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    Tech Candidate Spotlight – Glenn Engstrand, Staff Software Engineer

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    Can you share a little bit about your educational background?

    I have a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering and I completed Cooperative Education. I have a traditional degree and many years on various teams in companies ranging from mid-stage startups to Fortune 4 for products in the B2C, B2B, and B2B2C spaces.

    Which educational opportunities made the biggest impact on your tech career?

    A quality college education teaches you how to learn because you never stop learning. Trusted online collateral, esteemed professional conferences, and open source are the best places to go for continued education in software engineering.

    What would you like to learn more about?

    On the technical side: data structures and algorithms, programming languages and tech stacks, code complexity and readability, and DevSecOps. On the non-technical side: corporate culture, team dynamics, Conway’s law, and cross-functional communications skills. These are never-ending learning journeys!

    What led you to pursue a career in tech?

    I realized what I wanted to do while I was in high school. The idea of writing a program (mostly conditionals, looping, and glue code) that (at best) could delight and inform, serve humanity, and make a difference (or anger and obfuscate, betray humanity, and perpetuate the dystopian status quo at worst) seemed magical to me.

    How has your skill set evolved throughout your career?

    If I could go back in time and describe to my recent college graduate self what programming is like in my present and would be like in the future, then I doubt my younger self would even believe me or recognize what I was describing.

    Related: Ready to Start Programming with AI? A Quick Guide for Software Engineers

    If you choose to specialize in one area, what was it and why?

    I focused on business-oriented systems which, today, is mostly about backend microservice development. I do have some frontend knowledge but mostly web SPA or cross-platform.

    Is your new role different from previous ones?

    I prefer to serve on teams producing products that help humanity. That hasn’t changed. My previous role was in the domain of medical health and wellness and my new role focuses on financial health.

    What are you most excited about in your new role?

    The mission is all about helping others rise out of poverty. The people are smart and driven and care about what they are delivering. I have only been there a week but the culture seems to be humble and dedicated to service. The tech stack is pretty cool too.

    What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

    The job search experience before Hired was frustrating. It took time to prepare for each interview and involved making lots of cold applications, which is very much a numbers game. You need to have pretty thick skin and be okay with getting into the mindset of companies who may not even have, in reality, any open positions to fill.

    Related: 9 Smart Tips for Jobseekers to Identify & Avoid Job Scams in 2023

    What’s your best advice for jobseekers on the Hired platform? 

    It’s all about the resume. Think about the kinds of problems the companies you want to work at are facing. How can you present yourself in a way that shows you can help them solve those problems?

    Related: Get Employers’ Attention: How to Craft an Effective Hired Jobseeker Profile Headline

    What would you tell someone who’s curious about Hired?

    I really like Hired’s approach compared to its competitors. The number of companies you end up applying to is smaller. But the fit is better so you end up getting more call-back interviews. It feels a lot more productive and positive.

    Any general advice you’d like to give other tech professionals?

    Don’t only focus on job security. It’s all about career security and satisfaction. Where are you now? Where do you want to be in the future? What is a satisfying way to get there? The pace of technical innovation never stops. If you dislike learning, you are in the wrong profession. You will burn out so you better start planning that transition now.

    Thanks for sharing, Glenn! Looking for a tech or sales role? Complete your free Hired profile today!

    Looking for tech talent like Glenn? Get a customized demo customized.

    About EarnIn

    EarnIn is reimagining the way money moves to empower everyone’s potential. Founded in 2012, EarnIn has 201-500 employees and is headquartered in Palo Alto.

    Benefits

    401K plan, stock options, health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, unlimited time off, flexible working hours, mentorship opportunities, and more.

    Tech Stack

    C#, .NET, Java, Kotlin, Python, Go, Scala, Javascript, Kubernetes, Kafka More

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      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Stefan-Daniel Petcu, Vice President Lead Software Engineer

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      Start by telling us about your educational background!

      I went to the Polytechnic University of Bucharest where I studied Automatic Control and Computer Science. Having that Bachelor’s degree when I entered the job market 10+ years ago really helped me get shortlisted as a candidate.

      What has made the biggest impact on your tech career?

      Almost all that I’ve learned since starting my first job has been through practicing my profession and learning from my colleagues, going to conferences, reading books, and watching free videos online. I recommend people set time away to research highly rated books, interesting videos, etc. Aim for things that you can immediately apply in your work. Sometimes you’ll learn about stuff you didn’t even know you were missing out on.

