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Software Development career - how to add or change languages?
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I am a software developer that has primarily worked in Windows development in the Delphi language. At present, I am looking for a new job, and want to work in a different programming language (C# or Java primarily, but am interested in others as well), but I can't seem to get past the first level, and I think it's because I haven't been allowed professionally to work much in other languages, even though I do write small utilities from time to time for personal use and for a small non-profit I work with. Essentially, I have very few entries on my resume for my secondary languages, so most companies assume I'm just a Delphi developer, and don't know how to work with their systems, even though I do, or can learn how to very quickly. How can I overcome this, and should it be overcome in the cover letter or possibly in the resume itself?
resume job-search skills
asked Mar 18 '15 at 21:06
Tom A
1484
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
9
down vote
favorite
I am a software developer that has primarily worked in Windows development in the Delphi language. At present, I am looking for a new job, and want to work in a different programming language (C# or Java primarily, but am interested in others as well), but I can't seem to get past the first level, and I think it's because I haven't been allowed professionally to work much in other languages, even though I do write small utilities from time to time for personal use and for a small non-profit I work with. Essentially, I have very few entries on my resume for my secondary languages, so most companies assume I'm just a Delphi developer, and don't know how to work with their systems, even though I do, or can learn how to very quickly. How can I overcome this, and should it be overcome in the cover letter or possibly in the resume itself?
resume job-search skills
asked Mar 18 '15 at 21:06
Tom A
1484
2
Pick a technology that has demand and learn it. Microsoft has certifications.
– paparazzo
Mar 18 '15 at 22:17
1
Also add more text regarding the new languages in your resume and downplay the languages you don't want to use. Many recruiters/HR departments use keyword searches to cull through resume stacks.
– Voxwoman
Mar 18 '15 at 22:19
the technology is less important than the career you want to eke out.
– bharal
Mar 19 '15 at 19:11
@bharal What? OP is already in software developer. OP is asking about the specific technology.
– paparazzo
Mar 19 '15 at 19:33
@Blam no no, you misunderstand. i get that OP is a dev. what i mean is that the tech is just a tool. a dev asking "what language should i learn" is like asking "what language should i make this app in". it is a fair question - but only if you know what the app is gong to do! And there are other considerations for our metaphor-app ~ monetising, validity, it is not just about the language. So too for a beginning dev - getting caught up in the language at the expense of overall career direction is a mistake.
– bharal
Mar 19 '15 at 20:01
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
9
down vote
favorite
up vote
9
down vote
favorite
I am a software developer that has primarily worked in Windows development in the Delphi language. At present, I am looking for a new job, and want to work in a different programming language (C# or Java primarily, but am interested in others as well), but I can't seem to get past the first level, and I think it's because I haven't been allowed professionally to work much in other languages, even though I do write small utilities from time to time for personal use and for a small non-profit I work with. Essentially, I have very few entries on my resume for my secondary languages, so most companies assume I'm just a Delphi developer, and don't know how to work with their systems, even though I do, or can learn how to very quickly. How can I overcome this, and should it be overcome in the cover letter or possibly in the resume itself?
resume job-search skills
asked Mar 18 '15 at 21:06
Tom A
1484
I am a software developer that has primarily worked in Windows development in the Delphi language. At present, I am looking for a new job, and want to work in a different programming language (C# or Java primarily, but am interested in others as well), but I can't seem to get past the first level, and I think it's because I haven't been allowed professionally to work much in other languages, even though I do write small utilities from time to time for personal use and for a small non-profit I work with. Essentially, I have very few entries on my resume for my secondary languages, so most companies assume I'm just a Delphi developer, and don't know how to work with their systems, even though I do, or can learn how to very quickly. How can I overcome this, and should it be overcome in the cover letter or possibly in the resume itself?
resume job-search skills
asked Mar 18 '15 at 21:06
Tom A
1484
asked Mar 18 '15 at 21:06
Tom A
1484
asked Mar 18 '15 at 21:06
Tom A
1484
asked Mar 18 '15 at 21:06
Tom A
1484
1484
2
Pick a technology that has demand and learn it. Microsoft has certifications.
– paparazzo
Mar 18 '15 at 22:17
1
Also add more text regarding the new languages in your resume and downplay the languages you don't want to use. Many recruiters/HR departments use keyword searches to cull through resume stacks.
– Voxwoman
Mar 18 '15 at 22:19
the technology is less important than the career you want to eke out.
