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Ask HN: for senior positions is it advisable to list side projects on your CV?

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Ask HN: for senior positions is it advisable to list side projects on your CV?

#1

Post by jcroll »

I worked really hard on two side projects during the pandemic that I am quite proud of (here you can take a peek if you like): www.hopupon.com, www.audiobookmate.com

When I was younger I used to list side projects on my cv and employers used to take notice. I find now they don't seem to care, usually are only interested in employment history and tech tests.

I also wonder whether side projects speak to the fact that you're not concerned enough with your employer's bottom line. I remember when Ken Cosgrove, in Mad Men, had a side gig as an author and got published in a magazine. Roger Sterling told him, quite sternly, he had to choose between the job and the gig.

The thing is I would actually appreciate if a potential employer asked me about the above two projects. I think they demonstrate some of my skills and would be interesting to discuss.

What do you guys think: Do you guys still list your side projects? What about for jobs more senior than senior developer?

Re: Ask HN: for senior positions is it advisable to list side projects on your CV?

#3

Post by xcambar »

You want your side projects to help you get the job. They must demonstrate as achievements instead of hobbies.

For this reason, I'd default to no, don't list side projects, unless you make it a strong argument for the position you're applying to.

Are you a major contributor to a tech used in company? Have you written a book about it? Did you grow a community? Have you reached significant traction or revenue?

Any yes to one of the above, if they relate to the position, can hint you into mentioning your side project.

Other than that, your side project will be seen as a hobby and not an achievement, and will be disregarded.

Note: some nuances may apply, so take this as the generic advice it's meant to be.

Re: Ask HN: for senior positions is it advisable to list side projects on your CV?

#4

Post by PragmaticPulp »

xcambar wrote: post #3

You want your side projects to help you get the job. They must demonstrate as achievements instead of hobbies. For this reason, I'd default to no, don't list side projects, unless you make it a strong argument for the position you're applying to. Are you a major contributor to a tech used in company? Have you written a book about it? Did you grow a community? Have you reached significant traction or revenue? Any yes…

> Other than that, your side project will be seen as a hobby and not an achievement, and will be disregarded.

I think you’ve misunderstood the purpose of a side project for engineers. They’re supposed to be hobby projects that demonstrate the developer’s abilities as well as their commitment to following through on projects.

The OP’s projects are perfect for listing as completed side projects on a Senior Engineer resume. I wouldn’t hesitate to include them on a resume and describe the technologies used to build them.

You definitely don’t need to demonstrate significant traction or revenue for an engineering side project, nor do you need to write a book about it or build a significant community around it. These are ridiculously high standards for including a development side project on a senior engineer resume.

Frankly, if someone were to list “side projects” with significant revenue and a large community, I’m going to assume it’s a business and not a side project. We’d have to have a conversation about how much time and energy it’s going to take away from their employment, and how we can cleanly separate it from interfering with their job. Showing employers that you’re running a side business with significant revenue and therefore significant needs isn’t exactly a bonus when it comes to hiring someone. A fun side project that demonstrates their skills is a bonus, however.

Re: Ask HN: for senior positions is it advisable to list side projects on your CV?

#5

Post by PragmaticPulp »

pryelluw wrote: post #2

I do mention my side open source side projects, but not side hustles.

This is a good distinction.

Side projects = Fun project that demonstrates skills

Side business = Ongoing obligation that could distract from your job.

Be careful in how you present them.

Re: Ask HN: for senior positions is it advisable to list side projects on your CV?

#6

Post by giantg2 »

PragmaticPulp wrote: post #4
xcambar wrote: post #3

You want your side projects to help you get the job. They must demonstrate as achievements instead of hobbies. For this reason, I'd default to no, don't list side projects, unless you make it a strong argument for the position you're applying to. Are you a major contributor to a tech used in company? Have you written a book about it? Did you grow a community? Have you reached significant traction or revenue? Any yes…

> Other than that, your side project will be seen as a hobby and not an achievement, and will be disregarded. I think you’ve misunderstood the purpose of a side project for engineers. They’re supposed to be hobby projects that demonstrate the developer’s abilities as well as their commitment to following through on projects. The OP’s projects are perfect for listing as completed side projects on a Senior Engineer res…

"I think you’ve misunderstood the purpose of a side project for engineers. They’re supposed to be hobby projects that demonstrate the developer’s abilities as well as their commitment to following through on projects."

Most managers at my company view side projects positively. One of the main reasons is that it shows the person has a creative mind and is at least a little passionate about technology/coding and learning on their own.

Re: Ask HN: for senior positions is it advisable to list side projects on your CV?

#7

Post by runawaybottle »

I’d honestly list a side project that highlights the skills relevant to the job over a job where you used irrelevant skills.

But you have to come strong with the side project. The site/app better be up, you better have a repo, and it better be something beyond a todo-app or a bootcamp project.

Re: Ask HN: for senior positions is it advisable to list side projects on your CV?

#8

Post by jcroll »

xcambar wrote: post #3

You want your side projects to help you get the job. They must demonstrate as achievements instead of hobbies. For this reason, I'd default to no, don't list side projects, unless you make it a strong argument for the position you're applying to. Are you a major contributor to a tech used in company? Have you written a book about it? Did you grow a community? Have you reached significant traction or revenue? Any yes…

I like your answer I just wonder: I used this project to teach myself kubernetes. If someone asks me how I know kubernetes what do I say? I suppose I say it was on a side project I did

Re: Ask HN: for senior positions is it advisable to list side projects on your CV?

#9

Post by simonw »

jcroll wrote: post #8
xcambar wrote: post #3

You want your side projects to help you get the job. They must demonstrate as achievements instead of hobbies. For this reason, I'd default to no, don't list side projects, unless you make it a strong argument for the position you're applying to. Are you a major contributor to a tech used in company? Have you written a book about it? Did you grow a community? Have you reached significant traction or revenue? Any yes…

I like your answer I just wonder: I used this project to teach myself kubernetes. If someone asks me how I know kubernetes what do I say? I suppose I say it was on a side project I did

When I'm hiring I consider "I learned that on a side-project" to be an extremely strong positive signal.

Re: Ask HN: for senior positions is it advisable to list side projects on your CV?

#10

Post by mason55 »

jcroll wrote: post #8
xcambar wrote: post #3

You want your side projects to help you get the job. They must demonstrate as achievements instead of hobbies. For this reason, I'd default to no, don't list side projects, unless you make it a strong argument for the position you're applying to. Are you a major contributor to a tech used in company? Have you written a book about it? Did you grow a community? Have you reached significant traction or revenue? Any yes…

I like your answer I just wonder: I used this project to teach myself kubernetes. If someone asks me how I know kubernetes what do I say? I suppose I say it was on a side project I did

Sure, people give me that answer all the time.

If you actually went beyond basic setup and dealt with real enterprise/production level issues then make sure to point it out. I assume that “I learned it for a side project” means mostly happy path stuff.

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