[WheelsAtLarge]

He needs to create a github site with samples of his work while he finds a job. I think the days when you could just say that you can program in a certain language are long gone so a sample site should be his goal right now. Second, he needs to focus on contract work. Look at Upwork and such to see what employers are looking for and focus on that. I've had to deal with finding reliable contract programmers and it's hard. If he can build a stellar reputation, he will have more work than he can handle. Lastly, ask him not to disclose his age unless absolutely necessary. In the internet, you can be any age. Maybe you, the son, can be the front man and subcontract the work to your father. This will also help with the language issue.

If programming random things to create a sample site is not very attractive then copy apps that are useful and hope that one of them hits while he finds paying work. It can't hurt and it will help him get into the cycle of regular work.

FYI, here's a press release by Upwork on the highest paying languages on their site.

https://www.upwork.com/press/releases/upwork-releases-top-pa...

Edit: Added Upwork press release

[cl42]

+1... I coach a lot of new engineers during their job search and good portfolios make a huge difference. You get more interviews, people trust you more, and recruiters are more likely to reach out. If you need help, check this out: https://phaseai.com/resources/portfolio-checklist or email us!

[kb9]

no tienes ni idea

[krageon]

> He needs to create a github site with samples of his work

IME no company you will ever interview at will care about this.

[MathMonkeyMan]

Every interviewer I've ever shadowed on the hiring side has done zero prep, zero resume/portfolio reading, etc.

People don't read emails, so they sure as hell don't grok portfolios.

I put time into preparing an interview for a candidate, but I doubt it matters. My recommendation is always "proceed" unless they're a total wreck.

[dyingkneepad]

I am an engineer who often interviews other engineers for my own team. I look at portfolios. I look at github profiles. I try to find if they have open source contributions, and if they do I read their commit messages and patches.

[WheelsAtLarge]

An app people are looking for is an open source version of the Hacker News software. Maybe he wants to tackle that? It seems simple but the comments area and the spam filters are probably a bear to duplicate. Anyhow, good luck.

[mmphosis]

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28155134