[chadwickthebold]

Having a portfolio website is necessary to get a job at the place most HN entrepreneurs are interested in running. For better or worse, a portfolio or an active github are almost necessary to land a position at a top-tier company or a startup. If you want to work for a generic business that has grown a software division out of necessity then your basic resume will do just fine.

[JazCE]

Would you/they discount people who have >5 years experience working for mainstream organisations that might have "grown a software division out of necessity", but no github activity?

[danielweber]

Typical thought process for deciding what features a candidate needs to have.

1. I am a good programmer.

2. I have/am X.

3. (Optional) Just-so story about how X makes you a good developer.

4. Therefore, job candidates must have/be X.

I've seen this taken to stupid lengths, where employers want someone who has done professional work with the exact toolchain in use. I don't like car analogies, but it would be like hiring a driver and saying "well, we need someone familiar with the Ford Fusion, and you only have driven a Ford Taurus."

[JazCE]

@danielweber i agree about what you're saying, but i tend to find that only happens when a recruiter gets their hands on your CV. If you generally allow yourself or HR team to have direct access to the CV's, they tend to know what will make a good hire, and won't be looking for people who have only driven a Ford "focus"

[seanmcdirmid]

Maybe a startup, but not a top tier company like google or apple, and definitely not for more senior hires who already have tons of experience.