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Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?

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Re: Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?

#11

Post by BoysenberryPi »

Artlav wrote: post #9

I get a feeling that the tech job market is oversaturated right now, and there are plenty of people running around with all the "achievements" (diplomas, certifications, etc) and no actual knowledge. On my last job i sat right next to the corner where we interviewed candidates, so i could hear everything and would occasionally pop in to participate. There was a scary amount of people like that - boasting a big resume…

>boasting a big resume but unable to tell a mutex from a semaphore

Is it bad that I have no idea what either of those are?

Re: Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?

#12

Post by dmlittle »

BoysenberryPi wrote: post #11
Artlav wrote: post #9

I get a feeling that the tech job market is oversaturated right now, and there are plenty of people running around with all the "achievements" (diplomas, certifications, etc) and no actual knowledge. On my last job i sat right next to the corner where we interviewed candidates, so i could hear everything and would occasionally pop in to participate. There was a scary amount of people like that - boasting a big resume…

>boasting a big resume but unable to tell a mutex from a semaphore Is it bad that I have no idea what either of those are?

I'd say it depends what you're focusing on. If you're doing anything that is multi-threading, then yes. Otherwise, it's just not something you'd use but probably interesting to know ;)

Re: Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?

#13

Post by pmiller2 »

throwawayhtgatj wrote: post #6
jamesmp98 wrote: post #4

I just started applying to junior positions last week coming from freelancing. I'v applied probably the same number of jobs as the OP with no interview requests and only one reply from a recruiter that seems to be going nowhere atm (I have not heard from him since last friday) Of course there are not too many jobs where I am. Where are you located and where are you applying?

I've been applying to remote jobs. I'm in Southern California.

Remote might be your issue.

Re: Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?

#14

Post by asafira »

purerandomness wrote: post #10

You might want to read "The Google Résumé" by Gayle McDowell. It changed the way I apply to jobs, and it made a difference like day and night. I'm surprised to learn that there are people working in Tech currently finding it hard to apply. Where are you located? Here in Europe, at least in my experience, it's getting easier every day. Tech is incredibly popular, but demand is still even higher. You might be viewed as…

Do you think you could give a few examples of things taught in the book that you (or a general person) may not have thought to do?

Re: Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?

#17

Post by throwawayhtgatj »

asafira wrote: post #15

In case people missed this buried in the comments: throwawayhtgatj is looking for remote work, which is notably more difficult to get than local work.

I should have named the post "is it harder getting a remote tech job now..." because that's all I'm after. I remember a few years ago, about 1 in 3 applications would result in a phone call - now it seems like its super competitive, maybe?

Re: Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?

#18

Post by sleepingeights »

It's either ALOT harder or very different now-a-days. Anything that you could run on a consistent basis as a bread-winning norm is already or quickly in the process of *aaS or being integrated into one or other.

One way to sell a remote-style work is to make it part of a perk you want in the position or job. There is a ton of talent and skill already willing to move right into the company's parking lot and LIVE ( literally ) there: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG0_KiM9Mv8

You're not competitive with them at all if it comes to just comparing apples and oranges. The way the market is, offering remote-work can be sold as a perk by the company, or something you need to negotiate for. But expect to either fly to the office or meet them atleast once a week, maybe less or more depending... most likely more than once a week.

Re: Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?

#19

Post by joshmn »

You _might_ be over-qualified, and people would be turning you away because they think they can't afford you right off the bat.

I always tell people (that ask): The hardest part is getting the first interview. Stand out (seriously, just be yourself) but don't be loud in doing so.

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