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Ask HN: Showcasing side projects on resume

9 points by _spoonman ↗ HN
For the past decade I've been a database administrator. Last year we got word that in a few years our datacenter will close (I'm a US Gov't contractor), so I've picked up some additional skills like python, javascript, node.js, etc. I work with AWS for the contract and utilize it for some web applications I've written.

How can I showcase that on a resume?

11 comments

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codegeek
Create a "RELEVANT PROJECTS" section and add them in there. If someone asks, you can say "These are the projects that I develop on my own time for learning purposes". It can never hurt.
_spoonman
Thanks, codegeek
codegeek
np. Most importantly, always tailor your Resume to match against specific job requirements if you know in advance. For example, if your side project is more relevant for the position you are applying for, stress on it a bit more. Of course, don't exaggerate or lie but the point is that a Good Resume is your door to getting that interview and that's it. So you need to convince the person looking at your Resume that you are worthy of an interview. Obviously, the more they can relate with what is on your Resume, higher the chance for you to get an interview.
apryldelancey
Agree with codegeek and would add to assure you don't sound like you can do everything. When I see a resume that has a variety of skills I don't think versatility, I think, "what do I call this person for". Don't be a jack-of-all-trades because then you're a master of none.
_spoonman
Thanks for your time. I'm going to write some web apps, contribute to the company's github and see where that takes me.
yarper
One trap I've fallen into in the past doing this is trying to make the "perfect" github. It could easily become a full time job - you really need a few goals you want to meet and to reassess them regularly
_spoonman
That's excellent advice - I did some soul searching after reading this and wrote down some concrete goals I want to accomplish before applying for the position I have in mind.

Thank you, yarper.

apryldelancey
Best of luck to you, concrete goals are a great start.
lollipop25
> How can I showcase that on a resume?

In the resume, order them by most awesome first. Don't bother putting the broken ones in. If possible, and if they are open source, put the source code on github. Put up an online demo, or link them to the real thing. Then put both repo and demo links in the resume, along with a 2-3 sentence summary of what the app does. Don't run around the bush, get straight to the point of the app.

_spoonman
Awesome advice. Thank you for it, lollipop25
yarper
I've got a github - I put maybe a paragraph under a personal profile running through the things I'm working on and what they all do (briefly mentioning the stack they use).

It seems to work ok and good employers will take a look at your github, if you do pass through to an interview it's something they can easily talk to you about.

I realise a lot of the things you'll have worked on you probably can't release. I'd still mention them for the same reason (talking points). I like to make sure people have a few conversation starters to talk to me about to break the ice, and it usually leads on to you selling yourself better.