– bharal
Mar 19 '15 at 19:11
@bharal What? OP is already in software developer. OP is asking about the specific technology.
– paparazzo
Mar 19 '15 at 19:33
@Blam no no, you misunderstand. i get that OP is a dev. what i mean is that the tech is just a tool. a dev asking "what language should i learn" is like asking "what language should i make this app in". it is a fair question - but only if you know what the app is gong to do! And there are other considerations for our metaphor-app ~ monetising, validity, it is not just about the language. So too for a beginning dev - getting caught up in the language at the expense of overall career direction is a mistake.
– bharal
Mar 19 '15 at 20:01
 |Â
show 1 more comment
2
Pick a technology that has demand and learn it. Microsoft has certifications.
– paparazzo
Mar 18 '15 at 22:17
1
Also add more text regarding the new languages in your resume and downplay the languages you don't want to use. Many recruiters/HR departments use keyword searches to cull through resume stacks.
– Voxwoman
Mar 18 '15 at 22:19
the technology is less important than the career you want to eke out.
– bharal
Mar 19 '15 at 19:11
@bharal What? OP is already in software developer. OP is asking about the specific technology.
– paparazzo
Mar 19 '15 at 19:33
@Blam no no, you misunderstand. i get that OP is a dev. what i mean is that the tech is just a tool. a dev asking "what language should i learn" is like asking "what language should i make this app in". it is a fair question - but only if you know what the app is gong to do! And there are other considerations for our metaphor-app ~ monetising, validity, it is not just about the language. So too for a beginning dev - getting caught up in the language at the expense of overall career direction is a mistake.
– bharal
Mar 19 '15 at 20:01
2
2
Pick a technology that has demand and learn it. Microsoft has certifications.
– paparazzo
Mar 18 '15 at 22:17
Pick a technology that has demand and learn it. Microsoft has certifications.
– paparazzo
Mar 18 '15 at 22:17
1
1
Also add more text regarding the new languages in your resume and downplay the languages you don't want to use. Many recruiters/HR departments use keyword searches to cull through resume stacks.
– Voxwoman
Mar 18 '15 at 22:19
Also add more text regarding the new languages in your resume and downplay the languages you don't want to use. Many recruiters/HR departments use keyword searches to cull through resume stacks.
– Voxwoman
Mar 18 '15 at 22:19
the technology is less important than the career you want to eke out.
– bharal
Mar 19 '15 at 19:11
the technology is less important than the career you want to eke out.
– bharal
Mar 19 '15 at 19:11
@bharal What? OP is already in software developer. OP is asking about the specific technology.
– paparazzo
Mar 19 '15 at 19:33
@bharal What? OP is already in software developer. OP is asking about the specific technology.
– paparazzo
Mar 19 '15 at 19:33
@Blam no no, you misunderstand. i get that OP is a dev. what i mean is that the tech is just a tool. a dev asking "what language should i learn" is like asking "what language should i make this app in". it is a fair question - but only if you know what the app is gong to do! And there are other considerations for our metaphor-app ~ monetising, validity, it is not just about the language. So too for a beginning dev - getting caught up in the language at the expense of overall career direction is a mistake.
– bharal
Mar 19 '15 at 20:01
@Blam no no, you misunderstand. i get that OP is a dev. what i mean is that the tech is just a tool. a dev asking "what language should i learn" is like asking "what language should i make this app in". it is a fair question - but only if you know what the app is gong to do! And there are other considerations for our metaphor-app ~ monetising, validity, it is not just about the language. So too for a beginning dev - getting caught up in the language at the expense of overall career direction is a mistake.
– bharal
Mar 19 '15 at 20:01
 |Â
show 1 more comment
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
up vote
4
down vote
accepted
Build an awesome application in that language and show them. The key for an interview is this : show, don't tell.
Have your resume reference an online code repository(like your github profile). Many serious development companies may ask to see a github profile anyway. Being able to show them something in person on a laptop might be good too. Good interviewers will want to know as much as possible about your skills before hiring you.
Once while interviewing for a job, they asked me about my Objective C skills(iOS development) I mentioned on a resume. I actually had an app on the app store at the time, so the interviewer whipped out his phone and downloaded the app right in front of me. Even though I had no professional experience with Objective C, he had no doubt I could program in Objective C.
Make sure you highlight you desired language first, and they may assume that is what you are the best at, and thus it will be what's most asked about.
answered Mar 19 '15 at 13:41
Ronnie W.
