Ask HN: Out of IT for 3 years. How to get back in after working for self?

[anon321321323]

Skill set was C++ but also web tech such as React / Angular. Javascript. Current side projects are node/react/flutter.

I worked for myself. So I have no current experience. Ordinary employers seem to see this as red flag. No callbacks.

Are portfolios still a thing or should I go for non-profits and rebuild a network that way? Portfolios got me work back when I was contracting.

How would I transition back in? I'm in 40s.

[codegeek]

Look at smaller companies where your "worked for myself" is seen as a plus than a minus at say a larger/corporate company. Smaller company is not always same as startup btw where there is more risk. I run a small company and I could really use entrepreneurial people who couldn't quite do their own thing on their own but would fit in a team where they have plenty of autonomy and decision making capabilities considering they bring the relevant temperament/experience/talent/skills.

[muzani]

I had less trouble back when I was not working for a few years. Switching jobs is a yellow flag in itself. And often people want to hire someone yesterday, so they're not so willing to hire someone who needs a notice period.

Portfolios are still useful, but they don't get you past the resume screen, only the latter screening processes.

Web tech is in very high demand, so you should have little problem in an average company, at least something better than a non-profit.

[JSeymourATL]

> Ordinary employers seem to see this as red flag.

Rather than looking for employers — avoid the standard HR trap.

Instead, Look for the guy WHO you can best help.

LinkedIn is useful here— sort individual profiles by market/Industry/title etc…

Companies with fewer than 50 people, usually have easier access to true senior decision-makers. Reach out directly for discovery conversation.

[brudgers]

Talk to people you know. The people you worked with. The people you worked for. And anyone who worked for you.

Also, contact the alumni organizations of any schools you attended.

Put your resume/CV on popular job boards and update your Linkedin so recruiters can find you.

Good luck.

[killingtime74]

Can you give more details? What area are you looking in? What experience level? Remote/in person? Do you have any networks?

[anon321321323]

I'm in Melbourne, Australia. Land of the lockdown. Currently building the obligatory todo list as a pure javascript web-based application and ios/android app for it using flutter. Probably do a React app as well to build up. I'm not a beginner but I'm rusty so I'm refreshing knowledge as I go.

[schwartzworld]

Where are you based out of? React devs are in high demand. If you're Boston-based shoot me an email ian at schwartz.world

[randomopining]

How much does mid/senior get paid?