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I’ve worked as a tech lead for about two and a half years now and I’m excited to continue improving, and then see what’s next. Aside from that, I’m passionate about making the value delivery loop faster – everything from an idea to a live product that can be evaluated and iterated on.

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      I started studying programming in middle school. I used to hate it. It might have been because we started with C and C++. Those are not the easiest languages for a newbie. My brother led me to pursue a tech career. He inspired me to start building websites in PHP and around my last year of high school/first year of university, I realized I enjoy programming in a more beginner-friendly language.

      Related: Dear Developers: Coding Languages That Will Set You Apart in 2023

      How has your skill set evolved throughout your career?

      I spent the first few years of my career as a full stack PHP developer and moved deeper into the backend stack later on. After I moved to London, I got the opportunity (through Hired) to start working as a Senior Consultant at a leading global technology consultancy. I jumped at that opportunity because the company was technology-agnostic and I was eager to develop my skill set beyond PHP. From there, I started working cross-functionally with Java, JavaScript, IAC, and DB technologies. I also improved my Agile development and communication skills.

      Related: Code Your Career: Staying Competitive in the Developer Job Market (VIDEO)

      What did you choose to specialize in and why?

      I prefer to have a holistic view of a product, domain, or business. The larger picture is more interesting to me. I like understanding how different bits and pieces integrate with or affect each other.

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      I’ll work in the same role as before (tech lead). I’m staying in finance but moving from an open banking start-up to one of the oldest traditional banks. I think some things might change.

      What are you most excited about in your new role?

      I’m excited about working from the office for part of the week. Let’s get one thing straight: I’m not looking forward to the crowded commute! However, I am really looking forward to getting face-to-face time with my team and having a clearer separation between work and personal time.

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      I joined Hired almost six years ago. I loved the platform from the beginning because the candidate experience is far more curated than what I was used to on other platforms at the time. First off, you have the opportunity to speak directly to recruiters from the companies reaching out to you. I prefer that over having to go through headhunters.

      Hired Candidate Experience Managers will also reach out to provide help and support. Interviews progress at a more predictable rate on Hired compared to other platforms. Plus, you’ll know what the outcome of your interview is – no more being left in the dark halfway through the interview process. All in all, my conversion rate (if you will) with Hired is on a different level.

      What’s your best advice for jobseekers on Hired? 

      Follow the tips and advice their website offers. Talk to the Candidate Experience Managers and see how they can help. Some tips from me are to respond to recruiters quickly and pause your profile promotion if you are getting flooded with interview requests.

      What would you tell someone curious about Hired?

      To try it out! I’ve already recommended Hired to all of my friends in tech. Hired has an official way to refer people too. Guess I’ll start finding more friends!

      Related: How to Earn Referral Bonuses on Hired

      Any general advice for other tech professionals?

      Always allocate some of your personal time to learning things, staying up-to-date with tech, and developing your skills in ways that you can easily showcase. Invest time and effort into writing an eye-catching, clear, and concise CV/resume. Keep up with market trends and what compensation you’ll accept for the value you provide. Don’t let more than two years pass without evaluating your salary against the market.

      Related: Try Hired’s Salary Calculator

      About JPMorgan

      JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a leader in investment banking, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. Founded in 1858, JPMorgan has 5000+ employees and is headquartered in New York.

      Benefits

      401K plan/matching, stock options, health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, paid time off, flexible working hours, tuition reimbursement, management training, mentorship opportunities, and more.

      Tech Stack

      JavaScript, Java, Python, MongoDB, Cassandra, Kafka, Hadoop, NoSQL, Access, Microsoft SQL Server, ASP.NET, Spark, C#, jQuery, Splunk, Cloud Foundry, MySQL, Ember.js, Spring, C++, Scala, React, Promtheus, Azure, DB2, Oracle, TensorFlow, SQL, Grafana, Kubernetes, MariaDB, AngularJS, Node.JS, .NET, Swift, Dynatrace, AWS, DevOps, Big Data, Mobile, Natural Language Processing (NLP) More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Nathaniel Stephenson, DevOps Engineer

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      Can you share a little bit about your educational background? 

      I have a Bachelor of Honours Degree in Animation Computerization and also have a certification in Terraform practice from QA Ltd. Additionally, I do self-guided learning via online platforms like Coursera and Pluralsight.

      Which has made the biggest impact on your tech career? 

      My involvement with a forward-thinking business that invests in personal development offers me exposure to a wide range of industry tools. This experience has not only deepened my interest in the industry but has also allowed me to broaden my skill set significantly.