3,60061937
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
I'd put it in the cover letter AND the resume. Some HR people read the letter first and others the resume - they are going to throw your application out if they are looking for a Java Dev and there's nothing Java in there.
In the cover letter put that while your main language was Delphi, you are confident that you'll be a good Java developer, because ... list reasons like you've worked in Java in your free time for example software s for company t, you've always been quick to learn new languages for example at internship x you learned language y and finished project z with it in only 3 month, ... whatever you come up with that you can actually back up. A certificate might help, too.
In the resume just put volunteer work: Developed application to do s for non profit t using Java (+frameworks if you used any).
answered Mar 18 '15 at 22:29
Sumyrda
395610
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Building software can be the same for a full-time job, as well as, a part-time job with a non-profit (Linux development has been mainly non-profit and those key-contributors can write their own ticket for job placement.). The main factor is the extent of the project. For example: did you work for a non-profit on a web site with a lot of traffic. Were you working with large data sets?
You have to be able to connect the skills utilized in your non-working projects with what the jobs require. If you can't, you may want to look into additional work to expand on your previous experience. Also, the people at the non-profit should be giving you a very strong reference.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
You might want to change your focus. Many tech shops take it for a given that developers come with skills in multiple programming languages. So, first, make sure you are actually proficient in the additional languages you want to work in. Searching for "code interview questions" in Google provides several resources to assess where you might stand in a coding test.
Second, more important than the programming language, show them you understand the problems their products solve. If you can show me you understand accounting (for example), then I'll assume the programming part comes with the rest of your expertise. This makes a big difference down the road. Many developers who identify themselves only by the language(s) they use find themselves limited because they may not ever understand the big picture topics that would make them excellent senior level developers and architects, etc.
On publicly available code... As a project lead and manager who interviews software engineers, I would not penalize you for not having anything in github (or bitbucket, or anywhere online). But if you do have something available for me to look at, I will look at it, and if it's not good, it will count against you. I'd be looking for coding style, design, comments and other documentation, and an overall coherency to the code. Anything that shows me you've paid dues as a software developer and have learned the lessons that experienced developers should learn.
I would also look for any blog posts or contributions to Stack Overflow, Reddit, HackerNews, etc., that demonstrate your understanding of your craft. No, you don't need your own domain. Signing up for Blogger.com or Wordpress.com, or any other blog hosting site is fine. Just share what you know.
FYI, cover letters only impress the resume screener. After that, they get stripped off, and the tech managers and project leads only see the resume. You need a cover letter to catch the screener's attention, so it's better to make it tell your story in as few words as possible. Don't worry about selling your technical skills in the cover letter. Just help them feel like you are the answer to the problems they are trying to solve. (This implies knowing something about the company.)
answered Mar 19 '15 at 18:10
Kent A.
19.2k75575
Different companies have different procedures. At my last interview, I got a lot of questions on stuff I wrote in my cover letter from the technical manager and the senior developer who interviewed me.
– Sumyrda
Mar 19 '15 at 18:51
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
The great thing about being a programmer is the ease of being able to dive into new technologies.
If I was in your situation, I'd come up with a few mobile app ideas, code them in either Java or C#, and then publish them in app stores. Not only will you be learning a new language you'll also be learning to work in non-Windows environments. Perhaps these apps will need some back end support. That'll give you an excuse to dive into web development languages as well.
Once you have apps published, you now have something concrete to show off as part of your portfolio, and can add the language to your resume.
answered Mar 19 '15 at 17:47
GrandmasterB
3,44521516
This is along the same lines as what I would answer. The only change I would make is to develop the app for something on the job. I have never had difficulty coming up with ideas for utility apps that would help everyone be more productive (in particular make me more productive). If it just so happens that a good way to write the utility is using this new-fangled language/technology that I've been wanting to learn then that's what I'll use. It's a win-win all around. You get "on-the-job" experience, you (and others) become more productive at your job because of the utility.
– Dunk
Mar 19 '15 at 21:09
suggest improvements |Â
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5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
4
down vote
accepted
Build an awesome application in that language and show them. The key for an interview is this : show, don't tell.
Have your resume reference an online code repository(like your github profile). Many serious development companies may ask to see a github profile anyway. Being able to show them something in person on a laptop might be good too. Good interviewers will want to know as much as possible about your skills before hiring you.
