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      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Miranda Waters, Software Engineer

      by

      Hi Miranda! Can you start by sharing a little bit about your educational background?

      I have my Bachelors degree in Nutritional Sciences. About 7 years after college, in 2019, I attended a 6-month full stack web development bootcamp. Before attending the bootcamp, I had no previous web development experience or knowledge.

      The bootcamp I attended, which was hosted through my alma mater, had a huge impact on my career. I took the course on a whim, thinking at the very least it would help me land some sort of tech-related job in sales or customer service. I ended up realizing software engineering was something I really enjoyed!

      Related: Coding Bootcamps & Non-Traditional Education for Tech Talent

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I’d like to learn more about cybersecurity. I did some training in my previous job, and it was so interesting to see the common ways systems (and people) are taken advantage of.

      I’ve also been meaning to learn how to play the guitar that’s been gathering dust in my office…I’ll get there eventually!

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      I’ve always wanted a career helping people, but I didn’t know where to start. At the same time, I wanted to be challenged and leverage my creative problem solving skills. I realized a career in tech would allow me to potentially change lives on a large scale and offer plenty of room for growth.

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

      I’m still pretty new to the field, so everyday I’m excited and proud about the things I know today that I didn’t know yesterday. Dev ops/systems architecture is where my skill set has evolved the most, but I still have so much to learn. Coding is only a small part of web development!

      Related: Curious about a Career in DevOps? How to Prep for Strong Interviews

      Do you specialize in any specific area?

      I haven’t chosen to specialize in a specific area yet. Right now, I’m focused on becoming a solid full-stack developer and seeing where that takes me.

      Is your new role different from previous ones and what are you most excited about?

      My new job is in a completely different industry (I moved from FinTech to Travel & Leisure). While my role is the same, and the tech stack I’m working in is very similar, the two positions have their own unique challenges!

      At my new company, Engineers are much more involved in what’s going on in different departments (Customer Service, Design, Marketing, etc.). Looking at problems through these different lenses will really help me grow as an Engineer and hone my leadership skills.

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

      Not fun. There were so many different places to keep track of job postings and where I applied. Plus, all the cover letters…ick!

      There was also a lot of wasted time. I would write up a whole application for a job, go through a few interviews, only to learn their salary offering was way lower than I was looking for or we weren’t on the same page for some reason.

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

      Be specific about what you’re looking for and don’t be shy to ask for it! To me, Hired is about transparency and honesty from both sides. No need to keep all your cards to yourself.

      Also, take advantage of the coding challenges they offer. It’s great practice for interviews!

      Related: Discover upcoming coding challenges and events tailored to help jobseekers

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

      Joining Hired is like having your own personal assistant/interview advocate. They’ve thought of everything! I got multiple interview requests in the first couple days after signing up. The whole process was so smooth and enjoyable. I would absolutely recommend Hired to anybody looking for a job in tech.

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

      My new company told me they like to hire people who should have an ego but don’t. I think a lot of companies share this motto in one way or another. Obviously, your knowledge and skills are important but it’s just as important to show vulnerability, ask questions, and be curious.

      About Harvest Hosts

      Harvest Hosts is a membership program for RVers offering unique overnight stays and over 3,000 community locations all over North America. Harvest Hosts aims to help millions of people live happier lives through road travel, while supporting wonderful small businesses and communities along the way. Founded in 2018, Clio has 51-200 employees and is headquartered in Colorado.

      Tech Stack

      React, React Native, TypeScript, Redux, AWS, Laravel, Jest, Cypress

      Benefits

      Health/dental/vision insurance, 401K plan, performance bonus, paid time off, employee discount programs, career growth, and more. More

    • 138 Shares109 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Ahmed El Bialy, Senior Software Developer Engineer

      by

      We’re so excited to speak with you, Ahmed! Will start by sharing a little bit about your educational background?

      I have a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Special Education. I’m a self-taught Software Developer! I specifically taught myself mobile development. I took some Computer Science courses in university. Those got me excited about programming and I grew to really love the Software Development field.

      When it came time to teach myself about programming, I took an online course through Udacity. It taught me Native iOS development using a programming language called Swift. From there, I worked on a few personal projects that eventually propelled me to land a full-time position.

      Which opportunities made the biggest impact on your tech career?

      Teaching myself code through Udacity and going to tech meetups. I had my foundational knowledge in programming from my university education, but the biggest impact came from the self-taught courses and professional experience I gained later on.

