Leading a side project up to release is already a plus : it means that you can build a product by yourself, which is actually quite rare among developers (few e

Leading a side project up to release is already a plus : it means that you can build a product by yourself, which is actually quite rare among developers (few even try, many of those who try never get it done). On top of that, having a side project which actually has users is better : this gives you street cred and also demonstrates you can communicate with stackholders. If you have a side project in the same field than the business you're trying to get in, obviously, this is almost an instant hire. Developers often think business domain is a detail, business people don't.