricing and margin tools for sales teams, decreasing time-to-quote generation time for standard products.  

Manager E-Commerce
Health Company, Town 05/2014 to 05/2015
▪Developed and launched a B2B online shop for SMB customers using Magento, integrating with ERP and business systems to drive €250k sales in 18 months. 
▪Streamlined supply chain processes by establishing inventory warehousing and product repacking workflows, while managing a team of 3 for order fulfilment, repacking, and quality testing.


Early-Warning Quality Team Lead
Big Computer Company, xxxx, Town12/2008 to 04/2014
▪Supervised a team of 5 in an Early-Warning initiative to detect and resolve quality deviations in Commercial and Consumer PC & Printing segments across the EMEA supply chain, achieving $5M in annual warranty cost savings through quality programs and process improvements. 
▪Directed global Post-Mortem quality reviews, implementing preventative measures with Big Computer Company teams, service partners, repair lines, and factories.

Quality Program Manager
Big Computer Company, xxxx, Town02/2002 to 12/2008
▪Led efforts to detect and reduce product quality deviations, implementing corrective actions and utilizing Six Sigma Greenbelt methodology to lower product failures in Germany by 2%, saving $20M. 
▪Designed and implemented a streamlined process for capturing and analyzing hardware failures, collaborating with EMEA repair and service centers to improve issue resolution turnaround time.

KEY COMPETENCIES & SKILLS
▪Managerial & Operational Skills: IT Project Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Team Leadership, Process Improvement, Supply Chain Solutions, Marketing, Cost Reduction, International Trade, Strategic Planning, Vendor Management
▪Technical Skills: S/4HANA Analytics, SAP Business Objects, Power BI, SQL, Python, Magento, Salesforce, HubSpot, Google AdWords & Analytics, MS Office
▪Professional Qualifications: HP Six Sigma Greenbelt, GAMP5, HP Project Management, SAP Business Objects
▪Languages: English (native), German (B2)

EDUCATION
▪BA (Hons) Business Studies Open University, England
▪BTEC Higher National Certificate in Computer Studies (year 1), England
▪BTEC National Diploma in Computer Studies, England

Hi everyone, I am based in Germany. I am interviewing for a role in Dubai. my salary currently is EUR 140k+bonus+stocks per year. How much salary should I ask for in Dubai considering the relocation and costs? I have a wife and kid.

Like is there an indicator of how the economy will be in 3 years for IT jobs?

I plan to go to german uni first (I do speak german) but how can I prepare so I can enter the job market?

I was accepted into a masters program at the INSA business school in Barcelona. I know this is a much smaller school and program, but I am just hoping to hear from some alumni if their time at the university was worth the payment. The program is much more affordable than any programs in my home country (United States) and I previously lived in Spain and loved my time there.

Anyone have thoughts on the school? What is their reputation? Are they credible?

Hi everyone,
I've been working as a software developer for 4 months. Before that, I was working part-time during my last year at university. Right now, a company has reached out to me, and we are in the recruitment process. I told their HR that my salary expectation is xxx (40% higher than my current job). Even though the pay seems charming, I have doubts about working there due to the high-pressure environment, long working hours, weekend on-calls, etc., and meetings at 7 PM. Also, I have a very good relationship with my current workmates. I would like to hear your experiences about the trade-off between WLB (work-life balance) and money. What would you do if you were me?

Hi guys, i have scheduled interviews with three of the FAANGs in Poland and im in the "on-site" for one. I am wondering, how is the experience interviewing here compared to other countries? Harder Leetcode? More or less focus on system design/behavioural? And how much can i ask for senior level position? I need around 32-40k zloty for the offers to be competitive.

I am scheduled for Netflix, Google and Amazon, but I am also interested in companies like Box, Snowflake and Nvidia. Just any big tech in Poland.

Hi everyone, so my question is this, I'm thinking about doing a masters in CS. I have a couple of destinations on my mind such as Ireland, Switzerland or Germany, for various reasons.

I'm working for SAP and I've worked for Sky UK and Deloitte, but the thing is my grades from my bachelor are a bit subpar to be honest. I think they are Lower Second Class honours or Third Class depending on what conversion you use. I also have an IELTS with a band of 7.5.

So my question is, do you think with CV demonstrating the companies I've worked and with a decently high IELTS score, do you think universities like ETH Zurich or EPFL, or University College Dublin would even consider my application?

I know their objective is technically to put people working for those companies I've worked, but I believe I could make a jump to a FAANG by doing a masters on those countries.

Ps. The country I'm living in doesn't have an office of those FAANGs so that's one of the reasons I'm considering in case you're interested ;)

Also I have 2 years of experience in Software Development, do you think that would be considered as well?

Also I forgot to add this as well, I'm from an EU country just not a great one and I've also been admited before to a master to Vrije Universietat Amsterdam/ University of Amesterdam but I had to drop out.

Do you have any tips for an application or even universities?

Thank you!

Hello,

I started working at a company as junior software engineer with a very good name in the industry at November

The technologies that we are using are really interesting to me and I really liked my tasks thus far. However the commute is really long (3 hours back and forth) (hybrid 3 days at office), my manager is a little weird and the building is not in a very good condition.

My old job (1year internship) offered me a junior role with a lot better salary and benefits package, and less days at the office (hybrid 1 day at office) and I know all my previous colleagues and my manager and are all really good people. Also the company is much larger than the first one (global scale). However the technologies used although really cutting edge, i prefer them less than the first company.

What would you do in my position? Leave from first company to the second, or stay? The second company really showed that they want me back and I appreciate that. Also I dont think the difference in salary can be matched with a raise to my current company in the next years. However, its not the best to close the door on my current company. But since I am still a student at my university, the less days at office would really benefit me.

