#245 - What Developers Get Wrong About Interviews

Develop Yourself

#Tech #Entrepreneur #Business #Self-Improvement #Podcasting Education #Brian Jenney #JavaScript #Code #Web Development #Learning To Code

36:25

Are you ready to discover why building customer self-confidence is more crucial than ever in today's B2B sales landscape? Brent Adamson and Karl Schmidt join us today, the duo behind the upcoming book "The Framemaking Sale." These sales experts unravel the critical yet often overlooked aspect of buyer confidence. They shift the focus from traditional supplier-centric models to the empowering idea that true confidence comes from within the customers themselves. This perspective not only transforms how we view B2B sales, but also highlights the importance of nurturing decision confidence. Throughout our conversation, Brent and Karl introduce their innovative concept of framemaking, a strategy that aligns sales solutions with client priorities. This approach goes beyond typical sales tactics by fostering genuine, lasting relationships with clients, even when they choose competitors. Their ideas promise to shake up conventional sales methods. Topics covered during this episode include: Why buyer confidence should be supplier-agnostic and focus on customers' decision making abilities. How Brent and Karl met each other at Corporate Executive Board (now part of Gartner). Why nurturing customer decision confidence is crucial in B2B. How framemaking aligns sales solutions with client priorities to overcome decision complexity. Why the book emphasizes customer confidence over supplier trust for effective decision making. The impact of decision complexity, information overload, and outcome uncertainty. Why understanding clients' businesses deeply helps navigate obstacles and maintain deal momentum. How salespeople can anticipate and overcome potential deal barriers. Why gaining customer confidence involves addressing emotional and rational decision aspects. Listen now to learn how to revolutionize your B2B sales approach with innovative framemaking techniques that build lasting customer relationships. Brent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson Karl on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-schmidt-q…

about a year ago 35:57

MP3•Episode home

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what really happens during interviews. What are hiring managers actually looking for? What are the most common mistakes that cost people the job? And how can you stand out even if you’re early in your journey?

Interviews are high stakes, high pressure, and if done right, high reward. We cover:

Why trust matters more than being perfect
How AI has changed the interview process
What to do when you don’t know the answer
How likability can make or break your chances
The worst way to prep, and what to do instead

As always - hope it's helpful!

Send us a text

Shameless Plugs

🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software.

✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here

Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)

Chapters

1. Interview Reality: What Managers Seek (00:00:00)

2. AI's Impact on Technical Interviews (00:07:25)

3. Trust Factor: Core of Interview Success (00:14:59)

4. Collaboration and Communication Value (00:22:56)

5. Multiple Interviews and Handling Rejection (00:30:03)

6. Likability and Cultural Fit (00:35:51)

260 episodes

#245 - What Developers Get Wrong About Interviews

Develop Yourself

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Interviews are high stakes, high pressure, and if done right, high reward. We cover:

Why trust matters more than being perfect
How AI has changed the interview process
What to do when you don’t know the answer
How likability can make or break your chances
The worst way to prep, and what to do instead

As always - hope it's helpful!

Send us a text

Shameless Plugs

🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software.

✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here

Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)

Chapters

1. Interview Reality: What Managers Seek (00:00:00)

2. AI's Impact on Technical Interviews (00:07:25)

3. Trust Factor: Core of Interview Success (00:14:59)

4. Collaboration and Communication Value (00:22:56)

5. Multiple Interviews and Handling Rejection (00:30:03)

6. Likability and Cultural Fit (00:35:51)

260 episodes

#Tech #Entrepreneur #Business #Self-Improvement #Podcasting Education #Brian Jenney #JavaScript #Code #Web Development #Learning To Code

All episodes

1
#255 - Your First Open Source Project: A Weekend with Kyle Simpson’s Code 12:43

8 hours ago12:43

12:43

This episode introduces a weekend project that will give you authentic experience working with existing code—a crucial skill that most tutorials and coding platforms simply don't teach. Using Kyle Simpson's YouPeriod GitHub repository , you'll learn to navigate a codebase written by someone else, which is exactly what you'll do in your first development job. This particular project is perfect for beginners because it uses fundamental web technologies (HTML, CSS, and vanilla JavaScript) rather than complex frameworks like React or TypeScript. Here's the Github repo: https://github.com/getify/youperiod.app This weekend project will teach you more about real development work than weeks of guided exercises. If you're completely new to JavaScript, check out our Dev30 program at dev30.xyz, where you can learn the fundamentals and beyond. Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

