Getting a software development job after being out of development for a while

Question

Hi,

I used to work as a software developer in the past, mainly using C and Java professionally and then spent 1.5 years away from a development role trying the "other" side of things (like project management etc.) I have now decided that I would like to get back to development but am struggling to find a role as recruiters and companies alike keep saying that they're looking for someone with more "recent experience".

I find this quite annoying as I've been an developer for 8 years, it doesn't mean I've forgotten how to do so!

Has anyone else had such a problem, and if so, how did you get past it? And if anyone has any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Ian

Answer 1

Some suggestions:

1. Blogging/Code Project/Articles that demonstrate your technical expertise in a public forum
2. Participate in an Open Source project

That can definitely be frustrating -- the same problem kicks in if you are using the "wrong" technology (i.e. working in VB6, maintenance dev, etc).

As a hiring manager, though, I would easily look past this if someone is passionate and clearly working to keep up on technology.

Answer 2

Have you some programming hobbies? Like website or other personal realisation... you can put them in you C.V. and show that you were still active.

Answer 3

If you got the time to spare start working on a relatively famous open source project, it's probably one of the best ways to show your skills and dedication to software development.

Answer 4

I would leverage contacts you have had in your time as a developer, either to provide references or if they are hiring themselves.

The technologies you mention haven't changed that much recently, so I don't see that as being a deal-breaker.

It is also possible that the recruiters are using this as a mask for a different reason that they would rather not say, so, as unpleasant as it sounds, you might want to ask those who rejected you for more specific feedback on why you didn't make the cut.

Answer 5

A portfolio of websites or apps will go a LONG way in getting a job!

Also get active in the local community. That will get you contacts and get your name (and face) in front of people who can help.

Answer 6

There are not many of them left, but I strongly suggest you work with a one-to-one recruiter, who will represent you. Do not apply for a job that is through representation, but actually begin contacting recruiting agencies, and ask to them to work with you personally. If you find a good fit, they will work with you on your resume, interview skills, and your overall "presence".

If you are still having trouble, I would not suggest contributing to an open-source project, but actually build an application that touches on all the skillsets you know are important, and then open-source it to the community. Create a presence around that project, and own it professionally, with documentation and a community. This should help.

Answer 7

Many thanks for the suggestions and information guys. I'll take all of them on board! Basically I need to code something to prove "hey look at me, I CAN still code despite what you think!" :-)

Thanks again!

By the way, StackOverflow is awesome.

Answer 8

I did have a period of over 7 months where I didn't have a job but I was job hunting, talking to recruiters and just going through the mill of applying to various jobs I could do and see what happened. While I don't quite have the same situation as you, I think some persistence as well as possibly looking for smaller companies where having a more diverse background works as an advantage, e.g. perhaps being a team lead or a developer that helps a junior project manager.

Answer 9

I would promote the fact that you have been on both sides of the fence. Your other experience will be a huge help for you in your 2nd time around as a developer. You might also look for opportunities that split dev time and other roles.

Just get back to reading some tech/dev books and do some small projects on your own time to get back some thought processes and get current on some topics, etc.

Just get back out and interview and don't hide or play down your last year and a half - rather promote it.

Answer 10

I would just like to inform you that I have landed a job as a Web Application Developer. They contacted me as they had seen my CV and my website and were impressed and invited me for an interview. The company itself uses ASP.NET and were not at all bothered by the fact that I had never used it before, saying that they were sure I would pick it up quickly and easily considering my background.

Thanks to all for their advice.