The Saturation Effect: How FAANG Layoffs Raised Data Engineering's Interview Bar

Following 2022-2024 mass layoffs at major tech companies, the data engineering job market became flooded with senior-level talent, forcing employers to raise hiring standards significantly. The shift wasn't driven by increased technical complexity but by a dramatically improved applicant pool—mid-level candidates now compete against laid-off seniors willing to accept position downgrades. Understanding this structural market change is essential for anyone navigating the current data engineering job market.