In this episode, Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders and Founder of 100Devs) dive deep into how to stand out in today's competitive tech job market. They discuss common mistakes, the importance of qualifying yourself before you even get to the technical interview, the power of referrals, and for what hiring managers are really looking.
They also share practical tips on:
Customizing your résumé for every job applicationLeveraging LinkedIn and networking strategicallyBuilding real, impactful projects instead of generic tutorialsUsing volunteering and freelancing to strengthen your credibilityNavigating Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)If you're frustrated by endless applications and zero callbacks, this conversation is a must-watch. It's time to learn how to play the game-rather than be mad at it-and land that role you've been dreaming about!
Highlights:
Why being "mad at the game" isn't going to help (and what to do instead)How to ensure your résumé, GitHub, and portfolio align with your desired roleWhy networking and asking for genuine referrals can change your careerThe importance of real-world projects and problem-solving in your job huntA preview of the Commit Your Code Conference, benefitting charitable causes
0:00 – Intro & "Learn to Play the Game"
0:36 – Meet Danny & Leon
1:07 – Why Job Seekers Are Frustrated
2:03 – Common Mistakes with Résumés & Portfolios
3:19 – How to Stand Out Quickly
5:00 – Why Generic Projects Hurt You
9:02 – Referrals & Building Proof
11:45 – De-Risking Yourself for Recruiters
14:01 – Freelancing vs. Volunteering vs. Open Source
18:02 – Networking & Meetups: The Game-Changer
24:00 – ATS: Applicant Tracking Systems Explained
26:57 – Customizing Your Résumé (Stop Spray & Pray!)
32:01 – Insights from CEOs & CTOs on Hiring
36:02 – Qualifying Yourself Beyond Skills
38:04 – Commit Your Code Conference & Final Thought
39:55 – Wrap-Up & Next Episode Preview
