Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats
845: Are companies hiring? State of the dev job market with Taylor Desseyn
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- The developer job market has changed, but companies are still hiring, particularly for backend roles.
- Personalized outreach after applying for jobs can significantly improve chances of landing interviews.
- Networking on social media platforms is essential for building connections that can lead to job opportunities.
- Hiring managers are looking for developers who can identify with business goals, not just technical skills.
- Prepare for and intelligently negotiate salary and benefits during the hiring process.
- Keeping track of achievements and impactful projects over time will strengthen resumes and demonstrate value during job searches.
Summary
The Current State of the Developer Job Market
Taylor Desseyn discusses the shifting dynamics of the developer job market, noting that while hiring has decreased compared to the boom of 2021-2022, companies are still seeking developers. Taylor emphasizes that the job market feels tough, especially for junior developers, and encourages developers to network to increase their chances of finding employment.
How to Stand Out When Applying for Developer Jobs
Understanding how to present oneself effectively is crucial in a crowded job market. Taylor shares practical advice such as directly contacting job posters to express interest after applying and highlighting specific skills that match the job requirements. He notes that mass applications are far less effective than personalized outreach.
Who is Getting Hired?
The conversation touches on the types of developers that companies are looking for, with a focus on backend skills and technologies. Taylor points out that due to an oversaturation of frontend developers in recent years, those with backend experience, particularly in languages like Python and Java, will have better employment prospects.
Networking and Building Genuine Connections
Taylor emphasizes the importance of networking, suggesting that developers should actively engage through platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. He describes how building authentic connections can lead to more opportunities and give individuals a competitive edge in the job search.
The Role of Remote Work
The podcast addresses the ongoing conversations around remote work and return-to-office trends. Taylor explains that while many companies are mandating returns, the remote work environment won't disappear completely as it has become a standard in many tech positions.
Job Search Strategy After Being Laid Off
For those facing layoffs, Taylor advises reaching out to contacts made during previous job searches and asking for referrals to new opportunities. Keeping an organized record of applications and interviews is essential for staying on top of the job hunt.
Crafting an Engaging Resume
Taylor details the importance of storytelling in resumes and suggests that developers should focus on demonstrating their impact and accomplishments rather than merely listing responsibilities. He encourages documenting wins over time to assist in crafting a compelling narrative when job searching.
Sponsors
- Sentry · If you are on the job search, Sentry can help with monitoring your applications and systems.
- Torque · Torque is a talent marketplace where developers can connect and find job opportunities.
Show notes
Scott and Wes talk with Taylor Desseyn about the shifting developer job market. Taylor shares practical tips for standing out, building genuine connections, and finding opportunities in a competitive hiring landscape.
Show Notes 00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
01:38 Meet Taylor Desseyn
03:51 Is the dev job market as bad as it seems?
06:47 How to stand out when applying for a dev job?
11:03 Who is getting hired?
14:16 What tech/languages are companies hiring for right now?
16:37 Is there less work?
20:10 The small things that get you hired
24:19 What to do when you get laid off
27:42 Brought to you by Sentry.io
28:07 How to make yourself more appealing to employers
32:39 Networking tips and tricks
39:01 Remote work and office return trends
40:58 Why you should negotiate carefully
43:38 What’s the most important thing right now for getting hired?
45:48 Should devs understand stakeholders and business goals?
46:42 Creating a good resume
52:00 Sick Picks & Shameless Plugs
Sick Picks Taylor: heydey mic
Randy Rektor’s YouTube Channel
Shameless Plugs Taylor: Torc
Guidance Counselor 2.0
Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads
Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads
Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads
Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads
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