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I’m interested in delving further into home server automation. This pursuit aims to establish a local environment to serve as a testing ground for implementing emerging technologies, including concepts like IAD (Intelligent Automation and Digitalization) that are making their way into the industry.

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      With a deep passion for technology and a strong desire to be a part of an ever-expanding industry, my journey in the world of technology has been fueled by an unwavering fascination with the endless possibilities it offers. This profound interest has been the driving force behind my career choices and the catalyst for my continuous growth. From the very beginning, my interest in technology was ignited by its power to transform the way we live, work, and connect with the world. The rapid pace of innovation and the potential to create innovative solutions to complex problems has captivated me.

      Related: Adapting and Advancing in a New Era of Tech Careers (VIDEO)

      Is your new role different from previous ones? 

      In my new position, I work with a different application and use a distinct cloud provider compared to what I encountered in my previous employment. This transition represents an exciting shift in my professional journey, offering new challenges and opportunities for growth.

      What are you most excited about in your new role?

      I am excited about collaborating with an enthusiastic team, where I can freely exchange innovative ideas and contribute value to a thriving business. This environment provides a unique opportunity for me to enhance and refine my skills, preparing me for future growth and success.

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      The job searching experience was satisfactory. I had frequent notifications about job opportunities. However, it was not consistently reliable in terms of maintaining a steady flow of opportunities.

      What would you tell someone who’s curious about Hired?

      Hired is a fantastic platform with an enthusiastic and genuinely supportive team that guides you through every phase. It provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills and promote yourself effectively. I highly recommend it as a valuable resource for career advancement.

      Related: Meet Hired’s Candidate Experience Team: Supporting Jobseekers Every Step of the Way

      Any general advice you’d like to give other tech professionals?

      I emphasize the importance of continuously expanding your knowledge and skills. By doing so, you open doors to numerous job opportunities that align with your aspirations and capabilities.

      About The Access Group

      The Access Group is more than just a software provider. They’re redefining what it means to partner with a technology provider. Founded in 1991, The Access Group has 5,001+ employees and is headquartered in Loughborough.

      Tech Stack

      .NET, C#, ASP.NET, SQL Server, AngularJS, React, Python, Java, VMWare, Hyper-V

      Benefits

      Paid time off, management/job training, work from home flexibility, maternity benefits, diversity program, and more. More

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      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Gian Frangiamore, iOS Engineer in the UK

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      Can you share a little bit about your educational background? 

      For the most part, I’m self-taught. I did join a bootcamp that taught me the basic fundamentals of software development. Shortly after, I found my first job as a software developer through an apprenticeship. 

      What has made the biggest impact on your tech career? 

      I’d say developing my own app was the most impactful. Not only did I learn a lot along the way, but it also gave me something to showcase when applying for jobs and to speak about when interviewing.

      What would you like to learn more about?

      At the moment I’m very focused on my iOS career. However, I am interested to see what kind of impact Apple’s Vision Pro will have on the industry. When the first iPhone launched, it didn’t even have an App Store. Now, look at where we are. Maybe this will open up a whole new career path – visionOS engineer. Who knows!

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      I’ve always been interested in anything to do with tech. Like many others, I was the go-to IT guy in the family (really all I did was turn it off and on again!). I didn’t know exactly what career path to go down when I finished college. However, once I started learning about software development, it really interested me and here I am today!

      Related: Code Your Career: Staying Competitive in the Developer Job Market (VIDEO)

      How has your skill set evolved over the course of your career?

      I started out as a software developer working with a bunch of different languages and frameworks. That included JavaScript, Java, C#, and SQL to name a few. I started learning more about app development soon after. That’s when I found my love for Swift. I then decided to create my own app, which led me down the career path as an iOS engineer.

      Related: Hired Releases 2023 State of Software Engineers Report

      For the past few years, I’ve mainly been focusing on iOS development. I’m really enjoying it. I think it’s amazing to have an app (or work on one) used by people all over the world!

      How is your new role different from previous ones? 

      The industry has shifted from housing to finance. But the roles are very similar. I’m still doing what I love, which is working on native apps for iOS.

      In my previous roles, I’ve worked in small teams. I’m looking forward to working in a larger team at JPMorgan where we can bounce ideas off each other and learn from one another. I’m also excited to work for such a large and well-known company.

