HACKER Q&A
📣 Phillips126

Resume for Software Developers?


I graduated from college with a degree in graphic design, however, toward the end of my college education I took some web development courses and discovered an interest for programming. After graduating I took a short-term job as a web designer for a tiny company that made basic static websites for local Mom & Pop shops - they eventually went out of business (poor management).

I relocated back to my home town (small, rural, lack of jobs) due to my Wife's career and took a job in graphic design at a printing company. The small company had a lack of order/revenue tracking software so using my prior knowledge began to build something during my down time. Over time I built a really powerful tool - but more importantly re-ignited the passion for programming.

After 5 years at the print company, I took a job at a company as a web developer. A year later the company created a new "Software Department" where I became employee #1, later hiring a second developer. We built products and tools for internal use and eventually were given the option to work remote. Happiness, productivity, work-life balance was an all time high. Recently we were told we needed to return on-site and I am struggling. I've decided to look for alternative employment.

Having come from a graphic design background, I have built up a decent portfolio of artwork; seeking a software position, I really don't have much to show. I have a GitHub account but its pretty empty. My resume hasn't been updated in a long time as well. What should I focus on? Should I create a bunch of GitHub projects? When interviewing how do you showcase the work you've done - is it even important? What should I do to make myself more hire-able in the competitive field of Software Development?


  👤 indexedzero Accepted Answer ✓
I think you referencing to past projects, or things you did would be a good start. Nowadays online portfolios are a thing. Since you said you have programming knowledge, you can create a website and showcase what you can do there. ^^