I'm in the EU, I just picked up a new job as a senior dev. I had been a team lead / manager but struggled to find another role as I only have two years experience in management. Picking up a dev role was easier.
Things I've learned in the process (and from being on interview panels myself)
1) I tend to stay in a job a long time (5 years plus) and this is highly valued by interviewers
2) in tech interviews you need to constantly remind yourself that you are not really coding, you are demonstrating knowledge. Talk through every thing you do, explain why you did it, or what an alternative way could be.
3) referrals really help. I've gotten interviews from referrals when there wasn't a position advertised yet
4) every place out there is doing something with AI. Put a bit of python on your CV and play with ChatGPT, ask them about it, work in into conversation that you're learning it.
5) I put side projects on my CV and I get asked a lot about them. If you have something semi serious, employers will listen.
1) I tend to stay in a job a long time (5 years plus) and this is highly valued by interviewers
I believe this is an EU thing for us. I had informal discussion with friends from US/CA, and there, it is somehow seen as stagnation and something something about pay not improving.
Comparing EU to US job market in IT is a bitter joke (for EU). IMO "Loyalty" and similar traits that you usually would use for describing romantic relationships is a sign of how immature the EU market is.
Also, the job market in EU is healthier I believe. I also picked up a new job this year. Having less than 5 years definitely makes it very hard. Between 5 and 10, is not impossible, but hard. 10+ is good.
Comments
I'm in the EU, I just picked up a new job as a senior dev. I had been a team lead / manager but struggled to find another role as I only have two years experience in management. Picking up a dev role was easier.
Things I've learned in the process (and from being on interview panels myself)
1) I tend to stay in a job a long time (5 years plus) and this is highly valued by interviewers
2) in tech interviews you need to constantly remind yourself that you are not really coding, you are demonstrating knowledge. Talk through every thing you do, explain why you did it, or what an alternative way could be.
3) referrals really help. I've gotten interviews from referrals when there wasn't a position advertised yet
4) every place out there is doing something with AI. Put a bit of python on your CV and play with ChatGPT, ask them about it, work in into conversation that you're learning it.
5) I put side projects on my CV and I get asked a lot about them. If you have something semi serious, employers will listen.
I believe this is an EU thing for us. I had informal discussion with friends from US/CA, and there, it is somehow seen as stagnation and something something about pay not improving.
Company loyalty is valued way more in Europe than across the Atlantic.
Comparing EU to US job market in IT is a bitter joke (for EU). IMO "Loyalty" and similar traits that you usually would use for describing romantic relationships is a sign of how immature the EU market is.
Also, the job market in EU is healthier I believe. I also picked up a new job this year. Having less than 5 years definitely makes it very hard. Between 5 and 10, is not impossible, but hard. 10+ is good.
Good insights, thanks, I'll pass these on.