Job search

Stage 1 · Lesson 2 of 7

Your constraints, written down first

Know your target

Before you build a company list, write down : the things that limit your search. They include the cities you can work in or whether you need remote work, any visa or needs, and your (how long your current job needs before you can leave).

Add when you can start and the lowest pay you would accept. Treat these as filters. Applying them early saves weeks spent in processes for jobs you would have to turn down.

They also shape the next steps. A remote-only search changes which you use. A visa requirement narrows the companies worth listing.

Common trapleaving your constraints vague until an offer arrives, then finding that a move to another city or a three-month notice period breaks the deal at the last step.

A question to check yourself, an AI practice session and 1 cheat sheet entry come with the full roadmap. Unlock

Resources for this stage

Keep handy

  • Pay by company, level and city, plus level mappings to compare titles across employers

  • Salary ranges and interview reports for local companies that levels.fyi does not cover

Also worth your time

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