I mean fair enough, all in the spirit of trying to help OP. I think your answer was definitely helpful and representative of many hiring processes. Personally

I mean fair enough, all in the spirit of trying to help OP. I think your answer was definitely helpful and representative of many hiring processes. Personally I can't remember a situation where side projects made a difference, except maybe for hiring interns. I care much more about learning how people behave in real work situations, to the point where side project isn't even a signal. I don't obsess over perfect candidates either. I'll advertise/interview until I find someone competent and capable of growth. However those are rare enough (and the field in demand enough) that I haven't had to choose between candidates often. But if I do, I'll do my best to decide based on real work experience. Reality is messy, certainly I've bowdlerized my experience but I think that's directionally correct. To summarize, I hope OP just goes at it and starts interviewing as much as possible after spending a few hours talking himself up. I'm sure he's good enough as it is to be hired. Same conclusion as you really :)