      Networking and attending those meetups were also essential. I had the chance to meet great speakers in the tech industry and learn new skills and techniques. It presented me with an opportunity to get my next role and to help others get theirs!

      What would you like to learn more about?

      Backend technologies and how businesses operate. I’m also very interested in language learning — both human and computer languages. I’d like to continue my journey learning Spanish. As for computer languages, I am focusing on JavaScript, TypeScript, Ruby, and Ruby on Rails for backend.

      I would also love to learn more about the cloud and security. My focus on mobile development security is of the utmost importance and there aren’t many professionals who specialize in this area. That’s certainly another field for me to further explore.

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

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      When I was a teacher I wanted to work in an industry with the flexibility to work from anywhere. I also wanted to be able to work on my own projects and start my own business or consultancy. I always had a deep passion for technology I wanted to explore more. With the ease of access to technology and powerful computing machines, we can solve, automate and simplify so many problems and impact how we go about our daily lives.

      I was also intrigued by the opportunity to work across industries and with different types of professionals. So far, I have worked in the education, healthcare, media, and legal industries. I have learned a lot from this varied experience! 

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

      I think my skillset has evolved quite well. I now play more of a mentor and teacher role for younger professionals. I still have a lot to learn from a technical perspective but I’ve had the opportunity to understand how the industry works and what areas of growth I can work on.

      I have become familiar with industry best practices and how to work on a cross-functional team with a variety of backgrounds and problems to solve. My skillset has certainly expanded compared to when I initially started as a mobile developer.

      What area do you specialize in and why?

      I chose to specialize in mobile application development. It’s magical to just pull out my phone and show someone a project I’ve worked on. I really enjoy the hands-on aspect of mobile development and I have the chance to work with the latest and greatest devices. It’s also fun to take on a lot of unique challenges that come with developing mobile applications such as battery life, memory, computing, network connectivity, security, and privacy. Mobile development is full of endless possibilities!

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      Yes, it is! It is a change in tech stack I’m really excited (and a little nervous!) about. It’ll be a good opportunity for my career growth. My background is in Xamarin and Native mobile development. I really look forward to working in the world of React Native now. I also have the opportunity to work on some backend and infrastructure tasks which are definitely new to me.

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

      I’m excited to collaborate with hard working, forward thinking folks and to really make an impact in the industry. I’m also thrilled to work with some cool technologies I did not have much exposure to previously. This technology includes Angular, Ruby on Rails, React Native, and TypeScript. All of these are relatively new to me so it’s exciting and is a different experience than what I’m used to.

      Related: Hired Releases 2022 State of Software Engineers Data Report

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

      It wasn’t as diverse. I had the chance to match with amazing opportunities I would not have known about without Hired. Some of these opportunities were from companies in different industries like real estate and fintech, which I didn’t have access to before. It’s a really nice way to learn more about what’s out in the market.

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

      Always respond and keep in touch with recruiters who reach out to you on Hired. Make connections and never ignore anyone. You never know where your next role might be. Always keep an open mind and take the time to fill out all the necessary information so employers can get to know you better.

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

      Definitely check it out and stick to it. The platform is very effective and I think you will be able to get really interesting opportunities you might not otherwise have access to. Hired is also great if you wish to change careers or roles. Let’s say you want to become a developer and have some previous QA experience, Hired is a great place to find what you’re looking for.

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

      Always be on the lookout for roles a little outside of your comfort zone. You never know where your next best career move will be. Never miss an opportunity that comes knocking on your door. Network, learn, help others, and create the community you wish to see in the future!

      About Thomson Reuters

      Thomson Reuters is the leading provider of news and information-based tools to professionals. They enable professionals in the financial and risk, legal, tax and accounting, and media markets to make the decisions that matter most. Founded in 2008, Thomson Reuters has 5,000+ employees and is headquartered in Toronto.

      Tech Stack

      Java, Cloud, JavaScript, Angular, React, Python, AWS, Azure, C# and many more cool technologies!

      Benefits

      Health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, pension plan, catered lunches, and more. More

    • 125 Shares169 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Ahmed El Bialy, Intermediate Software Developer

      by

      We’re so excited to speak with you, Ahmed! Will start by sharing a little bit about your educational background?

