How Companies Think About Hiring - Insights from a Tech Lead

Explore the intricacies of tech hiring in this 48-minute podcast episode featuring Dominik Piątek, a staff developer and former tech lead. Gain insights into what companies look for in candidates, the differences between senior developers and tech leads, and the evolving landscape of interview processes. Delve into topics such as culture fit, the value of whiteboard interviews, and the importance of computer science fundamentals. Learn about Dominik's journey from Poland to the UK, his experiences in the tech industry, and receive valuable advice for navigating the job market. Discover how different companies optimize their hiring processes and what skills are most valued in beginner developers. Whether you're a job seeker or a hiring manager, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the current trends and challenges in tech recruitment.

In an interview, you only get one shot
Sometimes you get nervous, but sometimes you're too relaxed
How Dominik became a developer
Why Dominik left Poland
"This is not like C!"
It's going to take five years to become comfortable with coding
Don't be buzzwordy!
Community break with Jan the Producer
What do companies want to see in a beginner developer
If your PR gets destroyed, don't be emotional
What's a culture fit?
Can you codify culture?
A lot of time, values are aspirational
Why do people tend to hire people like themselves?
Should you vibe with your job interview?
Is your ability to interview more important than your coding skills?
Are whiteboard interviews a culture test?
Who needs whiteboarding as a skill?
Do you need computer science fundamentals?
Closing advice: The job market always ebbs and flows, focus on your own growth!
Next week on the show: Rachel Lee Nabors