Hi everyone,

So I applied to an Adobe intern position for EMEA about two months ago. The communication has been quite arduous, and I wanted to ask if something like this is common or if anyone else has had similar experiences.

• After applying and completing the initial OA, I received an email stating I had passed and was invited to a technical interview. The email mentioned I would receive a confirmation within three days after submitting my availability and encouraged me to reach out to my Talent Partner if I had any questions. After waiting a week without confirmation, I emailed my Talent Partner—no response.
• About a week later, I received an automated email from my Talent Partner saying there had been a mix-up and asking if I could pick from three dates for a rescheduled interview. I replied immediately, saying all three dates worked for me, but I didn’t get a response. I followed up again—still no reply.
• A week before one of the suggested interview dates, my Workday account showed an interview was scheduled. Assuming everything was back on track, I started preparing heavily. However, the day before the supposed interview, the details disappeared from Workday without any explanation or notification. I reached out again—still no response.
• I contacted an assigned interviewer directly, who was kind enough to respond quickly, as he was the only other point of contact I had. He told me the interview had been rescheduled and that he had asked my Talent Partner to reach out to clarify. That was roughly two weeks ago, and I still haven’t heard back from my Talent Partner.

I understand people are busy, especially towards the end of the year, but I don’t know whether I should keep waiting for an update or assume the process has stalled completely.

Is this kind of communication gap common at Adobe or other big tech companies, or am I just being too impatient?

I’d appreciate any insights or similar experiences others may have had.

Thanks!

My first position as a student was a bit weird.

The first 4 months I was just working part time, doing basic coding in Python and C#.

Then summer hit and I worked fulltime for 2 months. Built major parts of the backend of a project and also did DB administration.

Then the startup imploded so I got let go.

What do I put this as on my resume? Internship, student worker, or something completely else?

(I am Danish, but also applying to positions in Germany)

Hi all,

I recently have been blessed enough to receive two offers - one for a tech unicorn and the other for an HFT firm. I'm wondering about people's differing experience in the industry, especially seniors. I'm inclined to accept the higher comp (HFT) but I'm worried career growth could suffer as you're not in a classic tech company. I'm also slightly worried about culture, although I got positive vibes through my interviews with them. What's your opinion?

I don't want to share details about comp but I found levels.fyi to be quite accurate. The Tech company's offer is about 35% lower than HFT, but it includes some equity and is still quite high.

edit: thanks all for the helpful discussions!

Hey all,

I've been trying to get a new job for the past year, even though I usually do fine the phone call.

But come the onsite, I start to bomb the interviews. I get brain fogs during technical interview, making me appear dumber than I am. And I can't help but diss my current company a little, which can be okay'ed by some or is raised as a redflag.

I feel like I am getting myself in a bad mood when preparing my behavioral answers, and I'd even fail to prepare my answers properly as my stories are never as braggy as they should, like I had to save my team once as intermediate SWE because nobody else was responsible or competent enough to fix the broken product before pushing it to production, but I forget to mention that during the interview.

I considered paying for mock interviews to help me adjust, but that's a lot of money for my pay, I can't afford it right now.

Can a kind soul share some advice ?

Hi everyone,

I'm a 26-year-old recent graduate with a master's degree in Computer Engineering from Florence, Italy. I'm eager to start working immediately and have been receiving several job offers, primarily from consulting companies in my area and nearby cities (Florence and surroundings). Some offers are from companies further away, like in Milan and Turin.

I've been hearing mixed advice about consulting companies—some say I should avoid them and focus on companies that directly develop products instead. My first question is: should I accept one of these offers (some of which are decent) or actively search for companies that align more with my interests?

Additionally, I’m torn about the idea of leaving everything behind and searching for work abroad. I have a good command of English, adapt easily to new environments, and the idea excites me. However, it’s also daunting to leave my friends, family, and girlfriend behind.

My current thought is to find a job near me for 1-2 years, gain some experience and build my résumé, with the goal of moving abroad after that. However, some people tell me that the longer I wait, the harder it will be to leave, and I might risk never going at all.

Is this true? Should I aim to move abroad as soon as possible, or is it okay to start locally and then transition abroad later?

I’d love to hear from anyone with similar experiences or advice about choosing between consulting vs. product companies and starting locally vs. going abroad right away.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

I've worked for small companies in tech for 20 years now, and am considering making a career switch from product manager to software engineer.

I'm in a Python / Java / Oracle boot camp through a local college at the moment and I'm doing some slutheing to see if moving to europe to study computer science would be an option.

I'm a huge foody, and the idea living in Europe while attending school kinda seems like a dream. Not sure if it's a possibility, it looks like some universities offer undergraduate degrees in English, not sure if anyone has made it work later in life. Italy and Portugal seem like a great place to live whereas Germany seems to have better programs possibly?

I am 27. I work at a crypto exchange in trade monitoring role. In the past worked as a junior ein Amsterdam with a very small firm that didn't do a lot. I already have a master's degree in investment analysis, with bachelor's in computer science. I'm planning to do another masters this time a very heavy quant oriented course say economics or quant finance in Netherlands and try to junior role again. I'll be 29 years when I graduate. Will 29 he too old to apply for the junior roles?

Hello, working in Berlin and got an offer for 85k with 10 YoE. Should I try finding something else? How much should I aim for? I am full stack dev. What do you think?

Update: industry is tech - company is well funded startup with headquarters in Munich

We all know not knowing German can be detrimental to your job search in Germany. But is the same true if you're targeting higher paying jobs (say 80k+)?

Do you know about companies that pay 80k+ for a mid level position that won't hire you if you don't speak German?