1
#254 - What Do Data Scientists Actually Do? A Candid Conversation with Ryan Varley 37:27

4 days ago37:27

37:27

Have you ever wondered what data scientists and engineers actually do all day? Forget what you've seen in movies – it's not all neural networks and fancy algorithms. Ryan Varley, Engineering Fellow at Magnite and experienced data leader, pulls back the curtain on the rapidly evolving world of data science and engineering. The real work often involves what he colorfully describes as "really complex plumbing" – making processes more efficient, reliable, and scalable in ways that directly impact business outcomes. Whether you're considering a career pivot into data, trying to understand how these roles fit within your organization, or simply curious about the mechanics behind today's AI revolution, this episode provides an accessible window into a complex and increasingly crucial field. Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn . Read Ryan's Newsletter for engineering leaders facing the hardest problem in scaling their impact: https://newsletter.ryanvarley.com/ Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

1
#253 - The Real-World Step-by-Step Guide to Tech Interviews (Not for Google or Meta) 33:00

6 days ago33:00

33:00

Interviewing is arguably the highest paying skill you can have as a developer. I don't think this is fair but it is reality. I've taken part in well over 100 interviews both as an interviewee and interviewer. I've worked with dozens of developers to ace their interviews and increase their salaries by tens of thousands of dollars. This is not for developers looking to get into Big Tech. This episode is for the 99%. We're going to cover the 4 most common stages of the tech interview from recruiter filtering to technical interview to "tell me about yourself" and finally the offer stage. Here's the unit testing course I mentioned in the episode that you seriously need to check out if you don't know how to write a test: https://github.com/CodeCoachJS/js_pro_unit_testing Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

1
#252 - 3 Coding Principles That Will Save Your Codebase (that most bootcamp grads don’t know) 14:53

10 days ago14:53

14:53

These principles don't just create pretty code—they reduce bugs, simplify updates, and prevent real-world problems like the $10,000 mistake I made early in my career. Yeah, that was not a fun one. Check out https://www.dofactory.com/javascript/design-patterns/adapter if you want to learn more patterns. PS - I write unfiltered advice for early career developers here: 👉 Real Talk JS Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

1
Office Hours: Answering Your Coding Questions EP 2 15:01

13 days ago15:01

15:01

In this Office Hours Q&A, I got some pretty interesting questions: Should you lie on your resume to trick the ATS and get more interviews? If you’re building websites with tools like Squarespace, does it count as real experience—or are you cheating yourself? Is a master’s degree in computer science worth it if you already have some tech skills? I also share thoughts on how to get experience that actually helps you land a dev job and why every learner should have a side project that they control. Whether you’re self-taught, in school, or just figuring things out, this one’s packed with advice you won’t hear in most coding bootcamp brochures. Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

1
#251 - 8 truths no one tells you about becoming a software developer in today's market 23:39

14 days ago23:39

23:39

The software development market didn't die, it's just unrecognizable. Let's go over 8 harsh pieces of advice that will help you as a career changer to make a successful switch into a career as a software developer. PS. If you're a front-end developer looking to expand your skills, grab the Node Express Starter Kit here . Have a question for the Friday Q&A show? Submit it through the form in the show notes, and I'll shout you out or keep you anonymous. Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

1
#250 - Delivery Driver to Developer: Jacob’s Journey into Tech as a New Dad 41:10

17 days ago41:10

41:10

Whatever you do, don’t learn to code. The market is over-saturated. AI took your job. There is no hope. But then you meet someone like Jacob, a young dad who was delivering food a year ago and just landed his first dev job without submitting a single application. Is his story typical? No. But then few stories are. At Parsity.io , we've seen CS grads take up to a year to get hired. We've seen people go from zero to hired in 6 months or less. There is no formula. What works for one person might work for you and it might not. Not a great marketing tactic eh? It's just the truth. Jacob shares how he landed a role with ZERO applications and juggling a tight schedule as a new father while learning to build complex software. Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

1
Office Hours: Answering Your Coding Questions EP 1 21:08

20 days ago21:08

21:08

Got a question you want answered on the show? Drop it here: Ask Your Question On today's show: " I’m currently a mid-level product manager thinking of switching to software engineering. Is that too ambitious?" “Where do I get good at interview practice? Leetcode seems unrealistic. Is there something more practical?” “Should I go all in on C# or .NET instead? Or maybe get a CS degree from WGU?” “As an early career dev, should I be building side projects with AI tools like Cursor—or is that risky before I know how to code well?” Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