      I have a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Special Education. I’m a self-taught Software Developer! I specifically taught myself mobile development. I took some Computer Science courses in university. Those got me excited about programming and I grew to really love the Software Development field.

      When it came time to teach myself about programming, I took an online course through Udacity. It taught me Native iOS development using a programming language called Swift. From there, I worked on a few personal projects that eventually propelled me to land a full-time position.

      Which opportunities made the biggest impact on your tech career?

      Teaching myself code through Udacity and going to tech meetups. I had my foundational knowledge in programming from my university education, but the biggest impact came from the self-taught courses and professional experience I gained later on.

      Networking and attending those meetups were also essential. I had the chance to meet great speakers in the tech industry and learn new skills and techniques. It presented me with an opportunity to get my next role and to help others get theirs!

      What would you like to learn more about?

      Backend technologies and how businesses operate. I’m also very interested in language learning — both human and computer languages. I’d like to continue my journey learning Spanish. As for computer languages, I am focusing on JavaScript, TypeScript, Ruby, and Ruby on Rails for backend.

      I would also love to learn more about the cloud and security. My focus on mobile development security is of the utmost importance and there aren’t many professionals who specialize in this area. That’s certainly another field for me to further explore.

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

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      When I was a teacher I wanted to work in an industry with the flexibility to work from anywhere. I also wanted to be able to work on my own projects and start my own business or consultancy. I always had a deep passion for technology I wanted to explore more. With the ease of access to technology and powerful computing machines, we can solve, automate and simplify so many problems and impact how we go about our daily lives.

      I was also intrigued by the opportunity to work across industries and with different types of professionals. So far, I have worked in the education, healthcare, media, and legal industries. I have learned a lot from this varied experience! 

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

      I think my skillset has evolved quite well. I now play more of a mentor and teacher role for younger professionals. I still have a lot to learn from a technical perspective but I’ve had the opportunity to understand how the industry works and what areas of growth I can work on.

      I have become familiar with industry best practices and how to work on a cross-functional team with a variety of backgrounds and problems to solve. My skillset has certainly expanded compared to when I initially started as a mobile developer.

      What area do you specialize in and why?

      I chose to specialize in mobile application development. It’s magical to just pull out my phone and show someone a project I’ve worked on. I really enjoy the hands-on aspect of mobile development and I have the chance to work with the latest and greatest devices. It’s also fun to take on a lot of unique challenges that come with developing mobile applications such as battery life, memory, computing, network connectivity, security, and privacy. Mobile development is full of endless possibilities!

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      Yes, it is! It is a change in tech stack I’m really excited (and a little nervous!) about. It’ll be a good opportunity for my career growth. My background is in Xamarin and Native mobile development. I really look forward to working in the world of React Native now. I also have the opportunity to work on some backend and infrastructure tasks which are definitely new to me.

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

      I’m excited to collaborate with hard working, forward thinking folks and to really make an impact in the industry. I’m also thrilled to work with some cool technologies I did not have much exposure to previously. This technology includes Angular, Ruby on Rails, React Native, and TypeScript. All of these are relatively new to me so it’s exciting and is a different experience than what I’m used to.

      Related: Hired Releases 2022 State of Software Engineers Data Report

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

      It wasn’t as diverse. I had the chance to match with amazing opportunities I would not have known about without Hired. Some of these opportunities were from companies in different industries like real estate and fintech, which I didn’t have access to before. It’s a really nice way to learn more about what’s out in the market.

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

      Always respond and keep in touch with recruiters who reach out to you on Hired. Make connections and never ignore anyone. You never know where your next role might be. Always keep an open mind and take the time to fill out all the necessary information so employers can get to know you better.

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

      Definitely check it out and stick to it. The platform is very effective and I think you will be able to get really interesting opportunities you might not otherwise have access to. Hired is also great if you wish to change careers or roles. Let’s say you want to become a developer and have some previous QA experience, Hired is a great place to find what you’re looking for.

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

      Always be on the lookout for roles a little outside of your comfort zone. You never know where your next best career move will be. Never miss an opportunity that comes knocking on your door. Network, learn, help others, and create the community you wish to see in the future!

      About Clio

      Clio is the leader in cloud-based legal technology offering practice management, CRM, and client intake software. Clio is transforming the practice of law in a permanent and meaningful way that’s bettering the lives of legal professionals while increasing access to justice for all. Founded in 2007, Clio has 501-1,000 employees and is headquartered in Vancouver.