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      I used LinkedIn a lot to apply for jobs and even reached out directly to the hiring managers sometimes. I was also in touch with a few recruiters who put me forward for roles. I had the odd interview here and there, but never really had much luck.

      What’s your best advice for job seekers registered on the Hired platform? 

      Try to fill in as much of your profile with relevant information as you can. This will give you the best possible chance and make you stand out from others. Also, make sure you’re responsive. It will show recruiters you’re active on the platform.

      Related: Want More Interviews and Better Matches? 8 Key Tips!

      What would you tell someone who’s curious about Hired?

      Go for it! I was fortunate in that the first company that got in touch for an interview ended up being the one I joined. If you haven’t had much luck with your job search, give Hired a try. The same could happen to you so what do you have to lose?

      Any general advice you’d like to give other tech professionals?

      Try not to compare yourself to others. Focus on being the best you can be and always try to improve. At the same time, remember to take a break and enjoy life. 

      About JPMorgan

      JPMorgan is a leader in investment banking, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. Founded in 1858, JPMorgan has 5000+ employees and is headquartered in New York.

      Benefits

      401K plan/matching, stock options, health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, paid time off, flexible working hours, tuition reimbursement, management training, mentorship opportunities, and more.

      Tech Stack

      JavaScript, Java, Python, MongoDB, Cassandra, Kafka, Hadoop, NoSQL, Access, Microsoft SQL Server, ASP.NET, Spark, C#, jQuery, Splunk, Cloud Foundry, MySQL, Ember.js, Spring, C++, Scala, React, Promtheus, Azure, DB2, Oracle, TensorFlow, SQL, Grafana, Kubernetes, MariaDB, AngularJS, Node.JS, .NET, Swift, Dynatrace, AWS, DevOps, Big Data, Mobile, Natural Language Processing (NLP) More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Leonard Barraugh, Security Engineer

      by

      Can you share a little bit about your educational background? 

      I have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Virginia Tech and a Master’s degree in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity from Florida Institute of Technology. I am also a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

      Earning an information technology-focused undergraduate degree opened the doors for me to start my career. Obtaining a CISSP certification gave legitimacy to my progression from an IT journeyman to a focused cybersecurity professional. 

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I am fascinated by the new developments in artificial intelligence. I’m excited to learn more ways to leverage AI to enhance personal productivity. Also, as a cybersecurity practitioner, it’s important to be aware of the many nefarious uses of this powerful technology and modern techniques to defend against them.

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      Computers weren’t ubiquitous when I was growing up. However, it was obvious that virtually every industry was clamoring to integrate software into their processes. I believed a career in software development would provide a great balance of career flexibility, security, and fulfillment.

      How has your skillset evolved over the course of your career?

      Initially, I began my career as a software developer, but the defense contracting world gave me exposure to many different facets of IT. I quickly became a jack of all trades, working on wildly varying projects that required database design, system administration, networking, and traditional IT help desk support. I discovered I had an aptitude for troubleshooting software and operating system issues. This helped me realize I was better suited in a generalist role than as a pure developer. This positioned me well for a transition into cybersecurity given the enormous breadth of the discipline.

      If you choose to specialize in one area, what was it and why?

      I’ve focused my career path on cybersecurity, which is still incredibly broad and continually evolving. Cybersecurity aligns perfectly with my disposition as a generalist. There is always something new to learn. Advances in technology present new attack surfaces that need to be secured, while novel methods are constantly being devised to exploit existing technology. Being a cybersecurity practitioner allows me to approach an IT system from a completely holistic viewpoint and requires an understanding of all the various components and interfaces.

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      My new role will be significantly different from my previous roles as I will be venturing out of the defense contracting world and into the private sector. I’ve had a clearance job for nearly my entire career so this will be a big leap away from what’s familiar and comfortable.

      What are some of the things you’re most excited about in your new role?

      I am incredibly excited to get exposure to new methods and technologies and to see how teams outside the defense industry approach cybersecurity. Also, as a parent of a young child, I am equally excited about an opportunity to work completely remote! 

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      I’ve worked in defense contracting for fifteen years and have built a large network of peers in that time, but I didn’t have many contacts outside of the defense space. Joining Hired provided an interface to employers in the private sector that I wouldn’t have been aware of otherwise.

      What’s your best advice for jobseekers on the Hired platform? 

      The best advice I can think of for jobseekers registered on Hired is to provide as much information on your profile as you can. Hired is different than traditional job search platforms. It showcases the candidates to potential employers. Therefore, having a robust profile gives you the best chance of attracting an employer’s interest.

