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Ask HN: which jobs are accessible to very introverted devs?

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Re: Ask HN: which jobs are accessible to very introverted devs?

#11

Post by antninja »

antitrust wrote: post #6

> I am told that my technical competence is undeniable but I'm way too introverted to be hired My sympathy, because I can imagine this must be puzzling. From experience, my analysis tree would go like this: 1. Is this a euphemism or excuse? Euphemisms can be used to cover up other meanings like "you look like a serial killer" or "bathe more." You might want to pursue those angles. Excuses can cover things like you wa…

I look good but I speak too softly and I don't know how to improvise in conversations. So for a one-to-one technical conversation I have no problem but for casual chats within a group, I just listen and get nervous if the attention is on me. It's due to a lack of experience in talking (and being talked to) combined to perfectionism. The problem is that I need a job soon, not after several years of trying to gain this experience.

I chose to learn programming thinking the job would just be me and a computer, referring to one boss, but there seems to be more meetings and customer interactions than I hoped. Other commenters said that more quiet programming jobs exist so I'll keep sending my resume to companies who build their own softwares instead of agencies. I'm just a bit despaired that no one wants to let me work.

In a more long-term way, I'm trying to create my own business (disrupt Facebook!). If I can't be the employee, I must become the employer.

Re: Ask HN: which jobs are accessible to very introverted devs?

#12

Post by wes-exp »

mathattack wrote: post #10

Why focus on agencies which put a premium on extroversion? Most technical companies worth their salt are happy to have introverted developers doing the hard coding behind the scenes. In general you'll be better off at a software firm that markets to consumers, since there is less direct client interaction. (It's not that you won't be good at client interaction, it's that you have to convince someone) Because of this,…

I second this. Join your kind. Another option could be academia.

Re: Ask HN: which jobs are accessible to very introverted devs?

#13

Post by antninja »

mathattack wrote: post #10

Why focus on agencies which put a premium on extroversion? Most technical companies worth their salt are happy to have introverted developers doing the hard coding behind the scenes. In general you'll be better off at a software firm that markets to consumers, since there is less direct client interaction. (It's not that you won't be good at client interaction, it's that you have to convince someone) Because of this,…

Most of the job offers in Paris seem to come from agencies (for junior developers). I used to avoid sending resumes to agencies but now I'm trying to be less selective.

Re: Ask HN: which jobs are accessible to very introverted devs?

#14

Post by mathattack »

antninja wrote: post #13
mathattack wrote: post #10

Why focus on agencies which put a premium on extroversion? Most technical companies worth their salt are happy to have introverted developers doing the hard coding behind the scenes. In general you'll be better off at a software firm that markets to consumers, since there is less direct client interaction. (It's not that you won't be good at client interaction, it's that you have to convince someone) Because of this,…

Most of the job offers in Paris seem to come from agencies (for junior developers). I used to avoid sending resumes to agencies but now I'm trying to be less selective.

How's your math? A disproportionate amount of financial software comes out of Paris. Usually the math requirements for these jobs are pretty high. (Hence they like hiring French mathematicians)

Many firms like Google and Facebook are setting up in Paris too to take advantage of the tech talent.

Re: Ask HN: which jobs are accessible to very introverted devs?

#15

Post by johnward »

ig1 wrote: post #3

You probably can become less introverted with practice if it's something you want, it's hard but not impossible. How introverted are you ? - web agencies and the like which require client interaction will tend to require more extroverted developers but if you're at a large company working on internal project it tends to be much less of an issue.

If you are introverted there is a good chance you won't want to deal with clients anyway. I know it is the most stressful and draining part of my days. I dread the next work day when I get home.

Re: Ask HN: which jobs are accessible to very introverted devs?

#16

Post by helen842000 »

Next time you interview address this head on. The jobs that are accessible are the jobs that you want to do.

Interviewers are mis-judging you and that's not fair. When they get to the section that says "how would your friends/colleagues describe you" use it as an example that puts their mind at rest.