      Tech Stack

      Ruby on Rails, Ruby, JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Node.JS

      Benefits

      Health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, paid holidays, flexible working hours, maternity/paternity benefits, tuition reimbursement, and more. More

    • 138 Shares169 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Simon Fisoye-Kings, Software Engineer in the UK

      by

      Can you share a little bit about your educational background and what opportunities impacted your tech career?

      I studied Computer Science, which can be seen as the traditional course. I actually did not do any coding before university.

      The best thing I did in my career was participating in a year-long placement. High-quality experience on my CV before graduating made me stand out from other candidates. In addition, completing it at a top software company in SAP allowed me to use my technical knowledge in a corporate environment. The skills you learn at university are beneficial but using them in a working setting is very different.

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I want to explore cloud and machine learning further. I believe this is the biggest thing in technology currently. I’m interested in learning more about how machine learning can be used in various areas of our lives. For example, the technology around Amazon Echo and Google Dot devices is fascinating, and I would love to learn more about how they work.

      Related: How to Become a Machine Learning Engineer

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      I started with an interest in gaming at a young age and was curious about the technology behind the scenes. Then, I went into web and mobile applications. I was curious about how apps worked and intrigued by how easy it was to create your own. I believe the main reason for my early passion for tech was its ability for users to be creative and express themselves with it. From age 12, I remember working on a mobile application where users could view comedic images and videos in secondary school. I always enjoyed making people laugh and technology brought that to life.

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

      Over time I have become more confident and excellent in my coding ability. I started Computer Science with a general interest in technology but became more interested in the programming side.

      Do you specialise in one area?

      Yes, I specialise in back-end development. I realised I was interested in algorithms and how systems work behind the scenes, making this area the best fit for me.

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      I left a high-profile bank for an internet publishing/insurance company. My previous role was old-fashioned, less flexible, and had little room for progression. My new role is flexible and offers a transparent route for progression.

      Related: How to Maximize your Job Offer as a Remote Engineer

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

      I’m thrilled about the opportunity to learn from a range of different people. I’m looking forward to the chance to grow and develop myself on a personal level too.

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

      It was slow-paced and challenging to navigate. There were many unknowns and it was difficult to communicate with employers. I always felt out of the loop and did not know whether I would hear back.

      What would you tell someone curious about Hired?

      I would recommend it to anyone looking for a new role. With Hired, you will feel confident speaking to companies as they approach you first.

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

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

      The best thing I would say is to know your worth. If you are confident in your abilities, don’t settle for anything less than your expectations. Remember, the employer has to impress you as well. A job is a transaction, not a favour. 

      Congrats on the job, Simon! Interested in landing a great role in the UK like Simon did? Complete your free profile on Hired today!

      About Compare The Market

      Compare The Market is a price comparison website and provides customers with an easy way to make the right choice on a wide range of products including motor, home, life and energy. Founded in 2005, Compare the Market has between 501-1000  employees and is headquartered in London.

      Tech Stack

      JavaScript, Node.js, MongoDB, AWS, C#, .NET, iOS, Android, Docker, Git, HTML, CSS, Scala, Java, Kafka, Kubernetes, Python, React, Redux, Big Data

      Benefits

      Life/disability insurance, work-from-home flexibility, volunteer time off, flexible working hours, employee discount programs, and more. More

    • 125 Shares169 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Rodrigo Mejia Sanchez, Senior Software Engineer

      by

      We’re excited to learn about your story, Rodrigo! Can you start by sharing a little bit about your educational background?

      I have a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Georgia Tech. I had a bit of experience in programming before, but for all intents and purposes, I essentially started from scratch my freshman year of college. I have done online courses on sites such as Pluralsight, but I don’t have any certifications and would consider most of my education to come from school and on-the-job experience.

      Related: Check out our partners who offer upskilling and certification opportunities.

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

      Definitely my formal education. It gave me a structured learning environment with lots of resources to advance my career. I also gained many non-technical soft skills, understood how to go about engaging potential employers, and learned the “how” and “why” behind common software engineering processes.

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I would like to learn more about hardware. I personally enjoy tinkering with small microcontrollers and bare-bones computers such as Raspberry Pis and Arduinos. I’m also currently enamored by the maker movement and am trying to expand my 3D modeling/printing skills, and eventually pick up some woodworking skills too.

