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16 Suggestions on Creating a Successful Career in Tech

JC Smiley on December 18, 2022

These are 16 actionable career tips for aspiring and early career developers plus some general advice to add context. They are based on my reflecti...

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Michael Tharrington • Dec 19 '22 • Edited

Ensure that the projects on your resume are set up for a good conversation in the interview.

All of these are great tips, but I really liked how specific, actionable, and unique this one is. Really great point about being sure to feel confident speaking on any of the projects you list in your resume. I think some folks get so into stacking their resume with everything they can think of and don't consider choosing stuff they can speak to. It's a good idea to feel comfortable talking on all the things that you said you've done.

JC Smiley • Dec 20 '22

Thank you. That concept blew my mind when it was discussed in a tech focused conversation. I remember someone saying that an interviewer asked about something on their resume and they only had a few words to say. Then someone else reminded everyone that the resume's job is to open doors through curiosity of "how did you do this" and appreciation in "I love that you had this accomplishment". You need to be able to elaborate on both.

Jon Randy 🎖️ • Dec 19 '22 • Edited

Preparation for an interview is just as important as the interview

It is, but in my experience the only interview preparation worth doing is researching the company. Practice questions, strategies, last minute brushing up on skills - all of these are bad ideas... you'll set yourself up to be more nervous - turning your interview into some kind of rehearsed performance. The best way to go into an interview is relaxed - the kind of preparation you suggest will not achieve that at all.

Be yourself, that's who they'll be hiring.