When should I switch companies for career growth?

Data shows the biggest salary jumps (20-40%) come from external moves, not internal promotions (3-7% average raise). Consider switching if: you have been in the same role 2+ years without significant growth, your market rate has outpaced your compensation, or you have stopped learning. Run 2-3 external interviews per year to stay calibrated.

What is the average salary increase when changing tech jobs?

According to 2024 Levels.fyi data, engineers who switch companies see an average 20-30% total compensation increase. Senior engineers (L5+) often negotiate 30-50% increases when moving between FAANG companies, especially when leveraging competing offers.

How do I negotiate a higher offer after receiving it?

Follow this framework: 1) Express enthusiasm for the role, 2) Share your research on market rates (cite Levels.fyi, Glassdoor), 3) Request a specific number 15-20% above the offer, 4) Be prepared to negotiate equity and signing bonus if base is fixed. 84% of people who negotiated received a higher offer.

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How to Follow Up After an Interview Without Being Annoying

February 9, 2026

Career Growth5 min read

How to Follow Up After an Interview Without Being Annoying

The follow-up is a delicate balance between showing interest and being pushy. The optimal cadence: thank-you within 24 hours, check-in at 1 week if no response, one more at 2 weeks, then move on.

Follow-up timing matters: emails sent between Tuesday-Thursday, 9-11 AM local time, have the highest open rates (42%) according to HubSpot research. Avoid Monday mornings and Friday afternoons.

Follow-Up Timeline

When	Action	Channel
Within 24 hours	Thank-you email to each interviewer	Email
1 week	Check-in with recruiter if no response	Email
2 weeks	One more polite follow-up	Email or LinkedIn
3+ weeks	Move on; apply elsewhere	—