      Related: Want More Interviews and Better Matches? 8 Key Tips!

      What would you tell someone who’s curious about Hired?

      After you find a possible match on a traditional job search platform, you typically have to leave that platform. Then, you need to provide all of your employment history, education, skills, and maybe even a cover letter on the potential employer’s career site. Doing this over and over again for every opportunity becomes robotic and impersonal. At some point, you might even start filtering out opportunities you would have otherwise applied to because the application process has become daunting and lost its zeal.

      With Hired, you only complete your profile once and they do all the work of showcasing you to employers. As an added benefit, they provide compensation information up front so you have a known starting point when beginning the interview process.

      Any general advice for other tech professionals?

      I take a genuine interest in what my peers around me are working on. That has provided immense value throughout my career. Building a rapport with teammates is critical in establishing a healthy and productive work environment. Understanding their challenges and accomplishments has a more tangible impact as well. You get a much better understanding of how your own responsibilities can impact or depend upon other efforts. This also offers great insight into how other teams may have already overcome some of the technical challenges you may be facing.

      About Berkeley Research Group

      Berkeley Research Group is a global consulting firm that helps organizations with assistance in disputes and investigations, corporate finance, and strategy and operations. Founded in 2010, BRG has 1,001-1,500 employees and is headquartered in California.

      Benefits

      401K plan/matching, health insurance, paid time off, work from home flexibility, company activities, conferences reimbursement, mentorship opportunities, and more. More

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      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Jack Bliss, Senior Software Engineer in the UK

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      Tell us a little bit about your educational background!

      I was self-taught from a young age as a hobbyist. My first job in software was freelance work for friends and family. I later attended university for a Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering. Then, I returned to the software industry after graduating.

      I believe my Master’s degree made the biggest impact on my tech career. It was only tangentially related but demonstrated technical skills and the ability to learn in a structured way.

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I feel DevOps helps me be a more rounded developer. Understanding limitations, trade-offs, and specialisations in infrastructure helps make my application code better.

      Related: What are the Best Programming Languages to Get a Software Developer Job? (Video)

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      My mum is a software engineer and has been for many years. She always encouraged me whenever I showed an interest in programming. After some experience, I realised: I liked it, I was good at it, and it makes for a great career!

      How has your skill set evolved over the course of your career?

      I started out as a front-end specialist and have slowly become more involved in full stack engineering. Being a full stack developer doesn’t just mean you write front-end code and backend code. It also means you can design and deliver entire features end-to-end including architecture/design, infrastructure, QA, and sunsetting plans.

      I initially specialised in front-end engineering because that’s where I had the most self-taught knowledge. Front-end code is very accessible because you only need a notepad and a web browser to start coding.

      What are you most excited about in your new role?

      Vortexa has assembled one of the most important datasets in the world. The liquid energy industry is largely unoptimised but impacts so much of our lives. Being able to increase the industry’s efficiency and find opportunities for other improvements is essential as we move toward a more sustainable future. The application is extremely detailed which makes it really fun to work on!

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      I typically used LinkedIn to find recruiters or I directly reached out to hiring managers. I also tried to find recruitment agencies to work with (but I didn’t get many responses) and used other job search websites.

      What’s your best advice for jobseekers on Hired? 

      Research your salary expectations and don’t be afraid to adjust them over time! Respond quickly to offers. This will help move processes quickly and boost your profile to hiring managers.

      Related: Want More Interviews and Better Matches? 8 Key Tips!

      Hear what everyone has to say in the first stage interview. What have you got to lose?!

      Hired is a very convenient platform for meeting hiring managers and recruiters. Plus, it’s so quick and easy for jobseekers to register on.

      Any general advice you’d like to give other tech professionals?

      Keep learning and pushing the limits of your knowledge. Having a well-rounded understanding of relevant topics can help get you promoted while making you better at your primary focus.

      About Workday

      Vortexa is on a mission to open, connect, and optimise the energy world through pioneering technology and unmatched market information. Founded in 2016, Vortexa has 51-200 employees and is headquartered in London.

      Benefits

      Stock options, match up to 3% of your salary in the pension plan, health insurance, paid time off, flexible working hours, company activities, management training, and more.

      Tech Stack

      Python, ElasticSearch, PostGres (+GIS), AWS, Kafka, Javascript (React/Redux/Typescript), Node JS, Redis, Scala, Kotlin, Kubernetes, airflow, Java More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Myron Yao, Software Application Engineer

      by

      Thanks for joining! Let’s start by talking about your educational background.  

