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> When I worked for a technology analyst company, we would ask for writing samples--which most potential hires would already have. But, if someone didn't, they'd have to create one.

I have a github/gitlab full of code. You want to check it? Go for it. Happy to provide a portfolio on demand.

Make me write an api client..? No, get lost.



I'm with you on this. If you don't have a repo you can share, then a take home exercise seems like a reasonable alternative. Its about being respectful on peoples time, while still recognising the need to 'validate' claims of experience.


I didn’t have any open source work from 1996-2020. What I did have was the an active network and the ability to dig deep when asked about my prior projects/accomplishments.

If I ever pivoted back to pure software development and wanted to get a comparably compensated position at a large tech company would a jump through the DS&A grind - yes. But to work for a startup that offered meh compensation and meaningless “equity” - no.


A lot of people do not have a public portfolio however. Whether for writing or for code. (For perfectly valid reasons.)

Of course, portfolios are a perfectly reasonable expectation in a lot of professions including the trades.




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