Once while interviewing for a job, they asked me about my Objective C skills(iOS development) I mentioned on a resume. I actually had an app on the app store at the time, so the interviewer whipped out his phone and downloaded the app right in front of me. Even though I had no professional experience with Objective C, he had no doubt I could program in Objective C.
Make sure you highlight you desired language first, and they may assume that is what you are the best at, and thus it will be what's most asked about.
answered Mar 19 '15 at 13:41
Ronnie W.
3,60061937
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
accepted
Build an awesome application in that language and show them. The key for an interview is this : show, don't tell.
Have your resume reference an online code repository(like your github profile). Many serious development companies may ask to see a github profile anyway. Being able to show them something in person on a laptop might be good too. Good interviewers will want to know as much as possible about your skills before hiring you.
Once while interviewing for a job, they asked me about my Objective C skills(iOS development) I mentioned on a resume. I actually had an app on the app store at the time, so the interviewer whipped out his phone and downloaded the app right in front of me. Even though I had no professional experience with Objective C, he had no doubt I could program in Objective C.
Make sure you highlight you desired language first, and they may assume that is what you are the best at, and thus it will be what's most asked about.
answered Mar 19 '15 at 13:41
Ronnie W.
3,60061937
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
accepted
up vote
4
down vote
accepted
Build an awesome application in that language and show them. The key for an interview is this : show, don't tell.
Have your resume reference an online code repository(like your github profile). Many serious development companies may ask to see a github profile anyway. Being able to show them something in person on a laptop might be good too. Good interviewers will want to know as much as possible about your skills before hiring you.
Once while interviewing for a job, they asked me about my Objective C skills(iOS development) I mentioned on a resume. I actually had an app on the app store at the time, so the interviewer whipped out his phone and downloaded the app right in front of me. Even though I had no professional experience with Objective C, he had no doubt I could program in Objective C.
Make sure you highlight you desired language first, and they may assume that is what you are the best at, and thus it will be what's most asked about.
answered Mar 19 '15 at 13:41
Ronnie W.
3,60061937
Build an awesome application in that language and show them. The key for an interview is this : show, don't tell.
Have your resume reference an online code repository(like your github profile). Many serious development companies may ask to see a github profile anyway. Being able to show them something in person on a laptop might be good too. Good interviewers will want to know as much as possible about your skills before hiring you.
Once while interviewing for a job, they asked me about my Objective C skills(iOS development) I mentioned on a resume. I actually had an app on the app store at the time, so the interviewer whipped out his phone and downloaded the app right in front of me. Even though I had no professional experience with Objective C, he had no doubt I could program in Objective C.
Make sure you highlight you desired language first, and they may assume that is what you are the best at, and thus it will be what's most asked about.
answered Mar 19 '15 at 13:41
Ronnie W.
3,60061937
answered Mar 19 '15 at 13:41
Ronnie W.
3,60061937
answered Mar 19 '15 at 13:41
Ronnie W.
3,60061937
answered Mar 19 '15 at 13:41
Ronnie W.
3,60061937
3,60061937
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
I'd put it in the cover letter AND the resume. Some HR people read the letter first and others the resume - they are going to throw your application out if they are looking for a Java Dev and there's nothing Java in there.
In the cover letter put that while your main language was Delphi, you are confident that you'll be a good Java developer, because ... list reasons like you've worked in Java in your free time for example software s for company t, you've always been quick to learn new languages for example at internship x you learned language y and finished project z with it in only 3 month, ... whatever you come up with that you can actually back up. A certificate might help, too.
In the resume just put volunteer work: Developed application to do s for non profit t using Java (+frameworks if you used any).
answered Mar 18 '15 at 22:29
Sumyrda
395610
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
I'd put it in the cover letter AND the resume. Some HR people read the letter first and others the resume - they are going to throw your application out if they are looking for a Java Dev and there's nothing Java in there.
In the cover letter put that while your main language was Delphi, you are confident that you'll be a good Java developer, because ... list reasons like you've worked in Java in your free time for example software s for company t, you've always been quick to learn new languages for example at internship x you learned language y and finished project z with it in only 3 month, ... whatever you come up with that you can actually back up. A certificate might help, too.
In the resume just put volunteer work: Developed application to do s for non profit t using Java (+frameworks if you used any).
answered Mar 18 '15 at 22:29
Sumyrda
395610
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
I'd put it in the cover letter AND the resume. Some HR people read the letter first and others the resume - they are going to throw your application out if they are looking for a Java Dev and there's nothing Java in there.