      My Bachelor’s Degree is in Computer Science from the University of British Columbia. I learned general software development principles but the most practically relevant language taught at the time was Java. I taught myself Javascript in two weeks on my first job to adapt to a role as a full-stack developer and continue to maintain a general interest in programming language design.

      Related: Code Your Career: Staying Competitive in the Developer Job Market (VIDEO)

      In terms of certifications, I completed a short course on the Google Cloud Platform while with my previous employer.

      Which, if any, educational opportunities, have made the biggest impact on your tech career? 

      I still highly appreciate my education at a traditional institution for equipping me with a high-level understanding of hardware, algorithms and data structures, concurrency, language design, parallelism, operating systems, distributed computing, and human-computer interfaces.

      Aside from equipping me to tackle complex and technically demanding design and debugging tasks in a large enterprise software system, my theoretical interest in how languages structure programming made me an enthusiastic adopter of new language standards. This includes the introduction of patterns of Functional programming to Java and Javascript.

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I have a deep interest in physics and biology particularly as they relate to Neuroscience. AI really fascinates me. It’s not necessarily the statistical models currently driving a lot of the mainstream hype and economic development, but more so the biologically-inspired models. They provide incredible insights into human behaviour, experience, and consciousness.

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      Coming from a background/environment with an emphasis on academic achievement, I gravitated toward tech as an applied field with a high degree of freedom in what it created. Computing and automation are fundamentally about learning to harness non-human intelligence. Programming is an incredible force-multiplying tool for anybody with novel ideas.

      How has your skill set evolved over the course of your career?

      I began my career cramming on front-end technologies to become a full-stack developer. But as I gained experience, I pivoted into backend performance/stability, leading to system design and architecture.

      If you choose to specialize in one area, what was it and why?

      In my previous role, I gradually focused on backend development because the firm’s product was targeted at an enterprise client base. Improvements to the core system had the greatest impact on the widest audience.

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      My new role is somewhat different from my previous one. The internal platform is mature so development manpower is presently focused on feature development for customers (externally as opposed to internally facing). I am excited about the mission and social impact of the product and I don’t have any issues with customer-facing development.

      Nonetheless, it is not out of the question for my new job to parallel how I started out with my previous role. I began with a focus on front-end development but ended up contributing to the core platform after gaining knowledge and experience as a full-stack developer.

      What are you most excited about in your new role?

      My new role is with a team in a growth area for the company, which also has significant room for positive social impact – student information systems for large educational institutions. Besides the huge addressable market, the company’s mission – digital transformation of information systems of large enterprises to help them reduce the acceleration gap between technical debt and innovation – means that, particularly for the student product, the platform may even eventually be in a position to improve the learning experiences of students directly.

      Additionally, I am excited to work with the in-house internal platform at Workday. This sounded more bold and efficient the more I learned about it. For example, eliminating the inefficiencies of object-relational mapping for its crucial core data models by keeping business objects fully in memory. I look forward to deepening my understanding of software architecture by studying the system and reaping the productivity benefits of actually working with it.

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      Hired was one of the first services I looked into when I began my job search. However, with regard to my job search outside of Hired, it was fairly difficult due to several barriers:

      Importantly, I was coming off of a 2.5-year employment gap involving an international Master’s Degree. COVID and several months of exploring possibilities for self-employment interrupted my degree completion.

      As a Canadian without a US work permit, I was limited to local opportunities.

      Unfamiliarity with the non-tech firms doing the majority of tech hiring in the current job climate meant I was mostly applying to big tech firms. Unfortunately, those firms were the ones downsizing after over-hiring during the pandemic. In anticipation of a recession, they weren’t very responsive.

      What’s your best advice for jobseekers registered on the Hired platform? 

      The two key differentiators which make the Hired platform uniquely effective are the Assessments and Preferences features.

      Assessments

      Take the time to fully use all three attempts on each assessment, even if you get a decent grade. Candidates are ranked on the basis of both correctness and completion time. So, it is preferable to get the best score possible. Furthermore, if you plan to complete multiple assessments, space your attempts between them instead of completing an assessment all at once. The material in the assessments overlap (e.g. Full Stack with Front-end with Programming Skills), providing opportunities for more practice.

      Preferences

      Given the present job market, keep an open mind regarding which industries you’re willing to work in. Do some research into which ones are actually hiring. Definitely, DO take the time to specify some preferences. A strong match between a candidate and a company will predict cultural fit, giving you greater visibility.

