[guacamoleSoda]

Got it. My plan right now is to use:

- An intern who I managed.

- A current co-worker who I've collaborated closely with on a number of projects.

- Our current team lead who I regularly collaborate with on architecture design, but I don't report to him.

These people already know that I'm looking for a new position and they've agreed to provide me with a reference. They should be able to confirm any projects and contributions at my current job, where I've been for 4+ years, as well as speak highly about my performance. Is this set of references good enough for a mid-level SDE position or should I look further back into my job history to add an actual manager [1]?

[1] I know I said I wanted senior SDE earlier but I realized I'm better suited for mid-level right now.

[bigiain]

If it were me, I'd still put in someone who'd been an actual manager - even if it were from 4-5 years back - there's a few questions hiring managers ask about what you were like to manage that can only be answered by someone who's managed you - things not related to your current skillset, but more about thins like attitudes to authority, curiosity, adaptability, teamwork, willingness and speed of learning - stuff like that.

[jackgolding]

Yup over half of recruiters or HR I've dealt with have wanted a current manager as a must have.