How I Stood Out: 6 Key Strategies That Helped Me Secure a Job at Salesforce After a Meta Layoff

• Before joining Salesforce, Selma Mouloudj experienced layoffs at Meta and a sales startup.
• To navigate the competitive market, she attended networking events and utilized LinkedIn.
• Mouloudj’s six strategies for distinguishing oneself in Big Tech also involve negotiating each offer.

This essay, compiled from an interview with Selma Mouloudj—a salesforce account executive based in Dublin—has been condensed and clarified for brevity and comprehension.

In 2021, I got a project management job offer from Meta when I was based in London. To take the role, I moved to Dublin in February 2022.

In 2023, I was impacted by worldwide staff reductions And I lost my job. I had to begin anew. Despite only being with Meta for a brief period, I found it hard to picture myself working anywhere else.

I realized finding employment was necessary.

Once I spent six months running my own e-learning venture, I concluded that the corporate sector suited me better, so I resumed my job hunt.

This prompted me to join a sales start-up in Ireland; however, once more, I found myself impacted by yet another round of layoffs. I was back at square one, unsure about my next steps.

I remember thinking, If I'm going to lose my job again, it might as well be from a Big Tech firm since then I'd have better chances for another opportunity. offered a package .

These layoffs made me realize just how tough the job market could be and how fiercely competitive everything gets during budget reductions. With everyone vying for the same positions, you must discover methods to distinguish yourself.

I joined Salesforce following interviews across major tech companies.

Before securing my present position, I had interviews with Google, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Pinterest. Salesforce .

The layoffs provided me with significant lessons, however securing positions at Meta and Salesforce as well as going through interviews with some of the largest tech firms globally offered invaluable perspectives.

If your aim is to distinguish yourself in Big Tech, I suggest focusing on these six aspects.

1. Quantify your résumé

One of the most effective methods to ensure your resume shines in Big Tech is through the use of quantifiable metrics .

Rather than just enumerating duties, emphasize your effect using statistics: "I boosted growth by 40% in this area" or "I handled the French market and met 115% of my target."

Consistently track and demonstrate your achievements with quantifiable metrics, as major tech firms value numerical evidence and statistics. Should your CV fail to include concrete outcomes, recruiters will likely proceed to consider alternative applicants.

2. Attend networking events

A key lesson I acquired during my search for employment at large tech companies was the significance of networking.

The majority of the interviews I secured were obtained through networking events. This includes my position at Salesforce as well. For instance, I received the invitation for an interview with Google thanks to a contact I had met during such an event, similar to how I came across the opportunity to interview at Pinterest.

Attending networking events provides you with direct contact to hiring managers who could refer you to recruiters. Occasionally, these referrals may enable you to skip the preliminary phone screen, advancing directly to the interview and technical assessment stages.

If you understand it, great! If not, give it another shot. Should you manage to create a positive impact, the hiring teams might reach out when an opening arises and mention, "We believe you'd be well-suited for this role."

3. Build relationships online

You can certainly connect online, yet this still involves cultivating relationships with those who could offer you employment, rather than simply messaging them once. Avoid going onto LinkedIn, slipping into someone’s direct messages, and asking, “Are there any openings? Could I work with you?”

Rather than directly seeking assistance, connect with the individuals you wish to collaborate with. Comment on their updates and aim to participate in discussions prior to requesting support.

If you're in a situation where you can seek assistance from someone, and you come across a job opening that interests you, forward the job ID and kindly inquire if they would consider referring you. Large technology firms provide bonuses to their staff for successful recommendations—so should my referral lead to your hiring, I will receive this incentive.

4. Never stop interviewing

While job hunting, continue with interviews even when you believe you have a promising offer.

Before joining Salesforce, I received two job offers — one from Salesforce and another. I ultimately chose the best offer.

There were also times when I made it to the final round of an interview, only for the company to enter a hiring freeze. Or once, a company came back and said they accidentally miscounted their head count and really couldn't afford to hire after all.

When things like this happen, it's helpful to have a Plan B or to have your name out there with more than one company.

5. Check back, but avoid being overly eager

In my youth, I lacked the necessary emotional intelligence. After being turned down for a position I desired, I'd send an email to the hiring manager saying something like, "Wow, I was really hoping to get this job."

I've come to understand that being desperate isn’t helpful. Now, after having an interview for a position, I just send out a thank-you email.

Were it not for being informed of when I'd receive a response, I’d typically wait around five business days prior to sending a brief follow-up email regarding our discussion.

6. Engage in negotiation, and always be aware of your value.

Job interviews are excellent for initially securing a chance, but after demonstrating your capabilities and receiving an offer, negotiate .

If I had been wiser back when I was 25, I would have haggled more aggressively. Negotiations aren’t solely focused on compensation; they’re also an opportunity to talk about benefits such as telecommuting possibilities, tuition assistance programs, or certification courses aimed at boosting your professional growth. Many individuals in the technology sector seek advanced degrees like MBAs or industry-specific certifications even while employed, so it’s beneficial to inquire about those prospects during discussions.

An additional aspect to think about is volunteering. At Salesforce, workers get what’s known as volunteer paid time off — seven days of compensated absence to back a cause or charity.

If you receive an offer from a major tech company during an interview, my suggestion is as follows: Don’t accept it right away. Instead, state your desired terms. Securing even a 10 percent raise can be considered successful. Always remember your value and feel confident enough to request it; never agree to the initial proposal.

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