      Related: Want More Interviews and Better Matches? 8 Key Tips!

      Remember the recruiting process is costly for hirers (e.g. sacrificing work hours for devs or managers to conduct interviews). Recruiters who perform candidate searches on Hired want to have as high of a hire-through rate as possible. If you manage to get an initial interview request, you are already highly likely to meet their basic requirements. All that remains is for you to demonstrate you are authentic and motivated. At the same time, the bias toward a high recruiting success rate means the initial screening process can be all the more stringent and impersonal.

      In this sense, my honest experience was that optimizing my profile for initial views and interview requests was the hardest part of the journey. Once you land an interview request:

      Research the company

      Identify what you like or want to know more about

      Review the ample tips and preparatory materials Hired provides for interviews

      This should put you well on the way to passing the final screening!

      What would you tell someone who’s curious about Hired?

      Hired is a modern hiring platform leveraging data-driven techniques to make matching candidates and companies more efficient. It also democratizes hiring by surfacing additional information not visible via traditional processes.

      Hired creates value by generating productive matches between jobseekers and employers who might not even be aware of each other. For candidates, this removes the most time-consuming yet inefficient stage of the job hunting process – mass-generating job applications with little guarantee a human will even look at them.

      Any general advice you’d like to give other tech professionals?

      The resources on the Hired blog are extremely informative. By highlighting the perspectives of both past candidates and recruiters representing real conditions on the platform, they provide great examples of success on Hired. A tremendously important skill in all aspects of life is being able to consider things from another person’s perspective. For job-seeking, the advice, suggestions, and testimonials on the Hired blog represent vital data for helping you do so.

      About Workday

      Workday is an on‑demand financial and human capital management software vendor. Founded in 2005, Workday has 5001+ employees and is headquartered in Pleasanton.

      Benefits

      Health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, 401K plan/matching, performance bonus, paid time off, parental benefits, job training, fitness reimbursement, flexible working hours, and more.

      Tech Stack

      Java, Scala, Ruby, Python, Elasticsearch, iOS, Swift, Android SDK, MySQL, Javascript, Hadoop, Spark, Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, Kafka, Apache ZooKeeper, Ruby on Rails, Hive, React, Chef More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Abel Hernandez, Lead Product Manager

      by

      Let’s start by discussing your educational background!

      I don’t have a “traditional degree.” I went to trade college for Audio Engineering and I have some unfinished semesters at city colleges. What changed my career trajectory was attending General Assembly’s Full Stack Developer Immersive Bootcamp.

      Related: Thinking About a Career Transition? General Assembly’s 4 Immersive Tech Programs to Help You Pivot

      I eventually pivoted into Product Management. While getting real-world experience at tech start-ups, I obtained industry certifications from Scrum Alliance and Product School.

      I’d say the BrightTALK series and being part of the Pivotal Labs practices and culture made the biggest impact on my career. Keeping in touch with my mentors and staying active in the lean UX and agile communities also helped quite a bit.

      What would you like to learn more about?

      Self-care and preventing burnout. I want to learn more about taking better care of myself. Although I’m passionate about tech, it’s important to learn how to unplug and walk barefoot, lay on the grass, and look up at the sky. We spend way too much time in front of screens.

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      I was tired of living paycheck to paycheck and lacking a clear career path. Eventually, I learned about outcomes and had the opportunity to leverage technology to impact people’s lives.

      Related: Expert Tips: How to Manage Your Finances While You Job Hunt

      How has your skill set evolved over the course of your career?

      I’m a lot more focused on understanding people’s motivations and pain points. I value problem-solving while leveraging my team’s expertise to help me determine how we can make a powerful impact.

      What did you choose to specialize in?

      Helping people navigate through ambiguity, or problem-solving by prioritizing ruthlessly. In short, I’m focused on being a champion for lean UX and agile methodologies.

      Is your new role different from previous ones and what excites you about it?

      Yes and no. I continue to work in a heavy compliance-driven environment. However, I do get to work with the private sector as opposed to only the public sector. I also have more opportunities to travel outside the US now.

      I’m excited to work with Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in this role! I’m also looking forward to continuing to provide solutions for folks in the military through healthcare tech initiatives.

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      It was brutal. There were no standards and I came across too many fake recruiters only seeking to get contact details. There was also a lot of ghosting! 

      Related: 9 Smart Tips for Jobseekers to Identify & Avoid Job Scams in 2023

      What’s your best advice for job seekers registered on the Hired platform? 