1
#249 - Data Structures and Algorithms for Beginners (Replay) 26:10

21 days ago26:10

26:10

Learning data structures and algorithms (DSA) isn't JUST a smart interview skill, it will boost your confidence as a software engineer, give you a deeper understanding of computer science fundamentals and they can even be fun once you know how to use them. If you're self teaching or just starting out with code, they can be intimidating. They don't have to be. I break down a pretty comprehensive guide here for learning DSA as well as a video on Binary Search Trees (BST) DSA Study Guide My popular guide to DSA Video on Binary Search Trees (Source Code included in the comments) PS. Zubin and I are building stuff for Parsity. What should we build next? Take 15 seconds and tell us here: Quick Survey Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

1
#248 - The AI Productivity Myth: Reality vs. Hype 23:31

24 days ago23:31

23:31

Check out this beginner project to use AI with HTML and JS 👇 Grab the project here I'm no AI hater but I am getting so tired of the dialogue online I read from people who claim that AI is making developers 2, 3 or 10x more productive. Google's CEO recently came out with a sobering statistic: AI has made their engineers 10% more productive. ( source ) 10%. This is still massive but no where near the gains we were promised or what our managers are expecting. Let's explore this myth of productivity and what you, as a developer, can and cannot do with AI. Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

1
#247 - I Was the Worst Developer on the Team... Again 11:27

28 days ago11:27

11:27

Have you ever felt like the weakest link on your development team? You're not alone. The moment you land your first developer job, you're likely to face the crushing weight of comparison. Your teammates seem to know everything while your mind fills with doubts about your abilities. Seven years ago, this pressure nearly drove me out of the industry despite earning more money than ever before. The stress was paralyzing - I faced panic attacks each morning and received direct feedback about my inadequate skills. I developed a powerful three-step system that transformed my approach to professional growth that I want to share with you. Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

1
#246 - Coding Bootcamps, Burnout, and the Hard Truth About Breaking Into Tech: An Engineering Manager's Perspective 27:18

4 weeks ago27:18

27:18

What do engineering leaders really think about bootcamp grads? Why are so many developers so stressed? Is it even worth learning to code in 2025? Michael Greenspan pulls back the curtain on the realities of engineering leadership, interviewing and the state of the industry, drawing from his extensive experience as both a software engineer and engineering manager before becoming a coach for burnt-out tech professionals. "Moving into management is a job change," Michael emphasizes, describing how this transition often comes with minimal guidance and significant imposter syndrome. Both Michael and host Brian share their personal experiences of feeling lost when first stepping into leadership positions. Find Michael at TheCompleteEngineer.com or connect with him on LinkedIn. Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

1
#245 - What Developers Get Wrong About Interviews 35:57

5 weeks ago35:57

35:57

I spent a few years as an engineering manager, and my buddy Zubin, a former Google engineer, is currently hiring developers at his company. Between the two of us, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the totally avoidable when it comes to technical interviews. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what really happens during interviews. What are hiring managers actually looking for? What are the most common mistakes that cost people the job? And how can you stand out even if you’re early in your journey? Interviews are high stakes, high pressure, and if done right, high reward. We cover: Why trust matters more than being perfect How AI has changed the interview process What to do when you don’t know the answer How likability can make or break your chances The worst way to prep, and what to do instead As always - hope it's helpful! Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

1
#244 - From Zero to Software Engineer After 30: My Journey and What You Need to Know 18:43

5 weeks ago18:43

18:43

Ever feel like you missed your chance to break into tech? That 30 marks some invisible deadline for career reinvention? I've been there—and I'm here to tell you it's absolutely false. My journey from addiction to software engineering began in my thirties , while juggling two kids and a full-time job. The truth about learning to code after 30 isn't sugar-coated: you're playing a different game than the 22-year-olds who've been coding since middle school. You'll have responsibilities they don't—families, mortgages and perhaps aging parents. But you also bring powerful advantages they lack: real-world experience, emotional intelligence, and discipline that comes from weathering life's storms. Where most career-changers fail isn't in their ability to learn, but in time management. You don't need eight hours daily—you need two focused hours and a reason strong enough to keep showing up. Don't let news cycles about AI or layoffs dictate your future. The tech industry desperately needs more adults in the room with diverse perspectives and life experiences. Whether you choose Parsity.io or another path, take that calculated risk on yourself. Because what's harder: the temporary challenge of learning something new, or staying stuck in a life you don't want? Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

