OP mentioned working previously at a "unicorn" and having referrals. Keep in mind that those signals are much easier to detect (and thus justify decisions based

OP mentioned working previously at a "unicorn" and having referrals. Keep in mind that those signals are much easier to detect (and thus justify decisions based upon). Without these, one faces a number of challenges: - You need to get your resume looked at somehow - It's well-known that when it comes to programming and system design, "Real recognize real" - You need a wide variety of skills beyond programming and system design: social skills (sometimes moreso than anything else), sometimes classic CS search/sorting/optimization techniques - They might realize they need someone with different specializations - You might remind the interviewer of someone they dislike