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      I went to a programming summer camp in middle school. I learned to make video games through a drag-and-drop game engine and fell in love with it. I didn’t touch it much again until college, but that summer made me certain tech was what I wanted to study and pursue.

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

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

      Initially, my skillset centered around a lot of theoretical knowledge and I had a focus on making “clever” code. Over time, I’ve learned that readable and easily changeable code is much more valuable. It’s easy to write new code but it’s hard to refactor and maintain it. I have also broadened my skillset with lots of Linux knowledge and that has been really valuable for debugging difficult production issues.

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

      I haven’t decided to specialize, but automation is a common theme in my job roles. I particularly like it because it’s often about scaling up an existing process and understanding how many different systems come together to solve a problem. Plus, it’s needed in almost all industries, so the diversity of problems keeps me engaged.

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      I went from a large corporate financial firm, Goldman Sachs, to a small insurance tech startup called Owl.co. My title is roughly the same, but my current team/company feels much more focused. I enjoy that the work we do is directly related to the core business model, and I enjoy that the smaller size allows for more flexibility when coming up with solutions to engineering challenges.

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

      The opportunity to work within a smaller and more focused organization is a major aspect that excited me. Additionally, the prospect of being able to contribute to making an industry slightly less biased and more consumer-friendly is another plus. I had a goal in mind when seeking my next role. I wanted to work somewhere I could be proud of the product and the impact it had on people.

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

      It mainly consisted of LinkedIn recruiters reaching out to me and me applying on my own to companies I thought would be interesting. I had many traditional financial roles that recruiters reached out to me for. It was difficult to peel away from the perception that because I worked at a large financial firm, I was mainly interested in finance. I was actually more interested in working for places with an exciting product or interesting engineering problems. I wanted to turn away from finance to avoid being pigeonholed into a certain skill set or role.

      Related: Build Confidence and Take Control of Your Tech Job Search Series

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

      Contrary to the “spray and pray” approach on other platforms such as LinkedIn, it makes more sense to focus on roles that actually seem interesting. I noticed that companies reaching out on Hired actually had a substantial interest already. So, it was less about casting a wide net to identify leads, and more about deciding if I could actually see myself working at the companies that contacted me. Also, being really responsive on the platform was key. I felt more eager to proceed with interviews when a company reached out on Hired as opposed to another platform.

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

      Try it out! There’s no cost and creating a profile is really easy so you have nothing to lose. I had a really positive experience with companies and with Hired employees as they assisted me through my job search. Also, know that you can conveniently pause your profile if you find yourself with many ongoing interviews.

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

      Don’t be discouraged by many rejections. The technical interview is not a good measure of how good of an engineer you may be. It is simply a tool used during the recruiting process. Focus more on finding the right company for what you are looking for and you may be surprised at what you find in places you weren’t originally looking.

      Related: Get more practice with technical interviews through events like coding challenges.

      About Owl.co

      Owl.co is an enterprise software company leading a change in how insurers verify the legitimacy of claims by replacing a bias-prone and labor-intensive process with a data-driven one. Founded in 2018, Owl.co has between 51-200 employees and is headquartered in Vancouver.

      Tech Stack

      TypeScript, Clojure, Python, TensorFlow, AWS

      Benefits

      Health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, performance bonus, 401K matching, paid time off, mentorship opportunities, flexible working hours, and more. More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Ricardo Xavier, Software Engineer

      by

      Thanks for joining us, Ricardo! Can you share a little bit about your educational background?

      I have my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and I later pursued a Masters degree in Distributed Systems, which I completed in 2019.

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

      My Bachelor’s degree was the experience that really shaped my way of thinking when approaching problems. It made me realise building software is more than making something fulfill a basic functionality. It is also about fulfilling non-functional requirements and thinking ahead about possible issues we may encounter during the whole software lifecycle.

      What would you like to learn more about?

      Taking into account my new position in software engineering, I would like to dig into some of the most common databases and how they work internally. Non-tech related, I would like to read more about soft skills like time management.

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      My interest in solving problems using software and my natural curiosity about things are the two main reasons behind my pursuit of a tech career. Since I was a child, I knew what I wanted to do when I was older. I was lucky to have a computer at an early age.

      This unlocked my passion for computers and since then, I’ve spent a lot of time in front of a screen. However, I only began coding in high school and by then, I already knew I wanted to study Computer Science at university.

