Lightning Mock: Do You Sound Like an Engineer or an EM?

Hosted by Alexander Kliotzkin and Uzair Khan

What you'll learn

Find Out Your Level—Fast

Answer real interview questions and get clear feedback: are your answers landing as an Engineer, EM, or Sr. EM?

Get Real-Time Coaching & Feedback

We’ll break down what you did well, where you’re underselling yourself, and how to le

Bridge the Gap to the Next Role

Walk away knowing exactly what to tweak so your answers resonate at the level you’re aiming for.

Why this topic matters

Most EMs don’t realize they’re interviewing below the level they want. Maybe your answers sound like “Engineer” when you’re aiming for EM. Or like EM when you’re aiming for Sr. EM. This lightning mock is your fast, safe way to test yourself, get expert coaching, and learn how to signal the right level before the real loop.

You'll learn from

Alexander Kliotzkin

Director of Engineering and Career Coach

Alex is an experienced tech leader with 18+ years of international experience in big tech and startups.

Alongside his full-time job as a Director of Engineering, Alex pursues his passion for helping engineers grow as a Career & Leadership Coach, having coached 100+ engineers into leadership roles.

A graduate of University of Waterloo, Alex worked for 11 years at Qualcomm in San Diego, before relocating to Munich, Germany, where he now resides.

Uzair Khan

Engineering Manager at Stripe and ex-Amazon Bar Raiser

Current Engineering Manager at Stripe.
Formerly an Engineering Manager at Amazon for 5 years.
Ex-Amazon Bar Raiser with over 250 interviews conducted at Amazon.
More than 20 years of experience in Software Development.
10 years of engineering management experience spanning roles as Engineering Manager, Director, and VP of Engineering.
Successfully trained, managed, and promoted numerous Engineering Managers throughout his career.
Bachelors of Software Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Class of 2007.

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