In the cover letter put that while your main language was Delphi, you are confident that you'll be a good Java developer, because ... list reasons like you've worked in Java in your free time for example software s for company t, you've always been quick to learn new languages for example at internship x you learned language y and finished project z with it in only 3 month, ... whatever you come up with that you can actually back up. A certificate might help, too.
In the resume just put volunteer work: Developed application to do s for non profit t using Java (+frameworks if you used any).
answered Mar 18 '15 at 22:29
Sumyrda
395610
I'd put it in the cover letter AND the resume. Some HR people read the letter first and others the resume - they are going to throw your application out if they are looking for a Java Dev and there's nothing Java in there.
In the cover letter put that while your main language was Delphi, you are confident that you'll be a good Java developer, because ... list reasons like you've worked in Java in your free time for example software s for company t, you've always been quick to learn new languages for example at internship x you learned language y and finished project z with it in only 3 month, ... whatever you come up with that you can actually back up. A certificate might help, too.
In the resume just put volunteer work: Developed application to do s for non profit t using Java (+frameworks if you used any).
answered Mar 18 '15 at 22:29
Sumyrda
395610
answered Mar 18 '15 at 22:29
Sumyrda
395610
answered Mar 18 '15 at 22:29
Sumyrda
395610
answered Mar 18 '15 at 22:29
Sumyrda
395610
395610
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Building software can be the same for a full-time job, as well as, a part-time job with a non-profit (Linux development has been mainly non-profit and those key-contributors can write their own ticket for job placement.). The main factor is the extent of the project. For example: did you work for a non-profit on a web site with a lot of traffic. Were you working with large data sets?
You have to be able to connect the skills utilized in your non-working projects with what the jobs require. If you can't, you may want to look into additional work to expand on your previous experience. Also, the people at the non-profit should be giving you a very strong reference.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Building software can be the same for a full-time job, as well as, a part-time job with a non-profit (Linux development has been mainly non-profit and those key-contributors can write their own ticket for job placement.). The main factor is the extent of the project. For example: did you work for a non-profit on a web site with a lot of traffic. Were you working with large data sets?
You have to be able to connect the skills utilized in your non-working projects with what the jobs require. If you can't, you may want to look into additional work to expand on your previous experience. Also, the people at the non-profit should be giving you a very strong reference.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
Building software can be the same for a full-time job, as well as, a part-time job with a non-profit (Linux development has been mainly non-profit and those key-contributors can write their own ticket for job placement.). The main factor is the extent of the project. For example: did you work for a non-profit on a web site with a lot of traffic. Were you working with large data sets?
You have to be able to connect the skills utilized in your non-working projects with what the jobs require. If you can't, you may want to look into additional work to expand on your previous experience. Also, the people at the non-profit should be giving you a very strong reference.
Building software can be the same for a full-time job, as well as, a part-time job with a non-profit (Linux development has been mainly non-profit and those key-contributors can write their own ticket for job placement.). The main factor is the extent of the project. For example: did you work for a non-profit on a web site with a lot of traffic. Were you working with large data sets?
You have to be able to connect the skills utilized in your non-working projects with what the jobs require. If you can't, you may want to look into additional work to expand on your previous experience. Also, the people at the non-profit should be giving you a very strong reference.
answered Mar 19 '15 at 2:13
user8365
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
You might want to change your focus. Many tech shops take it for a given that developers come with skills in multiple programming languages. So, first, make sure you are actually proficient in the additional languages you want to work in. Searching for "code interview questions" in Google provides several resources to assess where you might stand in a coding test.
Second, more important than the programming language, show them you understand the problems their products solve. If you can show me you understand accounting (for example), then I'll assume the programming part comes with the rest of your expertise. This makes a big difference down the road. Many developers who identify themselves only by the language(s) they use find themselves limited because they may not ever understand the big picture topics that would make them excellent senior level developers and architects, etc.
On publicly available code... As a project lead and manager who interviews software engineers, I would not penalize you for not having anything in github (or bitbucket, or anywhere online). But if you do have something available for me to look at, I will look at it, and if it's not good, it will count against you. I'd be looking for coding style, design, comments and other documentation, and an overall coherency to the code. Anything that shows me you've paid dues as a software developer and have learned the lessons that experienced developers should learn.
