Getting a Software Engineering Job, v2
Learning Paths:
Topics:
Table of Contents
Introduction
Gatekeepers
Human Resources AI
Jerome introduces the three gatekeepers a candidate encounters through the hiring process. Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into HR operations and is often used as a first-level filter for job applicants.
Hiring Recruiter
Jerome explains that recruiters play a crucial role in hiring since they are a bridge between the company and the candidate. A recruiter may be a primary point of contact in the initial stage of the process.
Final Boss: Dev Team
Jerome shares strategies for dev team interviews. The development team has a deeper understanding of the technical requirements of a job and can better assess a candidate's skills. Recommendations for how to approach full-stack positions are also shared in this lesson.
Resume
Building a Personal Brand Database
Jerome suggests creating a personal brand database with a cohesive and compelling narrative to showcase a candidate's unique skills, experiences, and values. Notion, Trello, and Airtable are valuable tools for creating a brand database.
Professional Summary & Work Experience
Jerome begins breaking down the components of an effective resume. A resume begins with a summary or objective statement along with contact information. Work experience should highlight how the responsibilities of previous positions directly apply to the roles a candidate is seeking.
Education Experience
Jerome shares strategies for including educational experience. Collegiate experience should be listed when seeking jobs requiring a degree. Boot camp experience should include the technologies learned and any soft skills acquired.
Skills, Projects, & Certifications
Jerome finishes the resume discussion by highlighting how to include a summary of a candidate's skills, project or articles written, and certification.
Preparing Your GitHub Account
GitHub Profile
Jerome explains why a GitHub profile is essential to a developer's brand. GitHub showcases coding skills, collaborations, and contributions to open-source projects. Employers often review GitHub profiles to review technical abilities and quality of work.
Pinned Projects
Jerome discusses the type of work that can be showcased as a pinned project on a GitHub portfolio. Pinned projects should be active, deployed projects with a thorough README containing a detailed description of the project and instructions for running the code.
Private Projects & Project Boards
Jerome addresses the challenges faced when work experience is part of a private repo. Project boards are introduced and provide a public way to track work performed in private repositories.
Portfolio
Building a Portfolio
Jerome emphasizes the importance of a well-crafted portfolio. It is a powerful tool that helps engineers stand out from the competition and showcase their skills, experience, and projects.
Portfolio Checklist
Jerome begins working through the portfolio checklist. Showcasing projects with clean code and a rich version control history indicates a candidate is prepared for real-world projects and team collaboration.
Portfolio Checklist Q&A
Jerome answers some initial questions about the portfolio checklist. Questions include how long it takes to create an adequate portfolio, the importance of lighthouse scores, and how to manage time and complexity when creating a portfolio.
Tracking & Forms
Jerome encourages adding Google Analytics or another tracking system to a portfolio to monitor traffic and engagement. Including a contact form allows potential employers to reach out and establish a line of communication quickly.
APIs, Blogs, & Responsive Design
Jerome suggests leveraging an API in a portfolio. Incorporating a blog can also be a useful way to showcase technical communication skills. It is also crucial that a portfolio is viewable across all devices and screen sizes.
Performance & Accessibility
Jerome recommends using Lighthouse in the Chrome Developer Tools to monitor the performance of a portfolio. A slow-loading portfolio site can negatively impact traffic and deter potential employers. Using accessibility best practices should also be prioritized over complex UI functionality.
SEO & Security
Jerome shares a few SEO tips to elevate the visibility of a portfolio. Candidates should ensure their portfolio ranks as well as possible for relevant keywords and is free of security issues like insecure or spam-like content.
Design Best Practices
Jerome emphasizes the importance of using design best practices when creating a portfolio. HR decision-makers may not understand the technical details of a portfolio site however poor design techniques or illegible content may hurt a candidate's chances to move forward in the hiring process.
Error Handling, TypeScript, & Dark Mode
Jerome completes the portfolio checklist with suggestions for incorporating error handling and dark mode into a portfolio website. TypeScript is also a valuable skill and one in which frontend engineers should have experience.
Networking for Newbies
Informational Interviews
Jerome explains that networking is a powerful tool for building connections, gaining knowledge, and advancing your career. It's a skill that helps establish relationships with mentors, find job opportunities, and stay up-to-date on industry trends.
Volunteering
Jerome suggests volunteering to get involved in the industry and network with other engineers. Volunteering at tech conferences offers a unique opportunity to connect with professionals, speakers, and fellow attendees while contributing to the event's success.
Project-Based Networking
Jerome explains that project-based networking is a powerful tool to expand professional connections and build relationships within the industry.
Q&A
Jerome answers questions about specialization, portfolio strategies, and how to find the right job opportunities.
