Its probably harder getting the job - but the actual jobs arent harder. I blame the "programmers interview" as an unnecessary side show
Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?
21–30 of 48 posts
Re: Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?
#22I 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?
No. The example is entirely arbitrary. A web JavaScript developer probably doesn't need to ever know the difference between those two...
Re: Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?
#23Find the HR person on LinkedIn, or senior technical person.
Phone the company and ask to be put through to them.
Explain to them you've applied, and you've not heard back, but you're interested.
You're a person then, not an email/CV-to-be-dealt-with, and people generally want to help people. They'll often commit there on the phone to setting up an interview with you.
Re: Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?
#24I 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 jobs certainly are more popular these days. I've been full time remote for the last 3 years and I've interviewed and resume screened a lot of candidates.
I'd be more than happy to check out your resume and give you some feedback if you wanted? You can DM me via Twitter (link in bio) or if you don't have it just let me know and we'll sort out an email.
Re: Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?
#25I 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.
"We passed on hiring that guy to do our drywalling. He boasted a big resume of recent drywall hanging work, but he didn't even know the where the CEO of CertainTeed was born!"
Re: Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?
#26A major difference between now and 5 years ago is that you have been self-employed for 5 years. From an employer's perspective, you have tasted the forbidden fruit of independence. You no longer fit in a nice box, guaranteed to obey your manager and believe in the corporate mission statement. You can think for yourself.
There are companies that value your new skills. But more companies will find those new skills scary.
Re: Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?
#27I 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?
It's not bad but it shows that you didn't go through Operating Systems 101 class. You may never need to use that knowledge but having T shaped skills is always a plus but not necessary a minus. ;)
Re: Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?
#28I 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?
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Re: Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?
#29Earlier quoted context omitted.
>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?
No. The example is entirely arbitrary. A web JavaScript developer probably doesn't need to ever know the difference between those two...
A programmer must have heard of them and know at least some superficial difference. A cardiologist probably knows the different parts of a kidney and how they work.
Re: Ask HN: Is it harder getting a tech job now vs. 5 years ago?
#30I 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?
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