      Related: Hired Releases 2022 State of Software Engineers Data Report

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

      It’s definitely still evolving. I feel like there is a lot to learn. Initially, I felt having knowledge gaps wasn’t okay but with time I’ve realized it is totally fine – I just need to continue working on filling the gaps.

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

      I chose to specialise in Distributed Systems. I am fascinated by the problems that arise when software needs to scale up and how every little detail can make the difference in these systems.

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      It’s completely different. Previously, I worked for one of the top low code platforms on the market. My role was to ensure that one of the high availability services was fully operational all the time and I was tasked with incrementally adding functionality to it.

      My new position is a data-centric engineering position in which the biggest challenges are connected to ingesting and processing big loads of data.

      Related: Tech Candidate Spotlight – Kyle Mercer

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

      Making software that scales with large volumes of data is something that excites me. Entering this new area that I don’t know a lot about is also a great opportunity for learning.

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

      I’ve only been through the job search once after college. It was the traditional way of finding a job where I created a CV and searched for positions on numerous websites. It was a tiring and frustrating experience.

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

      Build a strong profile! Highlight your best achievements, show the impact you had in your previous job experiences, and share the value you can bring to a new company. If you have a hard time assessing your impact, ask for a second opinion from someone who has worked closely with you.

      They will probably be able to identify things you’ve done that impacted the team/company positively. Remember that a team achievement is also your achievement, so I encourage you to share those achievements with the world.

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

      If you’re looking for a job in tech, give it a try. You have high chances of finding a great match for your profile. Hired is new to HRs in my local area so I was unsure of whether I would find something that would match my profile and skills here. However, I was surprised to see Hired got me my best offer after searching for jobs on multiple platforms. It has brought me here so I definitely recommend that you try it out.

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

      The best advice I can give a tech professional was given to me a few years ago at a college conference: Take half an hour each week to learn about and work on yourself. It will bring huge benefits in the long run, and you should focus on learning both hard and soft skills.

      About LandTech

      LandTech is a software company building B2B SaaS Products for the Property Industry, empowering property developers to build the places that communities need to thrive. Founded in 2014, LandTech has between 51-200 employees and is headquartered in London.

      Tech Stack

      Node.js, MongoDB, EC2, JavaScript, Vue.JS, AWS, Kubernetes, Elasticsearch, TypeScript, Test Driven Development (TDD), Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), DevOps, PostgreSQL

      Benefits

      Health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, maternity and paternity benefits, unlimited time off, tuition reimbursement, conferences reimbursement, flexible working hours, and more. More

    • 113 Shares169 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Graham Hensley, Senior Engineering Manager

      by

      Hi Graham! Can you tell us about your educational background?

      I got a traditional degree in Computer Science several years before the introduction of the first iPhone. I taught myself Android application development through reading the books of Reto Meier and attending conferences and meetup groups. I naturally found my way into leadership over the course of my career because I never had a problem explaining tech to non-tech people. 

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

      I have learned the most from meetup groups and gathering with fellow hobbyists and professionals. Passion can be contagious, so hanging out in groups where everyone is motivated to learn and develop a skill will give you the energy to keep going. 

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I’ve been pushing myself to better understand the crypto field and writing smart contracts in Solidity. 

      Related: What’s the Deal with Web 3.0 & How Does it Affect Tech Talent?, Partners for Upskilling

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      My parents were both in the field and understood how much it would be a part of the future. They made sure I was always exposed to tech. My first computer was an IBM 386. My parents showed me how I could use code to make the computer play guessing games with me.

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

      I wouldn’t say I’ve chased fads, but as the world has changed from Windows apps to websites, mobile apps, and crypto contracts, I have been following along and trying to adapt to what companies and consumers want. 

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      This new role is a change of industry. I went from being the manager of a team of Application Developers to being a manager of a team of Hardware and Firmware Engineers. 

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

      The opportunity to learn new things. After 3 years at my last gig, I didn’t feel like I was growing and I felt that I was just maintaining the status quo. It’s great to be outside of my comfort zone and learning new processes and acronyms. I was also worried that my skills would not transfer over and that somehow I had plateaued. However, it’s been very reassuring to change companies and still feel like I know how to make an impact.

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

      It was slow. I was searching over the web, looking for job descriptions that felt right. I was constantly writing intro letters and dealing with no or slow responses from companies. 

