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by jmunsch 2881 days ago
Was homeless when I went to a dev boot camp. Had no industry experience, just a bunch of python scripts to automate my old job, and a few years of linux usage from not liking windows. Focused really heavily on several SPA frameworks, and javascript/nodejs. The biggest help was the hiring network, whiteboarding practice, and resumé critiques. Also that I submitted like 5 applications per day to anything even partially related for a solid month. I never mentioned my dire straights, since there appears to be a social stigma in the industry, although there doesn't seem to be a stigma against the happily ever after finding work. If they ask why there's gaps in your work timeline, don't tell a sob story, just tell them it was health related and move along. Also try to schedule groups of interviews a few weeks out, it gives you very real leverage in the labor markets, instead of appearing/sounding desperate let them show their hand, since you're already surviving you dont need the job/career, if anything they need you, the labor markets are seriously strapped for talent, so take on some part time minimum wage work that you'd like, and take as much time finding the right fit team/culture/project that you would enjoy. Don't give up, never stop learning, you can do it.

Edit: imo, Also don't deal with recruiters they'll plug anything/anyone for a CTO position if they can pull the commission, although I guess maybe as a way to practice interviewing.

1 comments

My feeling is that recruiters are a great resource if you learn how to use them properly. I agree that you can waste a lot of time talking to recruiters if you allow them to suck up your time.
> My feeling is that recruiters are a great resource if you learn how to use them properly.

Calling myself out here. I was half asleep when I wrote the parent comment. Nicer language would be:

My feeling is that recruiters can be great partners is you learn to work with them effectively.

you can also get a lot of free lunches...