Ask HN: Any open-source to contribute and get hired?

#1

Post by parvardegr » Tue, Feb 25, 2025, 3:19 PM UTC

I’m looking for a job, but I don’t like the traditional interview process. As a skilled software engineer, I’m willing to demonstrate my value by contributing to the company’s current challenges instead of going through standard assessments. Is there any company that hires this way?

I would appreciate any suggestions.

Re: Ask HN: Any open-source to contribute and get hired?

#2

Post by mtmail » Tue, Feb 25, 2025, 3:46 PM UTC

Not a direct answer. But with https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/timeline a whole bunch of organizations are publishing projects. https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/archive/2024/organizatio... It's aimed at students, there is payment, it's not full-time, but might be a better projects than random github issues.

Re: Ask HN: Any open-source to contribute and get hired?

#3

Post by parvardegr » Tue, Feb 25, 2025, 4:06 PM UTC

mtmail wrote: post #2

Not a direct answer. But with https://developers.google.com/open-source/gsoc/timeline a whole bunch of organizations are publishing projects. https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/archive/2024/organizatio... It's aimed at students, there is payment, it's not full-time, but might be a better projects than random github issues.

Thank you, but i have 7+ years of experience in software, not a student anymore

Re: Ask HN: Any open-source to contribute and get hired?

#4

Post by bavarianbob » Tue, Feb 25, 2025, 4:35 PM UTC

I think you're going to scarcely find a company that has a direct open source -> hire pipeline. However, one of the most valuable parts of contributing to open source that I have personally found is forming connections and having those connections referring you to companies. I encourage you to find a company + project combination that you enjoy, find ways to collaborate, and make relationships. Doing that will likely yield huge dividends.

Re: Ask HN: Any open-source to contribute and get hired?

#5

Post by parvardegr » Tue, Feb 25, 2025, 6:07 PM UTC

bavarianbob wrote: post #4

I think you're going to scarcely find a company that has a direct open source -> hire pipeline. However, one of the most valuable parts of contributing to open source that I have personally found is forming connections and having those connections referring you to companies. I encourage you to find a company + project combination that you enjoy, find ways to collaborate, and make relationships. Doing that will likely…

Thanks for the advice