[mxuribe]

> ...Your side project could be using tools and techniques that you learnt decades ago, which could be fine but my org is only interested in cutting-edge stuff...

Or, perhaps the inverse could be the case, where i learned cutting-edge stuff for my side project, but at enterprise, sorry, they're only using legacy Java (for example), so can't really use my cutting edge experience, etc. Now, as far as certs, i agree that they should help get through the door, but wonder if pairing them with discussions about experiences gained on a side project - to play with the knowledge learned from said certs - would be an even better combo? If i was hiring, and saw that a person got some certs (and maybe checks some needed box), but also has interests in side project, again, for the experience of it...then that is well above average for sure (at least in my eyes).