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Comment by mik3y | Hacker News Reader

I worked for a "big 4" (Google) for many years, and now I lead the engineering team at a startup. I've interviewed many hundreds of people. And I've "been there" in anxiety about interviewing for something new.

Let me make you a deal: call me up and I'll interview you, no "puzzles". Except instead of this being about a job with me, I'll give you feedback from the interview and any advice I can. You can reach me at mikey@ (domain in my profile).

(Depression signs are another matter; others have given some good advice there.)

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Happy to do the same. Been through similar feelings, including the spiral of self-doubt and constant failure.

Maybe my experience can give you another point of view or some ideas on figuring out what's next.

Happy to be a sounding board if you're looking more for that.

My email is in my profile.

I've taken and given a fair number of engineering interviews myself (though not quite hundreds) and am willing to echo this offer. My email is in my profile. I'm happy to lend an ear on other issues if you want, I've been to some dark places myself and could offer some perspective.

Just want to acknowledge how productive/awesome this response is to a very vulnerable HN post.

Thanks! Can't edit my post, but didn't expect such a positive response, really cool to see others offering an ear as well.

OP's got a _lot_ going on here: fear of being stuck at a prestigious company; team/interpersonal struggles; the feeling of vulnerability from bombing an interview (which was also "the one" opportunity); possibly burnout; and the potentially very serious signs of depression. Thought I'd try to take a chance at demystifying some of the demons I know better, I'd probably learn a bit too.

Whether or not he or she reaches out, there are a lot of other great responses here, and I hope OP can at least feel less alone.

This is awesome! I too have been there, feeling unemployable, anxious, etc.

That said, I got past it, just as OP will.

I'm willing to do the same. Email in profile.

When I pull it up, your profile looks blank.

Weird! nik DOT harris0 AT gmail.com

Excellent gesture, excellent thought, worth replicating like others have.

OP - I'm also happy to do a mock interview for free. Feel free to reach out (info in the profile), whenever you feel ready. [Disclaimer: I run a for-profit in the space, but we're all humans first]

This is, aside from a great gesture, a super pragmatic and efficient way to help someone (engineer style). You've made my morning happier.

What a lovely gesture!

You're a good man. A very, very good man.

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