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Tell HN: I used to be homeless and want to work as a software developer

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Re: Tell HN: I used to be homeless and want to work as a software developer

#111

Post by kingludite »

philipps wrote: post #70
Beltiras wrote: post #49

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'd advise against seeking gaming positions instead of going for more 'boring' sectors. There's cut-throat competition for any position in gaming while you have to scour the earth for boring things like Axapta specialists (meaning someone with sysadmin background + a little practical experience), Sharepoint site admins and other gruntwork. Opposite of sexy but a (usually) well paying job with options for consulting w…

I work in the area of online learning and am curious to learn more about these “plan-B” jobs. Is there a whole range of software development jobs that the education sector isn’t preparing graduates for? And which might be easier to apply to, for developers with more unusual backgrounds or trajectories? Where do you think are the biggest gaps / the biggest unmet demand?

Just a strange thought: Education will lag behind if its looking for waves of jobs. I think one can bet on a thing before it becomes the next newfangled hipster must have/employee not found error. Things might cowabunga if the instructor had the student hit the beach before the waves come? Maybe in 2020 there will be linux mobile devs sitting next to the ios and android devs? One could have anticipated that how many years ago?

Re: Tell HN: I used to be homeless and want to work as a software developer

#112

Post by onefuncman »

jackm2019 wrote: post #61
charlieda wrote: post #29

I work for a small Bristol (UK) based software consultancy, and we are currently looking to hire software engineers at all levels – drop me an email at charlie.anderson@unai.com and we'll go from there.

Hi Charlie, thanks for responding. I have sent an email to you. I look forward to hearing from you.

I got started 15 years ago without my degree via a small consultancy giving me a shot like this, best of luck.

Re: Tell HN: I used to be homeless and want to work as a software developer

#113

Post by angrais »

jackm2019 wrote: post #58
ossworkerrights wrote: post #56

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I reckon you should give London a try as most tech jobs are in that area. Obviously there are some in other parts of the uk, but demand being so high in london there is a good chance you will find one there. Try cwjobs.co.uk and monster.co.uk. Good luck!

Thanks a lot! I appreciate your advice.

I agree that there are more jobs in London, and they can certainly be more prestigious, like Facebook, Google, or Monzo.

However, Newcastle is much cheaper so you'd be able to afford a generally better lifestyle that might make you feel more comfortable and happy. For example, a nicer apartment that you don't have to share, more cash to save for a rainy day, etc.

Re: Tell HN: I used to be homeless and want to work as a software developer

#116

Post by pdpi »

sshine wrote: post #60
cheschire wrote: post #37

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> if you mean Github projects then in my experience nobody really looks at those This makes me so sad. As a hiring official I love reading through an applicants commits. It says so much about their personality, what they choose to say, when they choose to commit, their attention to detail when they think nobody is “really” looking.

It's a culture thing, I think. I've spoken to recruiters who pretend I didn't say anything when I mention my GitHub account. I think if enough people don't have open source / pet projects, it seems hard for a non-tech to evaluate it. Whereas a CTO / hiring tech lead would probably learn more about a person by viewing commits than the resumé.

It’s super easy to favour people who have a github profile with a bunch of projects in it, but that biases you towards a certain style of candidates — é.g. It’s definitely easier for single, childless candidates to devote their time to a side project than for somebody who has a family.

Re: Tell HN: I used to be homeless and want to work as a software developer

#117

Post by angrais »

jackm2019 wrote: post #52
angrais wrote: post #8

I'm based in the North East (Newcastle) and am happy to have a look at your CV or point you to opportunities I know about in the toon. I mention this as you said you're currently in the North. As others have said, in lieu of a recent degree, you need a portfolio. Happy to help you understand how your previous experiences or projects might map to a portfolio - work with what you've got :) This doesn't necessarily have…

Newcastle is just a little bit north of where I am. I'm happy to send you my CV, do you have an email? I got my previous degree in 2016 but I really don't want to do anything related to my previous degree unless it is in robotics/ autonomous systems because it is now mostly software driven unlike in the past.

I thought Newcastle might be near you!

Of course. I'm Jay, and have updated my profile to include my email.

That's good to know and sounds like it was a good degree.

Re: Tell HN: I used to be homeless and want to work as a software developer

#120

Post by alex_young_ »

I work for a Newcastle company - currently hiring developers - who would be more than happy to give you a chance. Our engineering team has people with science backgrounds, engineering backgrounds and people who worked their way in from product support.

I strongly believe that if you are smart, driven and nice then your background and history is of little relevance w.r.t. whether you can succeed here.

Can't promise we'll give you a job, but I can promise we'll take any application seriously and give proper feedback if we don't make an offer.

Jobs live on http://hive.hr/careers or we can chat on here/offline.

Good luck.

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