I would also look for any blog posts or contributions to Stack Overflow, Reddit, HackerNews, etc., that demonstrate your understanding of your craft. No, you don't need your own domain. Signing up for Blogger.com or Wordpress.com, or any other blog hosting site is fine. Just share what you know.
FYI, cover letters only impress the resume screener. After that, they get stripped off, and the tech managers and project leads only see the resume. You need a cover letter to catch the screener's attention, so it's better to make it tell your story in as few words as possible. Don't worry about selling your technical skills in the cover letter. Just help them feel like you are the answer to the problems they are trying to solve. (This implies knowing something about the company.)
answered Mar 19 '15 at 18:10
Kent A.
19.2k75575
Different companies have different procedures. At my last interview, I got a lot of questions on stuff I wrote in my cover letter from the technical manager and the senior developer who interviewed me.
– Sumyrda
Mar 19 '15 at 18:51
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
You might want to change your focus. Many tech shops take it for a given that developers come with skills in multiple programming languages. So, first, make sure you are actually proficient in the additional languages you want to work in. Searching for "code interview questions" in Google provides several resources to assess where you might stand in a coding test.
Second, more important than the programming language, show them you understand the problems their products solve. If you can show me you understand accounting (for example), then I'll assume the programming part comes with the rest of your expertise. This makes a big difference down the road. Many developers who identify themselves only by the language(s) they use find themselves limited because they may not ever understand the big picture topics that would make them excellent senior level developers and architects, etc.
On publicly available code... As a project lead and manager who interviews software engineers, I would not penalize you for not having anything in github (or bitbucket, or anywhere online). But if you do have something available for me to look at, I will look at it, and if it's not good, it will count against you. I'd be looking for coding style, design, comments and other documentation, and an overall coherency to the code. Anything that shows me you've paid dues as a software developer and have learned the lessons that experienced developers should learn.
I would also look for any blog posts or contributions to Stack Overflow, Reddit, HackerNews, etc., that demonstrate your understanding of your craft. No, you don't need your own domain. Signing up for Blogger.com or Wordpress.com, or any other blog hosting site is fine. Just share what you know.
FYI, cover letters only impress the resume screener. After that, they get stripped off, and the tech managers and project leads only see the resume. You need a cover letter to catch the screener's attention, so it's better to make it tell your story in as few words as possible. Don't worry about selling your technical skills in the cover letter. Just help them feel like you are the answer to the problems they are trying to solve. (This implies knowing something about the company.)
answered Mar 19 '15 at 18:10
Kent A.
19.2k75575
Different companies have different procedures. At my last interview, I got a lot of questions on stuff I wrote in my cover letter from the technical manager and the senior developer who interviewed me.
– Sumyrda
Mar 19 '15 at 18:51
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
You might want to change your focus. Many tech shops take it for a given that developers come with skills in multiple programming languages. So, first, make sure you are actually proficient in the additional languages you want to work in. Searching for "code interview questions" in Google provides several resources to assess where you might stand in a coding test.
Second, more important than the programming language, show them you understand the problems their products solve. If you can show me you understand accounting (for example), then I'll assume the programming part comes with the rest of your expertise. This makes a big difference down the road. Many developers who identify themselves only by the language(s) they use find themselves limited because they may not ever understand the big picture topics that would make them excellent senior level developers and architects, etc.
On publicly available code... As a project lead and manager who interviews software engineers, I would not penalize you for not having anything in github (or bitbucket, or anywhere online). But if you do have something available for me to look at, I will look at it, and if it's not good, it will count against you. I'd be looking for coding style, design, comments and other documentation, and an overall coherency to the code. Anything that shows me you've paid dues as a software developer and have learned the lessons that experienced developers should learn.
I would also look for any blog posts or contributions to Stack Overflow, Reddit, HackerNews, etc., that demonstrate your understanding of your craft. No, you don't need your own domain. Signing up for Blogger.com or Wordpress.com, or any other blog hosting site is fine. Just share what you know.
FYI, cover letters only impress the resume screener. After that, they get stripped off, and the tech managers and project leads only see the resume. You need a cover letter to catch the screener's attention, so it's better to make it tell your story in as few words as possible. Don't worry about selling your technical skills in the cover letter. Just help them feel like you are the answer to the problems they are trying to solve. (This implies knowing something about the company.)
answered Mar 19 '15 at 18:10
Kent A.
