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Ask HN: How do I perform given a 1 month probation period?

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Ask HN: How do I perform given a 1 month probation period?

#1

Post by pzk1 »

A bit of background. Dev exp 3 years of on/off .Net, no git, a bit of Java in college, previous role is closer to an analyst for IT projects in reality.

Starts to learn JS. After few startups and projects in the space of half a year, got into 1 of the most popular startups in the region.

Then life hits -- daily scrums, JIRA, talented full stack devs, Some tasks I did well but some didn't, e.g too long to finish, have to be redo by the CTO due to regressions and poor code quality.

So today is the end of my third month here. CTO decides on giving me another month of probation. We both agree I am not up to par with most of the output of the other seasoned devs.

Things I need todo: framing problems, asking the right questions, focusing on a specific repo rather than trying to be involved in all repos, and thinking creatively to create quality code.

But how do I create quality code, elegant solutions and fast, in the space of 1 month? Do I finish up Code Complete 2? Or do I practice my fundamental JS knowledge doing exercises?

Re: Ask HN: How do I perform given a 1 month probation period?

#2

Post by partisan »

Read the code of the other developers whom you respect and admire at your company. Look at how they have solved problems, but better still, understand what the problems were that they were facing. One thing I notice in newer and less experienced devs is that they tend to feel like the solutions they see are "stupid" or "wrong" and aren't open to understanding the solutions they see in existing code. By reading and understanding code written by others with an open, empathetic mind, you can understand the types of solutions that are favored in your workplace.

This is not the silver bullet, but just one of the things you can do to improve your situation.

Re: Ask HN: How do I perform given a 1 month probation period?

#3

Post by nfriedly »

Running "lint" tools on your code can be helpful for catching basic things, http://eslint.org/ is my favorite one for JS, I know ones exist for other languages.

After that, ask for code reviews. If you don't understand why the reviewer is suggesting a change, keep digging until you do.

Also, as partisan said, reading through the code from the other devs will be a huge win. Even if it doesn't follow "best practices", it will show you what's acceptable in your company which is arguably more important right now. And, again, if you come across something you don't understand, ask about it.

Oh, and you need loads of testing to help avoid regressions. Some manual testing is good, but you really want automated tests covering most things.

Re: Ask HN: How do I perform given a 1 month probation period?

#4

Post by 1123581321 »

Think about how you'd like to solve a problem. Then ask one of your more seasoned peers to talk through it with you. "Lisa, I'm working through the XYZ changes and I'd like a second pair of eyes on my planned solution. Do you have a few minutes to go over it?"

Re: Ask HN: How do I perform given a 1 month probation period?

#5

Post by maramono »

To produce high quality code you need to change your mindset. No tools will help you if you don't know how to use them. Also you cant simply "pass the buck" (so to speak) to tools and expect greatness. TANSTAFL.

I wrote a blog post about this not too long ago: http://ortask.com/why-your-mindset-might-be-setting-your-sof...

Re: Ask HN: How do I perform given a 1 month probation period?

#6

Post by endswapper »

I have to believe that you are intelligent even if you aren't smart about technical aspects. Otherwise, they would not have hired you, and given you the additional probationary time. Let that really sink in. You got a second chance at something most people don't get a first chance at (based on what you described).

I would start by answering two questions: 1) Why did they hire me? 2) Where can I provide the most value?

Apparently, they have a bunch of smart, capable people that are performing at a higher level than you in certain areas. Why, or where are you unique within in the organization, where are they going or trying to get to? These will get you started in answering the first questions objectively.

I don't think blindly focusing on fundamentals will make you competitive with people that are already well beyond you. And if you did become competitive on that level, so what? Do they need another person with the same skill-set?

This brings me to the second question. Other than LISTENING, strategically identifying their weaknesses is the best way to get started on question two. Providing practical solutions in the most efficient way possible is where you provide value. It's great when it doesn't have to be, but often the ideas that move things forward in a significant or meaningful way are cross-functional and collaborative. Perhaps it is part of the reason they can be so elusive. Based on your analyst background, this type of objective analysis might be the right starting point. From there you can drill deeper with more relevance adding further value.

Finally, your commitment will show, and while it may intangible (at first, anyway), that too has value.

Re: Ask HN: How do I perform given a 1 month probation period?

#7

Post by pzk1 »

endswapper wrote: post #6

I have to believe that you are intelligent even if you aren't smart about technical aspects. Otherwise, they would not have hired you, and given you the additional probationary time. Let that really sink in. You got a second chance at something most people don't get a first chance at (based on what you described). I would start by answering two questions: 1) Why did they hire me? 2) Where can I provide the most value…

Appreciate this deeply. You have made me think about doing something unique and valuable which they are currently struggling with.

Re: Ask HN: How do I perform given a 1 month probation period?

#8

Post by endswapper »

pzk1 wrote: post #7
endswapper wrote: post #6

I have to believe that you are intelligent even if you aren't smart about technical aspects. Otherwise, they would not have hired you, and given you the additional probationary time. Let that really sink in. You got a second chance at something most people don't get a first chance at (based on what you described). I would start by answering two questions: 1) Why did they hire me? 2) Where can I provide the most value…

Appreciate this deeply. You have made me think about doing something unique and valuable which they are currently struggling with.

Glad to hear it. This is the beauty of Hacker News. I, and others I am sure, would like to hear how things proceed. If you can update us at some point I'd appreciate it. I think it would help those in a similar position, and perhaps managers as well.

Re: Ask HN: How do I perform given a 1 month probation period?

#9

Post by pzk1 »

maramono wrote: post #5

To produce high quality code you need to change your mindset. No tools will help you if you don't know how to use them. Also you cant simply "pass the buck" (so to speak) to tools and expect greatness. TANSTAFL. I wrote a blog post about this not too long ago: http://ortask.com/why-your-mindset-might-be-setting-your-sof...

Absolutely mind opening article. Thanks.

Re: Ask HN: How do I perform given a 1 month probation period?

#10

Post by pzk1 »

partisan wrote: post #2

Read the code of the other developers whom you respect and admire at your company. Look at how they have solved problems, but better still, understand what the problems were that they were facing. One thing I notice in newer and less experienced devs is that they tend to feel like the solutions they see are "stupid" or "wrong" and aren't open to understanding the solutions they see in existing code. By reading and un…

Spot on i would say. I guess it's just due to "ego" or lazy to spend a few minutes understanding.
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