      Put in the effort to fill out your profile. Include a recent photo and update your criteria often as potential employers focus on that. Also, make sure you reply ASAP when you get a message. It’s important to show you’re active on Hired.

      Related: Want More Interviews and Better Matches? 5 Key Tips!

      Any general advice you’d like to give other tech professionals?

      I don’t want to sound cliché but don’t give up! Stay up-to-date and consistent in the community. Don’t make excuses as there are so many useful resources out there for tech jobseekers. If you put in time and effort, you will find the opportunity you’re seeking. 

      About Humana

      Humana creates innovative solutions and resources that help people live their healthiest lives on their terms – when and where they need it. Founded in 1961, Humana has 10,000+ employees and is headquartered in Louisville.

      Benefits

      Health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, 401K plan/matching, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, work from home flexibility, employee discount programs, and more. More

    • 100 Shares199 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Albert James, Full Stack Engineer

      by

      Please tell us a bit about your educational background! 

      I have a traditional background with a Bachelor’s in Electronics & Communication Engineering and a Master’s in Computer Science. My first introduction to programming was in high school. In the last few years of high school, I was introduced to C++. We wrote code on paper and later tried compiling it on computers once per week to see how it ran. Writing code primarily on paper was helpful in writing errorless code.

      Related: Code Your Career: Staying Competitive in the Developer Job Market (VIDEO)

      As for my overall tech career, I believe my Master’s degree made the biggest impact. It was the first time I learned a lot about programming and computer science fundamentals. I believe a formal education in computer science is really useful, especially if the coursework involves a lot of project work.

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I would like to learn more about Astrophysics. I’m really passionate about physics, and astronomy was something I loved reading about. Eventually, I plan to enroll in a learning course to get formal training in astrophysics. I might even switch careers someday!

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      For me, I think it came down to two aspects: problem-solving and money. Tech and coding are really interesting. You have to constantly learn and the problems you solve are neither mundane nor boring. It also helps that the salary is nice!

      How has your skill set evolved over the course of your career?

      I was primarily an electronics engineer who knew some C++ when I started my first job. Over time, I acquired skills in machine learning, database design, back-end engineering, and Android development. I was also exposed to a wider variety of problems and approaches to solving them. 

      If I could choose a specialty, it would be back-end development. I like the technologies in this area and love learning the nitty gritty of database design.

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      It is similar to my role at DraftKings. There are commonalities in the responsibilities but the role is in a new industry. The day-to-day work is similar to what I did at DraftKings but it’s a deviation from my tasks at Google.

      I really love back-end development and with this role at Arrowstreet Capital, I have the opportunity to be a part of the company’s foray into the cloud. This offers a plethora of interesting problems and projects while providing plenty of opportunities for personal growth.

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      It mostly consisted of messaging people and applying for jobs via LinkedIn. I’d say I have had mixed experiences with LinkedIn. I found it easier to find job opportunities after landing my first role but before that, I never received responses regarding applications.

      What’s your best advice for jobseekers on the Hired platform? 

      Keep your profile up-to-date and stay active on the platform. Don’t be passive in your job search! Take skill assessments and certifications to showcase what you can do and have learned. Keep updating your resume and profile to optimize it and impress prospective employers.

      Related: Want More Interviews and Better Matches? 5 Key Tips!

      Also, use the resources Hired provides as they are really useful in the job search. This helps you during every aspect, from beginning your job search all the way to negotiating an offer.

      Related: Meet Hired’s Candidate Experience Team: Supporting Jobseekers Every Step of the Way

      I had a wonderful time as a jobseeker using the Hired platform. Hired is really thorough and supports you throughout the job search process. It’s a fantastic platform for jobseekers and I encourage other tech professionals to make the most of it!

      Any general advice you’d like to give other tech professionals?

      Keep up with the job market. Update skills and learn new technologies accordingly. Read at least a few technical books per year to brush up on your skill set. Complete a personal project you enjoy even if it’s silly or lacks a use case. It helps in unexpected ways and demonstrates your drive.

      Thanks for sharing, Albert! Land your next tech or sales role on Hired and complete your free profile today!

      About Arrowstreet Capital

      Arrowstreet Capital is a systematic global equity asset manager providing solutions for institutional investors around the world. Founded in 1999, Arrowstreet Capital has 201-500 employees and is headquartered in Boston.

      Tech Stack

      React, Python, C#, AWS, Infrastructure More