19.2k75575
You might want to change your focus. Many tech shops take it for a given that developers come with skills in multiple programming languages. So, first, make sure you are actually proficient in the additional languages you want to work in. Searching for "code interview questions" in Google provides several resources to assess where you might stand in a coding test.
Second, more important than the programming language, show them you understand the problems their products solve. If you can show me you understand accounting (for example), then I'll assume the programming part comes with the rest of your expertise. This makes a big difference down the road. Many developers who identify themselves only by the language(s) they use find themselves limited because they may not ever understand the big picture topics that would make them excellent senior level developers and architects, etc.
On publicly available code... As a project lead and manager who interviews software engineers, I would not penalize you for not having anything in github (or bitbucket, or anywhere online). But if you do have something available for me to look at, I will look at it, and if it's not good, it will count against you. I'd be looking for coding style, design, comments and other documentation, and an overall coherency to the code. Anything that shows me you've paid dues as a software developer and have learned the lessons that experienced developers should learn.
I would also look for any blog posts or contributions to Stack Overflow, Reddit, HackerNews, etc., that demonstrate your understanding of your craft. No, you don't need your own domain. Signing up for Blogger.com or Wordpress.com, or any other blog hosting site is fine. Just share what you know.
FYI, cover letters only impress the resume screener. After that, they get stripped off, and the tech managers and project leads only see the resume. You need a cover letter to catch the screener's attention, so it's better to make it tell your story in as few words as possible. Don't worry about selling your technical skills in the cover letter. Just help them feel like you are the answer to the problems they are trying to solve. (This implies knowing something about the company.)
answered Mar 19 '15 at 18:10
Kent A.
19.2k75575
answered Mar 19 '15 at 18:10
Kent A.
19.2k75575
answered Mar 19 '15 at 18:10
Kent A.
19.2k75575
answered Mar 19 '15 at 18:10
Kent A.
19.2k75575
19.2k75575
Different companies have different procedures. At my last interview, I got a lot of questions on stuff I wrote in my cover letter from the technical manager and the senior developer who interviewed me.
– Sumyrda
Mar 19 '15 at 18:51
suggest improvements |Â
Different companies have different procedures. At my last interview, I got a lot of questions on stuff I wrote in my cover letter from the technical manager and the senior developer who interviewed me.
– Sumyrda
Mar 19 '15 at 18:51
Different companies have different procedures. At my last interview, I got a lot of questions on stuff I wrote in my cover letter from the technical manager and the senior developer who interviewed me.
– Sumyrda
Mar 19 '15 at 18:51
Different companies have different procedures. At my last interview, I got a lot of questions on stuff I wrote in my cover letter from the technical manager and the senior developer who interviewed me.
– Sumyrda
Mar 19 '15 at 18:51
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
The great thing about being a programmer is the ease of being able to dive into new technologies.
If I was in your situation, I'd come up with a few mobile app ideas, code them in either Java or C#, and then publish them in app stores. Not only will you be learning a new language you'll also be learning to work in non-Windows environments. Perhaps these apps will need some back end support. That'll give you an excuse to dive into web development languages as well.
Once you have apps published, you now have something concrete to show off as part of your portfolio, and can add the language to your resume.
answered Mar 19 '15 at 17:47
GrandmasterB
3,44521516
This is along the same lines as what I would answer. The only change I would make is to develop the app for something on the job. I have never had difficulty coming up with ideas for utility apps that would help everyone be more productive (in particular make me more productive). If it just so happens that a good way to write the utility is using this new-fangled language/technology that I've been wanting to learn then that's what I'll use. It's a win-win all around. You get "on-the-job" experience, you (and others) become more productive at your job because of the utility.
– Dunk
Mar 19 '15 at 21:09
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
The great thing about being a programmer is the ease of being able to dive into new technologies.
If I was in your situation, I'd come up with a few mobile app ideas, code them in either Java or C#, and then publish them in app stores. Not only will you be learning a new language you'll also be learning to work in non-Windows environments. Perhaps these apps will need some back end support. That'll give you an excuse to dive into web development languages as well.
Once you have apps published, you now have something concrete to show off as part of your portfolio, and can add the language to your resume.
answered Mar 19 '15 at 17:47
GrandmasterB
3,44521516
This is along the same lines as what I would answer. The only change I would make is to develop the app for something on the job. I have never had difficulty coming up with ideas for utility apps that would help everyone be more productive (in particular make me more productive). If it just so happens that a good way to write the utility is using this new-fangled language/technology that I've been wanting to learn then that's what I'll use. It's a win-win all around. You get "on-the-job" experience, you (and others) become more productive at your job because of the utility.
