4 ms·

I've been in the business for almost 20 years. I've been hired for positions where I don't even code in the required language, and the employer depends on me to

I've been in the business for almost 20 years. I've been hired for positions where I don't even code in the required language, and the employer depends on me to learn it on the go. Until recently I've never had trouble securing a job. But I've been on the market now for about 2 years. I often can't even score an interview, even for jobs that exactly match my qualifications. I'm over 40, so I must assume ageism is a factor, but even in light of that, this tech job market feels like a desert.

vvpan 3y ago
I was about to consider an interview coach or just somebody to look at who I am, my resume, online presence and all that and give me very honest feedback. I thought that what I am lacking is a good idea of who I am and I how I present myself. Have you tried anything like that?
- DamnInteresting 3y ago
  I have not yet employed an interview coach, but I suspect it would be helpful to have a frank evaluation. I have a pretty large online presence, perhaps it is negatively affecting my opportunities in ways that I do not see. Hmm.
  - vvpan 3y ago
    I was worried about the same actually. I have an old crappy website that I have not updated in years and I was wondering if it's acting as my business card, which wouldn't be good. My doxed online presence is minimal otherwise.
bsder 3y ago
Participate in local user groups. In every single group I attend, people are looking to hire. However, these people are local. They almost certainly want you in-person at least some amount of the time. And, while I can't say that ageism isn't a factor, I can tell you that the users groups tend to be weighted toward the greybeards. I do think that the "remote work" thing is a bit of disadvantage for we greybeards. The value of having someone around who is experienced is having a colleague that you can interact with in casual context.

vvpan 3y ago

I was about to consider an interview coach or just somebody to look at who I am, my resume, online presence and all that and give me very honest feedback. I thought that what I am lacking is a good idea of who I am and I how I present myself. Have you tried anything like that?

DamnInteresting 3y ago
I have not yet employed an interview coach, but I suspect it would be helpful to have a frank evaluation. I have a pretty large online presence, perhaps it is negatively affecting my opportunities in ways that I do not see. Hmm.
- vvpan 3y ago
  I was worried about the same actually. I have an old crappy website that I have not updated in years and I was wondering if it's acting as my business card, which wouldn't be good. My doxed online presence is minimal otherwise.

bsder 3y ago

Participate in local user groups. In every single group I attend, people are looking to hire. However, these people are local. They almost certainly want you in-person at least some amount of the time. And, while I can't say that ageism isn't a factor, I can tell you that the users groups tend to be weighted toward the greybeards. I do think that the "remote work" thing is a bit of disadvantage for we greybeards. The value of having someone around who is experienced is having a colleague that you can interact with in casual context.