Your Career is More Than a Test: Build Trust & Keep Learning!
Hey developers, final post in our series on coding challenges!
We’ve covered a lot, from why companies use tests to the power of networking. Let’s wrap up with some final wisdom from our “Out of the Box Developer” podcast chat.
The Big Picture: You Are More Than Code
Remember Csilla’s point? A developer’s job involves problem-solving, teamwork, and communication – things a typical coding test doesn’t measure. Companies focusing only on tests might miss out on fantastic people. As Bruno said, sometimes the best people “fail not even apply”!
Build Trust – It’s Your Best Asset
The core theme? Trust. Recommendations work because someone trusts you. Pedro noted, “if you are referred you have a higher level of trust.” This trust gets you past the automated filters and into real conversations. How do you build it?
- Be Reliable: Do what you say you’ll do.
- Be Helpful: As Thiago and Lucas emphasized, connect with and help others.
- Be Honest: Luis brought up the recent news about cheating on tests. Don’t do it! It destroys your reputation, which is far more valuable than passing one test. As he said, “if you lie about something it’s bad for your reputation.”
Keep Learning (the Right Things)
Does this mean you should ignore algorithms? Not quite. Pedro and Thiago agreed it’s useful to understand concepts like Big O notation or know that certain algorithms exist. This helps you write better code daily. But, as Lucas questioned, do you need to memorize how to implement complex tree traversals you’ll rarely use? Probably not. Focus on learning things relevant to your actual work and solving real problems. Use coding challenge sites like CodingGame (which Lucas enjoyed) for fun and learning, not just stressful test prep.
Your Path Forward
So, what’s the final advice?
- Focus on People: Build genuine connections. Your network is powerful.
- Build Your Reputation: Be known for being helpful, skilled, and trustworthy. Let people know the problems you solve.
- Be Strategic About Tests: If you face them, prepare just enough. Don’t let them dominate your learning.
- Keep Growing: Learn skills relevant to real-world development and collaboration.
As Bruno Souza summarized in his book plug (“The Best Developer Job Ever” – check the show notes!), position yourself so people think of you for the right opportunities.
It might feel like a longer game than just grinding LeetCode, but as Lucas realized, building trust “feels more solid.” And remember, it’s how most jobs are actually filled!
Thanks for joining this discussion. Keep building your awesome international careers!
All the best,