Say "oh sure, people that don't know me well may think I'm introverted, however as they get to know me they'll see that I'm just naturally a good listener. That's the role I take in a group setting and I enjoy it. It's quite a rare skill, usually people are fighting to be heard. My friends would describe me as a deep thinker and while I maybe shy in a new environment, it only takes a little while for me to integrate and feel at home in a new team. I have deep interests in X & Y and these complement my skills in technology"

Hiring managers know people are nervous at interview stage, check the 'team player' box by mentioning clubs, friends or other hobbies.

If anyone here wants interview practice, improvised discussion, improved speaking register, removing the perception of introversion, I'd be happy to jump on a Skype call/chat to help. We can chat about web stuff, projects and hopefully in exchange I can fill in some gaps on my technical knowledge while we talk.

I know exactly what it's like. After I finished my CS degree I worked for a short while as an I.T recruiter to learn the industry from the other side and pick what field I should go into. I was on the hiring side of the table and I had to help people get past the nerves so they would do their best. It drained me to be in a job that involved talking all day but long term it really improved how I express myself and how I respond during interviews.

If anyone wants to chat my email is my username at gmail dot com.

Re: Ask HN: which jobs are accessible to very introverted devs?

#17

Post by alexhawdon »

antninja wrote: post #11
antitrust wrote: post #6

> I am told that my technical competence is undeniable but I'm way too introverted to be hired My sympathy, because I can imagine this must be puzzling. From experience, my analysis tree would go like this: 1. Is this a euphemism or excuse? Euphemisms can be used to cover up other meanings like "you look like a serial killer" or "bathe more." You might want to pursue those angles. Excuses can cover things like you wa…

I look good but I speak too softly and I don't know how to improvise in conversations. So for a one-to-one technical conversation I have no problem but for casual chats within a group, I just listen and get nervous if the attention is on me. It's due to a lack of experience in talking (and being talked to) combined to perfectionism. The problem is that I need a job soon, not after several years of trying to gain this…

I must admit that last sentence certainly isn't without irony!

Seriously though, I wish you the best of luck. My advice would be to get yourself a good portfolio assembled and then maybe approach small- to medium-sized companies and just be open and frank with them. If you can demonstrate you have the skills there will be someone out there who is happy just to have someone sat coding up briefs, reporting only to them. Larger companies might find it more difficult to get around the mindset that meetings are universally important and everyone eventually wants to be a manager. A small business owner might see someone like you as a godsend if you help them understand that in return for being largely undisturbed (in a social, obv not work sense!) you will be loyal and productive.

Re: Ask HN: which jobs are accessible to very introverted devs?

#18

Post by anywherenotes »

I would expect in software companies being extrovert isn't a requirement. It's not a requirement were I work.

Developers don't deal with customers directly, we got support and to lesser degree management doing that. So I don't see why being an introvert would be bad.

I guess in a web-agency you will work directly with customers, so it makes sense to hire people who are better at dealing with people (Office Space flashback).

Re: Ask HN: which jobs are accessible to very introverted devs?

#19

Post by _random_ »

Keep searching and applying. Frankly speaking interview is a quite structured experience, so you can learn the rules. Also you will be able to become more extroverted over the time. You are lucky because it's just about only modern profession that allows you to be both introverted and relatively successfull. I would bet that John Carmack and Mark Zuckerberg are quite introverted, it's just that they had a lot of practice and people wanted to hear them regardless.

Re: Ask HN: which jobs are accessible to very introverted devs?

#20

Post by antitrust »

antninja wrote: post #11
antitrust wrote: post #6

> I am told that my technical competence is undeniable but I'm way too introverted to be hired My sympathy, because I can imagine this must be puzzling. From experience, my analysis tree would go like this: 1. Is this a euphemism or excuse? Euphemisms can be used to cover up other meanings like "you look like a serial killer" or "bathe more." You might want to pursue those angles. Excuses can cover things like you wa…

I look good but I speak too softly and I don't know how to improvise in conversations. So for a one-to-one technical conversation I have no problem but for casual chats within a group, I just listen and get nervous if the attention is on me. It's due to a lack of experience in talking (and being talked to) combined to perfectionism. The problem is that I need a job soon, not after several years of trying to gain this…

> I don't know how to improvise in conversations.

This is hard for everyone. It's why people make so many references to television, movies, music and sports in their small talk.

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