– Dunk
Mar 19 '15 at 21:09
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
The great thing about being a programmer is the ease of being able to dive into new technologies.
If I was in your situation, I'd come up with a few mobile app ideas, code them in either Java or C#, and then publish them in app stores. Not only will you be learning a new language you'll also be learning to work in non-Windows environments. Perhaps these apps will need some back end support. That'll give you an excuse to dive into web development languages as well.
Once you have apps published, you now have something concrete to show off as part of your portfolio, and can add the language to your resume.
answered Mar 19 '15 at 17:47
GrandmasterB
3,44521516
The great thing about being a programmer is the ease of being able to dive into new technologies.
If I was in your situation, I'd come up with a few mobile app ideas, code them in either Java or C#, and then publish them in app stores. Not only will you be learning a new language you'll also be learning to work in non-Windows environments. Perhaps these apps will need some back end support. That'll give you an excuse to dive into web development languages as well.
Once you have apps published, you now have something concrete to show off as part of your portfolio, and can add the language to your resume.
answered Mar 19 '15 at 17:47
GrandmasterB
3,44521516
answered Mar 19 '15 at 17:47
GrandmasterB
3,44521516
answered Mar 19 '15 at 17:47
GrandmasterB
3,44521516
answered Mar 19 '15 at 17:47
GrandmasterB
3,44521516
3,44521516
This is along the same lines as what I would answer. The only change I would make is to develop the app for something on the job. I have never had difficulty coming up with ideas for utility apps that would help everyone be more productive (in particular make me more productive). If it just so happens that a good way to write the utility is using this new-fangled language/technology that I've been wanting to learn then that's what I'll use. It's a win-win all around. You get "on-the-job" experience, you (and others) become more productive at your job because of the utility.
– Dunk
Mar 19 '15 at 21:09
suggest improvements |Â
This is along the same lines as what I would answer. The only change I would make is to develop the app for something on the job. I have never had difficulty coming up with ideas for utility apps that would help everyone be more productive (in particular make me more productive). If it just so happens that a good way to write the utility is using this new-fangled language/technology that I've been wanting to learn then that's what I'll use. It's a win-win all around. You get "on-the-job" experience, you (and others) become more productive at your job because of the utility.
– Dunk
Mar 19 '15 at 21:09
This is along the same lines as what I would answer. The only change I would make is to develop the app for something on the job. I have never had difficulty coming up with ideas for utility apps that would help everyone be more productive (in particular make me more productive). If it just so happens that a good way to write the utility is using this new-fangled language/technology that I've been wanting to learn then that's what I'll use. It's a win-win all around. You get "on-the-job" experience, you (and others) become more productive at your job because of the utility.
– Dunk
Mar 19 '15 at 21:09
This is along the same lines as what I would answer. The only change I would make is to develop the app for something on the job. I have never had difficulty coming up with ideas for utility apps that would help everyone be more productive (in particular make me more productive). If it just so happens that a good way to write the utility is using this new-fangled language/technology that I've been wanting to learn then that's what I'll use. It's a win-win all around. You get "on-the-job" experience, you (and others) become more productive at your job because of the utility.
– Dunk
Mar 19 '15 at 21:09
suggest improvements |Â
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2
Pick a technology that has demand and learn it. Microsoft has certifications.
– paparazzo
Mar 18 '15 at 22:17
1
Also add more text regarding the new languages in your resume and downplay the languages you don't want to use. Many recruiters/HR departments use keyword searches to cull through resume stacks.
– Voxwoman
Mar 18 '15 at 22:19
the technology is less important than the career you want to eke out.
– bharal
Mar 19 '15 at 19:11
@bharal What? OP is already in software developer. OP is asking about the specific technology.
– paparazzo
Mar 19 '15 at 19:33
@Blam no no, you misunderstand. i get that OP is a dev. what i mean is that the tech is just a tool. a dev asking "what language should i learn" is like asking "what language should i make this app in". it is a fair question - but only if you know what the app is gong to do! And there are other considerations for our metaphor-app ~ monetising, validity, it is not just about the language. So too for a beginning dev - getting caught up in the language at the expense of overall career direction is a mistake.
– bharal
Mar 19 '15 at 20:01