Look for companies that don't do the Computer Science Trivial Pursuit hiring process. Then probably filter to companies where you are building something core t

Look for companies that don't do the Computer Science Trivial Pursuit hiring process. Then probably filter to companies where you are building something core to the business and the job isn't stuck in the IT department which is usually treated as a cost center. Smaller tech companies usually will have more of a need for broad experience and aptitude because they don't have departments of XYZ specialists like large companies often do. Then filter by stuff that interests you in some way. It doesn't have to be a passion, in my opinion, since you are working on someone else's product/passion. It would help but just being excited about whatever it is they build helps. It would be cool if you could put postings out there like "Hey do you like coding? like working with others? like __some_domain__? We do __some_domain__ using XYZ tech, come talk to us." I believe the HR folks like to put requirements down because it gives them something to filter on that is easily defensible should employment law get in the mix.