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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

#131

Post by mundo »

countername wrote: post #65
kinos wrote: post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Don't lie, but do fill in your empty time with something that isn't "unemployed" or irrelevant. Something such as running your own business is a good option.

> Don't lie, but do fill in your empty time with something that isn't "unemployed" or irrelevant. what could you (or someone else :)) suggest for the CV, if there were some family problems which came with mental/health issues for the past year, where I didn't found time to work on a project or get it finished? edit: especially for linkedin and similiar sites

I'm a hiring manager and here's my opinion:

* If it's less than a year, you don't need to explain it or justify it. Just leave it blank on the CV and in the interview, say something like, "...and then I took some time off to take care of a family member."

* If it's more than a year, you still don't need to explain it or justify it, but you should acknowledge it and explain what you've done to make sure you stay sharp. "...and then I took some time off to take care of a family member, but I don't want to get rusty so I've been [whatever]." Don't BS on that last part, good interviewers will delve in to it just like they would for a job. If you say you've been taking Pluralsight courses on ML, I'm going to ask what you learned.

* Seriously don't explain it or justify it. Even if it's totally reasonable, just give me one vague sentence and get back to the stuff that's relevant to the job interview.

Good luck!

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

#132

Post by Myrmornis »

eptcyka wrote: post #98
Myrmornis wrote: post #67

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I help decide on hiring decisions (company in California) and I absolutely look for a Github account with genuine content in it. Of course, many good candidates who get hired don't have one, but if you do, and if it shows that you have some ability to write/discuss/maintain software independently, then that's a big plus.

What do you think of a github account that's full of unfinished projects and commits that are rushed and not necessarily made for general consumption?

If it indicates that the person enjoys writing software enough that they’re spending spare time doing that, then that’s positive.

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

#133

Post by countername »

mundo wrote: post #131
countername wrote: post #65

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Don't lie, but do fill in your empty time with something that isn't "unemployed" or irrelevant. what could you (or someone else :)) suggest for the CV, if there were some family problems which came with mental/health issues for the past year, where I didn't found time to work on a project or get it finished? edit: especially for linkedin and similiar sites

I'm a hiring manager and here's my opinion: * If it's less than a year, you don't need to explain it or justify it. Just leave it blank on the CV and in the interview, say something like, "...and then I took some time off to take care of a family member." * If it's more than a year, you still don't need to explain it or justify it, but you should acknowledge it and explain what you've done to make sure you stay sharp…

big thanks!

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

#134

Post by angrais »

ossworkerrights wrote: post #122
angrais wrote: post #113

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

Indeed London is much more expensive. I left the city for that reason myself, but probably for a year or two career wise it might be great. Long term, I fully agree with you re nicer apartment and more cash.

Not sure why you're being downvoted. What you say is correct and a great idea.

I'd second that: work in a large company or a startup (if that interests you) in London for a couple of years to learn the ropes and build your career.

Then the world (or the North East) is your oyster. Or course, it's always difficult to move once you've settled down, even in London.

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

#135

Post by throwaway8291 »

m11a wrote: post #126
throwaway8291 wrote: post #21

I do not any degree, but I do have things on my CV that lead to interviews and offers: * community contributions - I do not find it special any more, but I learned that it is not the default: I have basically millions of people using text and code I created. Again, it's a side effect of the work, but it's also social proof, probably more so than a degree, since the results are tangible. Some people are immediately am…

> be in top 10% of kaggle or any other competitive programming site and I would bet jobs would hunt you, not the other way around I do wonder, is there an equivalent to Kaggle in other areas in software (not for data science)?

Topcoder, leetcode, SPOJ, Projecteuler, ...

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

#136

Post by iamsb »

iudqnolq wrote: post #102
iamsb wrote: post #19

Many good suggestions here, I will add a couple of slightly different suggestions. While you look for work, may be you can find some casual freelance gigs from upwork.com . It takes a while to get good reputation on upwork, but once you do, finding gigs gets much easier and protects you if you ever lose your job. So worth doing this in my opinion. Tip on finding work at upwork - look for work that is physically close…

Any advice for the getting started part? Currently working on my first Upwork contract, but I got it through a conversation on HN (I requested they pay me through Upwork to start building a reputation). I'm 0/6 for replies to my proposals I sent, each one directly addressing what they were asking for getting (moderately) specific about how I'd solve their problems. In one case what they wanted was so simple and inter…

Main suggestion - do not drastically underbid projects. It is usually a bad trust indicator. If you do not have confidence in your own abilities, how can I? Bidding 250 for a 300 project is okay, but 100 is too less.

I will also not mention the part about being a student. A it is irrelevant and makes me doubt your focus.

Have you verified buyers history? Have they spent money on the platform, substantial money?

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

#137

Post by jackm2019 »

codebeaker wrote: post #115

It might help to put your contact Info in your profile. I wanted to contact you to offer maybe some help

Good idea, thanks for pointing that out. I added my email to my contact info. You can reach me through that email.
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