#153 How to get a Developer Job – even in this economy – with James Q Quick
freeCodeCamp Podcast
Deep Dive
Why is the current job market for developers more challenging than it has been in recent years?
The job market is tougher due to increased competition from layoffs, more mid-career developers competing for entry-level roles, and the rising sentiment about AI potentially replacing some developer tasks. Additionally, blindly applying for jobs on platforms like LinkedIn is less effective now.
What strategies does James Q Quick recommend for breaking into the developer job market?
James emphasizes building validators like content creation, speaking at conferences, and networking. He also stresses the importance of creating a strong portfolio, participating in hackathons, and attending local meetups to stay connected with the community.
How did James Q Quick's Harry Potter trivia app contribute to his career?
The app, built during college, became a significant talking point in his interviews with Microsoft. It showcased his ability to learn, build, and communicate technical concepts, which helped him land a role as a technical evangelist at Microsoft.
What role did networking play in James Q Quick's career?
Networking was crucial for James. Every job he's gotten has involved knowing someone at the company, whether through conferences, community involvement, or personal connections. He advises investing in relationships before needing them.
How did James Q Quick handle being laid off from PlanetScale?
After being laid off, James leveraged his established credibility and network, which led to numerous job opportunities. He decided to pursue content creation full-time for two years before recently joining Makes as Head of Developer Experience.
What advice does James Q Quick have for introverted individuals trying to break into tech?
James suggests that even introverts can push themselves to network and build relationships. He shares examples of people who consider themselves introverted but still excel at networking and public speaking by recognizing their limits and focusing on the long-term benefits.
How does James Q Quick view the impact of AI on the developer job market?
James believes AI tools are not replacing developers but rather enabling them to tackle more complex problems. He references Jevons paradox, which suggests that increased efficiency allows developers to focus on more advanced tasks, creating new opportunities.
What does James Q Quick recommend for building a personal brand in tech?
James advises focusing on a specific niche, such as a programming language or framework, and consistently sharing content around it. This helps build authority and credibility, making you a go-to person in that area, which can open up job opportunities.
How does James Q Quick handle negative feedback when learning in public?
James separates feedback into two categories: actionable and non-actionable. He encourages being transparent about mistakes but also taking the time to validate feedback before making changes. He emphasizes the importance of filtering out unnecessary criticism.
What is James Q Quick's perspective on job hopping in the tech industry?
James believes job hopping can be beneficial for career growth, as it often leads to higher salaries and new opportunities. However, he also values loyalty and advises being strategic about when and why to change jobs, ensuring it aligns with long-term career goals.
- Increased competition for developer jobs.
- Networking is essential for securing roles.
- Blind applications are inefficient.
Shownotes Transcript