How to Look Experienced

When applying for roles, especially at start-ups, showing that you can work independently is essential. Start-ups need engineers who can take full ownership of their work and solve problems without needing constant guidance. This is where the shift from L3 (entry-level) to L4 (mid-level) matters most.

At L3, you’re usually following direction, contributing to team projects, and learning the ropes. For example, your resume might say:

L3 Example

Data Engineer - Global IT Services (Oct 2019 - Dec 2020)

- Ran SQL queries on large-scale datasets for business analysis.

- Built dashboards and reports using Power BI to visualize business metrics.

- Processed and cleaned data to ensure accuracy and consistency.

In contrast, at L4, you are expected to take initiative, lead projects, and demonstrate measurable impact. Your resume should reflect more ownership and independence. For example:

L4 Example

Data Engineer - Global IT Services (Oct 2019 - Dec 2020)

- Led the development of an automated data pipeline, reducing processing errors by 50% and enhancing data quality.

- Designed and implemented a series of interactive dashboards, improving decision

-making speed by 30%.

- Developed complex SQL scripts that streamlined reporting processes, reducing manual workload by 25%.

The key difference? L4 roles are about showing that you can independently manage and deliver projects. Rather than simply executing tasks, you are driving results, solving problems proactively, and contributing to the company’s success in measurable ways.

By making this shift in how you present your experience, you show hiring managers—especially at start-ups—that you’re ready to make an impact from day one, without needing constant direction.