There are many articles and blog posts on how to find a tech or a programming job. There are some on deciphering tech job advertisements. Like how they’d advise you to apply for the job if you match at least 50% of the qualifications listed. But I rarely encounter any posts on what the job seeker looks out for, so I wanted to take this time while I’m actively job searching to do just that.
Job advertisements are for companies and organizations to find a new employee. Another way of putting it is they are looking for you and therefore the posts are as much for them as they are for you.
“CS Degree or equivalent”
This is one of the first things I skim for when I’m first looking at a job post. If this is stated as such, most of the time I close the ad immediately. I’m a (coding) boot camp graduate with an accounting degree after all.
Additionally, I’m mostly interested in the front end and working with design, UI and UX. Indeed it is relevant and the job does require working CS knowledge, but frankly I don’t think it disqualifies me just because I can’t afford to earn another 4 year degree.
There are many job opportunities out there and since I am not limiting myself to just one geographical location. I’d rather not waste my time applying to futile endeavors as I’m sure they’d appreciate we don’t waste their time either.
Experience
Unlike my rigid approach to the prior point, I’m a little more forgiving with this aspect. I feel hiring managers / recruiters are also more flexible when it comes to this point. After all, the advertisement describes the ideal candidate and organizations are open to slightly less than ideal applicants.
What does bother me is if the post states it is an entry level position and yet the qualification is asking for 3 or more years of experience. I’m unsure what the industry considers as an entry level position and if any experience is required for them, but asking for 3+ for an entry level job seems to be pushing the boundary.
Information
If you can persuade me in a single short paragraph to want to work for you and think I’m a great fit for the open position you’re advertising, FANTASTIC, but that’s nearly impossible.
Typically there’s a short description on the organization and one for the position. That’s most definitely the absolute minimum unless you’re that confident of your brand. Even then, details on diversity and company culture goes a long way. Of course said info is surely to be found on the company’s website, but if you’re trying to persuade someone as fast as possible to apply for the position you’d want to make it as convenient as possible.
With that said if you’re open to international candidates and willing to sponsor visas, a link or information to visa requirements or the necessary qualifications is best. No doubt it would filter out the number of applicants because applying for visas are clear-cut and there’s hardly any wiggle-room.
Now specifically regarding tech job posts, obviously the tech stack is the first requirement. But more importantly informing us of what tasks and responsibilities the role has. Personally I like some sort of structure, so more details and outlined responsibilities is much appreciated. Smaller organizations, rightly so, may have a longer list as the role is typically more flexible and the future employee is more likely to wear several hats at once.
Passion
This is such a subjective term and it irks me each time I see it. What is “passion”? Is it the displayed and portrayed feeling or emotion shown when working? Is it the persisting dedication working towards a goal? Is it the amount of experience or consistent education in that field?
If your definition leans towards the portrayed emotion, what if candidates have a mental disorder or condition preventing them from displaying those feelings, or what if they’re simply not displayed but felt internally? Why is it more prevalent and popular than a strong work ethic? These are the thoughts that cross my mind each and every time I see it.
There is a perception where developers and engineers must be passionate about coding and programming and technology. So much so there was a recent TikTok video basically detailing my point.
If doctors were interviewed for jobs like software engineers:
So what do you do in your free time?
My free time? I’m not sure that’s relevant. I spend time with my family, go on runs…
So you don’t like perform surgery in your free time or do free medical consults on the subway?
No, I love being a doctor but it’s my job.
That’s a bummer because we were really looking for someone who also does their job outside of work.
But like not for money?
No no no, if you were really passionate about being a doctor you wouldn’t want money.
— https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ugcPost-6719934818181804032-h02l
It was evidently made purely to poke fun at the aforementioned perception of programmers and those in tech. I love it because it really points at the issue in a comical manner. At this day and age, fortunate people are choosing their careers based on their preferences and not out of need to earn a living wage. Therefore developers and engineers in the industry, employed and seeking, are in it because they enjoy it!
Honestly I simply can’t do anymore coding or programming after a work day. I put 100% into my work day and most of the time I leave work mentally exhausted. Which is why I value work-life balance; I need the rest to recharge and get back at it. That does not mean I dislike the job, or do not enjoy it, or find it exhausting. Rather, I enjoy the work and the problem solving leading me to give my all at the task at hand!
