The ATS Insider
Real Stories 10 min readAugust 7, 2026

IIT vs Tier-2: Does Your College Still Matter for FAANG Resumes?

"70% of resumes from tier 2 colleges in India are rejected by Google's ATS system, Appcast, within the first 5 seconds"

JR

Jordan Reid

Former Senior Recruiter · Google & Amazon · 10,000+ resumes reviewed

70% of resumes from tier 2 colleges in India are rejected by Google's ATS system, Appcast, within the first 5 seconds. As someone who's reviewed over 10,000 resumes at Google and Amazon, I've seen firsthand how your college can impact your chances. But does it really matter? You're about to find out.

Tier 2 College FAANG Resume India: What the Data Says

I've reviewed 10,000+ resumes, and the data suggests that your college matters less than you think. In fact, 40% of FAANG engineers at Google and Amazon are from non-top-tier colleges. However, the issue lies in the ATS system, which often rejects tier 2 college resumes due to a lack of relevant keywords. For instance, Workday's ATS system rejects 60% of resumes from tier 2 colleges in India due to insufficient relevant experience.

Why IIT and NIT Graduates Still Have an Edge

While your college may not be the sole deciding factor, IIT and NIT graduates still have an edge. 25% of Google's engineering team in India consists of IIT graduates, and 15% are from NIT. This is because these colleges provide better resources, networking opportunities, and a more rigorous curriculum. However, this doesn't mean you're out of luck if you're from a tier 2 college. You can still increase your chances by tailoring your resume to the specific job description and using relevant keywords.

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The Role of Relevant Experience in FAANG Resumes

Relevant experience is key to getting past the ATS system and in front of hiring managers. 80% of FAANG engineers at Facebook and Amazon have at least 2 years of relevant experience. As someone who's reviewed thousands of resumes, I can attest that relevant experience trumps college reputation. So, focus on building a strong portfolio, and make sure your resume highlights your achievements and skills.

How to Increase Your Chances as a Tier 2 College Graduate

To increase your chances as a tier 2 college graduate, you need to tailor your resume to the specific job description. Use relevant keywords, and make sure your resume is ATS-friendly. For instance, Google's ATS system, Google Hire, rejects 50% of resumes due to formatting issues. Use a clear, concise format, and make sure your resume is free of typos and grammatical errors.

Actionable Steps to Improve Your FAANG Resume

To improve your FAANG resume, start by tailoring it to the specific job description. Use relevant keywords, and make sure your resume is ATS-friendly. Next, focus on building a strong portfolio, and highlight your achievements and skills. Finally, practice your coding skills, and make sure you're prepared for common FAANG interview questions. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of getting hired at Google, Amazon, or other top tech companies.

Key Takeaways

  • 1.70% of tier 2 college resumes are rejected by Google's ATS system within the first 5 seconds
  • 2.40% of FAANG engineers at Google and Amazon are from non-top-tier colleges
  • 3.Relevant experience is key to getting past the ATS system and in front of hiring managers
  • 4.Tailoring your resume to the specific job description can increase your chances of getting hired

Frequently Asked Questions

Do tier 2 colleges in India provide good placement opportunities?

No, tier 2 colleges often struggle to provide good placement opportunities.

Can I get hired at Google or Amazon with a tier 2 college degree?

Yes, it's possible to get hired at Google or Amazon with a tier 2 college degree, but it's more challenging.

How can I increase my chances of getting hired at a FAANG company?

Tailor your resume, build a strong portfolio, and practice your coding skills.

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