Getting a job

I graduated with a B.S. in computer science. I spent 4 years at a programming job, then the last 7 years doing SEO, online marketing and marketing. Now I want a programming job again but companies are not hiring me because I don't have enough daily experience i.e. haven't done daily programming for years. Any ideas of how to get around this?

Do some freelance work and/or work on some personal projects that involve coding that you can talk about.

That's a good idea. I should scout around and see if I can find any volunteer programmers needed.

Doing some freelance is a good idea, but so is volunteering. Check out http://www.catchafire.org/ - a place that lists non-profits looking for professional skills. Likewise, you can call your local non-profits and pitch ideas and services.

I would like to suggest you home base work. There are plenty of sites which are providing home base job. like elance, freelance, etc.

Freelance small projects or do two big projects for free. Once your actively doing something, they will be more inclined to pick you.

Reason being for not hiring is you lose your knowledge over time. If you know like PHP really well, but you stopped doing it for 3 years, when you come back you will feel like a beginner again. Keep at it! :thumbsup:

I recommend while you're job less to take on freelancing jobs AND to create your own website that can generate income.

I always point people to work for themselves. As a programer you can create anything if you put your mind to it. Why not make something yourself and help it grow. That way it can start making x,xxx-xx,xxx a month and you wouldn't need to work for someone else.

But if you refuse to do that I actually see a lot of postings on craigslist for jobs. There's jobs out there, especially for developers. You just need to create a strong resume and sell yourself. Make your resume standout, give a story of how you become a developer, what you can bring to the company and I guarantee you will get interviews. This is something I did, I wrote a unique resume and I had about 20 interviews. Each hiring manager said it caught their attention and that's why they contacted me despite not having all the experience in the world. It's my creativity that won them over.

**If you're a web developer who is skilled with PHP, I am seeking a business partner. No finances have to be put up, I am simply looking for someone who would like to create a profitable website together. I have some great, unique ideas. Contact me if you're seriously interested and have the time to work together as a team on a project. You do not have to work full-time on project.**

Have you done anything close to the job your applying for? If not, then I suggest you go find someone who is looking for a volunteer programmer or someone who needs helps and is slighty close to your job. You need to learn to adapt and try new things. So that the company your applying for will see that you are flexible and they can count on you when they give you a difficult task. But yeah I guess the best advice that i can give you is to look for someone who needs a volunteer programmer.

Doing some freelance is a good idea, but so is volunteering. Check out http://www.catchafire.org/ - a place that lists non-profits looking for professional skills. Likewise, you can call your local non-profits and pitch ideas and services.


Catchafire.org looks like a good one. Idealist.org is another option for volunteering.

hope you can find a job soon! trust you! because you have SEO knowledge