Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Securing Your First Job in Software 7: Ask Your Value Questions

This post is part of a short series on actionable steps in acquiring your first developer job, which I utilized in 2018 2019 to become a Software Development Engineer with a major cybersecurity company again!

Special bonus blog!! Recently when I was applying to jobs, I was asked in passing by a job coach whether I had been reflecting on my own values when considering positions. "Uhh, no..." was my response at the time. But it got me thinking. What did my IDEAL position and company look like? What did that say about my values that underlay those qualities? And how could reflecting on those values provide a rating system that I could use to evaluate opportunities and compare them against each other?

This is an advanced step when it comes to job searching. A lot of times we have a vague idea that we want such and such job that utilizes such and such skills, but when it comes to asking them questions during the interview we come up blank. This doesn't have to be difficult; in fact, all I did to start was set a timer for 15 minutes, close my eyes, and start typing in a note on the following topic - what is my ideal position and company at this stage in my career?

At the end of those 15 minutes, I went through my free association mess and teased out specific questions that either I could ask a recruiter, I could find in a job description, I could ask an engineer during an interview, I could ask management during an interview, or I could research and figure out for myself. You don't have to categorize them right away, but you may find that some questions just naturally go together in a common theme. And before you know it, you have a list of value questions that you can prioritize and use to evaluate your opportunities! It's a beautiful thing. Let me share some general ones that I thought of.

Value Questions


  • Does the position align with my existing technical skills? Is this a Software Engineer or Software Developer role? Are the primary languages Java, Python, or AngularJS JavaScript? Are their expectations reasonable for me on a daily and monthly basis?
  • Does the position offer opportunities to learn or develop cutting edge tools? Are there other languages or tools that I’ve heard used in the industry that this position would give me the chance to learn? Can I continue to develop skills that I already started? Do they use an Agile development process? Do they use IDEs with syntax checks and debugging, rather than strictly command line VI or VIM? Are they open to experimenting with new tools without disregarding tried-and-true methods? Do they offer trainings or certifications to become proficient in new skills?
  • Does the position offer project flexibility? Do I have the chance to try new tasks and put myself outside my comfort zone every few months, avoiding a situation where I would be stuck on a single project for years on end?
  • Does the position address a market need that the company is allocating resources for? Is the work challenging and engaging, with real deadlines? Are they striving to create outstanding products that people need? Is the company mission aligned with its work?
  • Does the company fit my busy schedule? Is the location within 30 miles of [LOCATION]? Are hours flexible and allow me to commute outside of rush hour? Do they fit a “family-first” approach and encourage work/life balance to meet my other obligations? Are extreme deadlines and/or overtime (and stress) very very rare, even if with occasional defects or during product releases it’s unavoidable? Is traveling very very rare?
  • Does the company fit my mobile lifestyle? Do they offer opportunities to work remotely, around 1-2 times per week after the probationary period?
  • Will the position still be available for years to come? Is this a direct hire permanent position? If it’s contract-to-hire, are placement rates near 100% while allowing for extraneous circumstances? If it’s a contract, is there funding for multiple years, with a very low likelihood of the prime changing hands; if it does change hands, would my position disappear? If it’s private-sector, are the company financials and/or stock doing well with no recent layoffs?
  • Does the company/contractor offer benefits toward my goals? Is there tuition reimbursement with 6 months or less obligation afterwards? Is there a health and wellness reimbursement for gym memberships?
  • Does the company operate in an intriguing subject matter? Is it in the Cybersecurity or Health Informatics fields? If not, is the interest still approachable?
  • Will the company and position set me up for future success? If the field is Cybersecurity, is the experience I would get applicable to other fields too? Will I get exposure to Interactive Intelligence elements such as AI, ML, and HCI? Is the company well-known? Is there advancement within the company?
  • Does the company seek talent with a wide perspective? Are a variety of genders, ethnicities, and generations represented in the office, and ideally on my own team?
  • Does the position allow me to learn from my teammates? Do I like my teammates? Are most of my teammates experienced engineers? If the company offers remote options, will I still have frequent opportunities to interact with my team in person? Are my teammates comfortable with me asking them questions (especially in the beginning)?
  • Does the company offer a relaxed atmosphere? Can I wear jeans and a T-shirt? Are there other office perks, like a ping-pong or foosball table or free food? Am I not meeting customers face-to-face on a frequent basis, which would require more business attire?
  • Does the position offer a competitive package? Can I negotiate a salary bump? Is there a good overall benefits package?
  • Does the company employ individuals who WANT to be there? Do employees love the company for the same reasons I might? If I am replacing someone, did they leave under positive circumstances? Has there not been a mass exodus lately?
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