4 ms·

> Look for evidence of side-projects or things that go above and beyond. This is always a good sign. Of course, be understanding of people’s personal situations

> Look for evidence of side-projects or things that go above and beyond. This is always a good sign. Of course, be understanding of people’s personal situations—not everyone has a personal and professional life that allows them the luxury of side projects. That said, I believe most conscientious people will have evidence of these types of projects, even if they are doing them as part of their day job. I have side projects, but they are not public. I could talk about them if required in an interview, but then I guess the author would then not consider me to be enough "conscientious".

throwaway2037 5y ago
I agree. In 2022, it is amazing that people are still using (public) "side projects" as a very strong signal for good job candidates. Taken to the absurd: <<Does this candidate from Google "Jeff Dean" have any public side projects? No. Pffth. Skip that CV... After all, we only hire the best here!>> That also means most people with heavy emotional labour duties (pregnancy, family care, illness, health issues, etc.) are excluded, almost by definition.
- ddkwool 5y ago
  Thank you for this. I have spent the last few years bringing up my kids, and now dread the application process in getting back to work, lots of interesting little projects that are not online and yes health issues have been in my way. How do I present myself as worthy in this landscape?
  - sdevonoes 5y ago
    > How do I present myself as worthy in this landscape? I do interviews at my company. What I do consider is: - can we (you and me) talk about a problem in technical terms and come up with a solution in a decent time (e.g., 30 min.)? If so, I want you in my team (so I vote "hire", but others decide) - your past experience (professional or not). Similar as above: walk me through your most interesting projects/products If you are good enough that you can mock the previous 2 points (talk BS and the like) without actually knowing what you are talking about and you even convince me of the contrary... well, you are hired as well (that's like the Chinese Room problem, right?)

throwaway2037 5y ago

I agree. In 2022, it is amazing that people are still using (public) "side projects" as a very strong signal for good job candidates. Taken to the absurd: <<Does this candidate from Google "Jeff Dean" have any public side projects? No. Pffth. Skip that CV... After all, we only hire the best here!>> That also means most people with heavy emotional labour duties (pregnancy, family care, illness, health issues, etc.) are excluded, almost by definition.

ddkwool 5y ago
Thank you for this. I have spent the last few years bringing up my kids, and now dread the application process in getting back to work, lots of interesting little projects that are not online and yes health issues have been in my way. How do I present myself as worthy in this landscape?
- sdevonoes 5y ago
  > How do I present myself as worthy in this landscape? I do interviews at my company. What I do consider is: - can we (you and me) talk about a problem in technical terms and come up with a solution in a decent time (e.g., 30 min.)? If so, I want you in my team (so I vote "hire", but others decide) - your past experience (professional or not). Similar as above: walk me through your most interesting projects/products If you are good enough that you can mock the previous 2 points (talk BS and the like) without actually knowing what you are talking about and you even convince me of the contrary... well, you are hired as well (that's like the Chinese Room problem, right?)