Ask HN: How to prove my worth in job applications with weak resume

4 pointsby perdid0vor 4 Jahren3 comments

I graduated with a bachelor's of engineering in a top public school. I learned software in my first job, where for a few years I did enterprise Java, some basic SQL and basic frontend. It was definitely a large code base, just no fancy technology behind it. After that, I struggled to find a job and out of desperation accepted an application configuration developer position. Essentially, I work in the services side of the company, doing simple coding and configuration of the product for separate clients. I have always been very aware how this is a step back (even worse considering I didn't start very far ahead to begin with).

But every time I attempt to apply to jobs, I can't get them. I feel like I'm stuck. I feel most employers on the Who's Hiring thread (or anywhere else) probably look at my resume and not see me aligning anywhere close to their requirements. Which I would probably agree to. But at this point I'm also somewhere close to 10 years into my career, so I'm definitely not a junior. I feel like the only jobs I will be able to get are similar to what I've had: basic web developer, not tackling any interesting problems, little potential for growth, and if I'm lucky maybe using some modern technology.

I really just want a job that is willing to accept that I don't have their requirements, but them being okay to letting me pick it up on the job. More than anything, I want to grow my career. I want to work somewhere challenging, where I can problem solve and learn. I am not a bad software developer. If anything, I'm quick to learn and will always end up being the subject matter expert of what I'm working on. I like computer science, which is why I'm also currently enrolled in a computer science masters. I know I'm not dumb. I just don't know how to prove my worth to companies when applying.

Any advice will be very appreciated

3 comments

tgflynnvor 4 Jahren

One possibility would be making an internal transition to a new role at the company you currently work for. This worked for me in moving from a systems administrator to SWE position years ago. Of course it can only work if your employer actually has the type of role you're interested in and isn't rigid and inflexible about work assignments. In that case the key is to greatly exceed expectations for your current role by showing that you can solve bigger problems that are of importance to your employer.

detarovor 4 Jahren

As much as the "every developer needs github profile full of projects" trope needs to die, this is where really any project you present that you worked on is your chance to show that you can do more than your job history suggests (I assume your job isn't a good source of such references)

FrenchDevRemotevor 4 Jahren

Make at least one complex, professional looking side project, with recent/modern technologies

List it on your resume. Maybe even launch it, get a few users and write 'founder at lamesideproject.com' on your resume/linkedin lol