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I mostly get jobs through the job boards, cold applying. I've used StackOverflow, Indeed, BuiltInChicago, Craigslist, LinkedIn, etc. Third party recruiters usu

I mostly get jobs through the job boards, cold applying. I've used StackOverflow, Indeed, BuiltInChicago, Craigslist, LinkedIn, etc. Third party recruiters usually don't work out for me, either. They contact me about a job, then put me in a loop of calling several places and sendind resumes to them. Might get a few interviews but no offers. Then the recruiters stay silent for a few months. My personal network is fairly disappointing. I can count a total of two times that I have gotten job interviews through a colleague or friend. Most of the time, they don't have what I'm looking for, and tell me they'll keep an eye out for something. But it never pans out. I don't do many social activities. I won't be motivated enough till I get my life on track. Not really big into social media either, but that's always been the case with me. So right now, job listings have been the most effective way for me to convert to job offers. There's no shortage of mid-level to senior developer jobs in Chicago.

twobyfour 9y ago
Instead of waiting for recruiters to contact you (the ones who do are usually the spammy and ineffective ones), try asking around and see if you can get a referral to a recruiter that someone you know has worked with (from either end) and found effective. You might even get some recommendations from HN. It also sounds like you might have room to improve your interviewing skills - your description seems to suggest that that's the bottleneck in your funnel. That's something else a recruiter can help you improve your skills for; so can some job centers, or even a friend who's a hiring manager and willing to spend a little time mock-interviewing. Good luck!
- djellybeans 9y ago
  Are there any sources for sample video interviews that I can watch and review? Just as there are websites that show sample resumes for different professions? Right now I have used Pramp and went on one mock interview so far, to work on my technical skills. Got anywhere between 2/7 and 3/7 in the qualities I was reviewed for, but I can still take more interviews to improve there. The most insightful interview has been with Triplebyte, though. They went into great detail telling. In general, I code well, but I code slow. Also, they said I wasn't really showing much depth in any particular area, although I have showcased a variety of skills. I'm gonna try finding a professional who has time to do a mock interview with me. Setting up time for one may be the only tricky thing.

twobyfour 9y ago

Instead of waiting for recruiters to contact you (the ones who do are usually the spammy and ineffective ones), try asking around and see if you can get a referral to a recruiter that someone you know has worked with (from either end) and found effective. You might even get some recommendations from HN. It also sounds like you might have room to improve your interviewing skills - your description seems to suggest that that's the bottleneck in your funnel. That's something else a recruiter can help you improve your skills for; so can some job centers, or even a friend who's a hiring manager and willing to spend a little time mock-interviewing. Good luck!

djellybeans 9y ago
Are there any sources for sample video interviews that I can watch and review? Just as there are websites that show sample resumes for different professions? Right now I have used Pramp and went on one mock interview so far, to work on my technical skills. Got anywhere between 2/7 and 3/7 in the qualities I was reviewed for, but I can still take more interviews to improve there. The most insightful interview has been with Triplebyte, though. They went into great detail telling. In general, I code well, but I code slow. Also, they said I wasn't really showing much depth in any particular area, although I have showcased a variety of skills. I'm gonna try finding a professional who has time to do a mock interview with me. Setting up time for one may be the only tricky thing.