[m0llusk]

It is kind of striking that in tech I see this from both sides as I know people who are desperate to fill positions and others who are desperate for jobs and somehow they keep sliding by each other.

One thing that stands out is the extreme asymmetry of the situation. Applicants need to have a brief and highly relevant cover letter or equivalent, a resume that emphasizes experiences directly relevant to a particular position, and some portfolio showing off their skills on github or such like. Anything goes wrong or isn't completely right at any stage means no thank you and maybe apply again. On the other hand employers post listings that have long and rambling laundry lists of nice to haves, listings get posted on job search sites and generate only that listing is no longer open responses, automated resume filters take out many applicants, and interviews are intimidating and loaded with questions about unrelated technical details.

Because many programmers have trouble with complex social situations and social problems this can end up being an extremely difficult situation. Alternatives like contracting and launching startups end up being easier and more accessible than actually getting a job even for those who would prefer employment.

Potential improvements may be more on the side of employers than candidates. Options like scanning more resumes personally instead of with machines, retaining contacts who were imperfect fits at one time, being flexible with qualifications, and offering options for evaluation periods or initial contracts might help. Expecting programmers to hone their social skills and appearance to get a job seems honestly unrealistic given the domain.

[dennis_jeeves1]

> Applicants need to have a brief and highly relevant cover letter or equivalent,

May not help as each potion is different by a wide margin. Coming up with a relevant cover letter IMO is completely useless and a huge waste of time.

[Volundr]

> Coming up with a relevant cover letter IMO is completely useless and a huge waste of time.

Data point of one, but as a (ex)-hiring manager I'd disagree. While you should be tailoring both your cover letter and resume to the job at hand, the cover letter tends to be what I remember best, and is your chance to tell me why your the right fit for this job, as opposed to the resume which pretty much leaves it for me to figure out.

[tucaz]

Cover letter gets the hiring manager to read your resume. Your resume gets you an interview. Interview gets you the job. Simple process.