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

      Follow the site guides to get your profile in good shape – and then relax. The process works and you will start hearing about really interesting opportunities.

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

      Try it!! 

      About Mason America

      Mason America is a software development company transforming mobile deployments the same way AWS transformed website development, making it easy for anyone to turn an idea into a smart product and ship it to anywhere in the world. Mason has between 51-200 employees and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

      Tech Stack

      Android, Node.JS, AWS, Python, AOSP, Git, Terraform, Ansible, Kubernetes, Docker

      Benefits

      Health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, maternity and paternity benefits, fitness reimbursement, mental health benefits, flexible working hours, matching charitable donations, and more. More

    • 113 Shares199 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Sabarish Subramanian, Principal Software Engineer

      by

      Hi Sabarish – thanks for sharing more about your career path with us! Can you share a little bit about your educational background? 

      I have a Masters in Information Technology (Translated to Bachelors in US) from India. The majority of my engineering experiences are from the companies I worked for. I have not attended bootcamps but have contributed to open source tools and have personal projects that helped me gain experience with the latest cloud technologies.

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

      My Masters degree helped me land in software engineering after graduation. I believe there are many institutions today that train software developers to improve their coding skills and I would strongly recommend that. 

      What would you like to learn more about?

      Like everyone else, I’m a big fan of cloud technologies. I like to keep myself updated with the newest tech and I do that through reading articles, tech blogs, LinkedIn blogs, Youtube videos and so on. While most companies today lean toward cutting edge technologies, this gives me an opportunity to explore a new area. I still try to keep up with my reading for general awareness. 

      Software security and other programming languages, such as Go Lang, are next on my list. If my schedule frees up during the weekends, I will spend time on these two.

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      After graduation, I wanted to pursue software engineering since it better aligned with my long term goals. With the cloud making innovative changes, I started to gain more interest. With software engineering being more than just development, the learning curve associated with it in terms of technical and non-technical is huge. I fully realized after the first few years in my career that I wanted to be a part of this industry. 

      How has your skillset evolved over the course of your career? If you choose to specialize in one area, what was it and why?

      I started my career as a contractor in software engineering, then moved to frontend, mobile, and finally, full stack. I’m thankful to the companies I have worked for, which gave me the opportunity to learn across all areas and contribute to company success.

      I prefer full stack with a 50-50 combination of frontend and backend, which gives you strong exposure to the systems involved and helps you design scalable softwares. 

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      Yes, it is in a new industry – fintech, which is one of my favorites. I couldn’t be more excited to become a Principal Software Engineer with added responsibilities. 

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

      The technology stack, amazing team, and work culture were so impressive that I couldn’t wait to accept the offer. Becoming a principal engineer is the dream of a lifetime and I was super excited to see Mission Lane offer everything I asked for. I’m excited and eagerly waiting for more opportunities in the future.

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

      Other job search platforms lack an effective communication paradigm between recruiters and candidates. Often, recruiters do not have complete knowledge of the candidate’s expectations since there is not a way to share those factors on your profile. Today, candidates expect more than a “job offer,” whether it is anticipation around work authorization sponsorship, job industry, or company size. Simply exchanging messages back and forth via chat has proven to be inefficient and a waste of time.

      I’m amazed by how Hired has addressed this key problem by providing all information about the candidate beforehand. When a recruiter contacts you, it means the company is the best match for your expectations. 

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

      Mark your preferences precisely to land the best offer. 

      Rejections are a part of life, but it is not the be-all and end-all. I have been rejected many times and at one point, I stopped counting, but remember – the best offer is yet to come! 

      Keep learning new things with each interview and improve yourself for the next.

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

      Hired is one of the best platforms for the job search. Given the number of preferences that are geared toward candidates and recruiters, it stands out from the competitors. 

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

      Keep learning about what interests you and keep yourself updated with the latest tech. 

      About Mission Lane

      Mission Lane is a financial technology company revolutionizing access to financial tools in credit, debit, and beyond to pave a clear way forward for millions of Americans. Founded in 2018, Mission Lane has between 201-500 employees and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

      Tech Stack

      React, React Native, Java, Kotlin, TypeScript, Node.JS, Google Cloud Platform, Kubernetes, PostgreSQL, Python, Machine Learning, Data Warehousing

      Benefits

      401k matching, health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, maternity and paternity benefits, mental health benefits, volunteer time off, mentorship opportunities, and more. More