On Wed, May 7, I attended a meetup titled “How to Master the Tech Interview” by Mr. Itay Sharfi, a data science professor with over 14 years of experience in the tech industry. It was a very eye-opening experience, especially as someone without a strong technical background. Mr. Sharfi shared many personal insights and practical advice on navigating the tech interview process. One key takeaway was how subjective interviews can be. Your chances often depend not just on your performance, but also on who the interviewer is and how previous candidates did. He also pointed out how competitive the job market is, with some roles receiving up to 2,000 applications. Many resumes can appear generic or spam-like, so clear specialization is crucial to stand out. The tech job market is challenging due to more competition and fewer job openings. Generic resumes no longer work; candidates must tailor their resumes for each specific role. Even entry-level jobs often require experience, making it harder to stand out. To increase your chances, focus on roles that match your skills and customize your resume for each application. The speaker emphasized that interviews aren’t just about answering questions correctly—they’re also about showing your behavior, how you think, and how you respond under pressure. He stressed the importance of domain knowledge, clear communication, and mock interviews, including trying the role of the interviewer to gain perspective. For individuals who face speech challenges, feel nervous, or speak with an accent, slowing down your speech can make you sound more confident and clear. Taking a brief pause and focusing on enunciation allows your message to be better understood and delivered more effectively. Overall, the event provided me with practical tools and a better understanding of what employers are looking for, leaving me more prepared and focused for future interviews. I’m excited to attend more of Mr. Sharfi’s events and continue learning from his expertise.