1
#243 - The 70% Problem: When AI Coding Falls Short 34:24

6 weeks ago34:24

34:24

What happens when software engineers rely too heavily on AI-assisted coding tools? Brian and Zubin (an ex-Google engineer) dive deep into what they call "The 70% Problem" – the phenomenon where AI coding tools excel at initial scaffolding but falter when tackling the crucial final 30% of engineering work. Drawing from Addy Osmani's insightful article, these experienced developers share their firsthand experiences with tools like Cursor, ChatGPT, and GitHub Copilot. They explore how AI-assisted coding creates a dangerous illusion of competence while potentially masking fundamental knowledge gaps. As Zubin aptly puts it, giving powerful AI coding tools to inexperienced developers is like "giving a Formula One car to someone who's only driven on city streets." Visit parsity.io to learn how Brian and Zubin are training the next generation of engineers to excel in this new paradigm. Addy Osmani's Article VS Code Cheat Sheet Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

1
#242 - How Anne Got a Developer Job WITHOUT LinkedIn or LeetCode 33:26

6 weeks ago33:26

33:26

What happens when a music educator with performance anxiety decides to become a software developer? Anne discovered coding through The Odin Project and immediately recognized a familiar pattern-based thinking from her music background. "I fell in love with the process of coding, the community of developers," she explains. Despite being an introvert with social anxiety, she forced herself to attend meetups and hackathons—each experience confirming she was on the right path. Her job search defied conventional wisdom. No endless LinkedIn networking or algorithm grinding. Instead, a casual conversation with a friend led to her current role as a front-end developer. Want to follow in Anne's footsteps? Check out our Dev 30 program for structured JavaScript learning and community support. Visit dev30.xyz to save your spot and begin your own coding journey . You can connect with Anne here: Anne's LinkedIn Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

1
#241 - The Bootcamp Era Is Dead — And That’s Great News for Developers 17:56

7 weeks ago17:56

17:56

AI didn’t kill bootcamps — shallow learning did. So what skills actually matter now that building a CRUD app is a commodity? And can you learn them without working at a company or getting a CS degree? In this episode, I’ll break down why the bootcamp model no longer works, what’s replacing it, and how to develop the old school engineering mindset that will set you apart in the AI era — even if you’re self-taught. If you’re serious about becoming a software engineer and want mentorship that’s not just YouTube and vibe coding, check out Parsity.io or hit the link in the show notes to chat. Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

1
#240 - Navigating the Front-End Landscape: A Senior Developer's Perspective on AI Tools, Front End interviews and What Makes You "Senior" 24:07

7 weeks ago24:07

24:07

Yasemin, a senior front-end developer with a decade of experience, shares insights on career progression in front-end development and how the transition from junior to senior is more about mindset than technical skills. She discusses her journey from being task-focused to product-minded while offering practical advice for developers at all stages. • The junior-to-senior transition • Front-end interviews • Deep JavaScript fundamentals and whether they're worth learning Check out Yasemin's podcast "Commit to Growth" and look for her articles on Medium where she shares more technical insights and career advice. Yasemin's LinkedIn Commit to Growth Podcast Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

1
#239 - Is Learning to Code Still Worth It? A Senior Developer's Perspective 14:06

8 weeks ago14:06

14:06

Chris, a mentee at Parsity was feeling a bit down and asked me straight up what I think about the future of coding careers. I had to really think about it. With headlines screaming about AI taking our jobs and markets being oversaturated, it's enough to make anyone question their path. But what if the doom and gloom narrative isn't matching reality? In this candid episode, I tackle the question head-on: is learning to code still worth it? Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

1
#238 - My Experience in Vibe Coding Hell 20:31

8 weeks ago20:31

20:31

A rant on the myth of developer productivity with AI and my experience in vibe coding hell with a team of senior engineers. - Why Vibe Coding is great for prototyping and terrible for real software - Why we still need junior developers - Why you should be wary of loud expert beginners online - What skills you ACTUALLY need as a software engineer in the AI era Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

1
#237 - Don't Learn to Code for the Money, But If You Do... 23:02

9 weeks ago23:02

23:02

You want to learn to code because you want more money. Let's just be honest about it. First off - there are many other ways to make a desirable income without learning a difficult skill like coding. You can do sales. You could be a product manager. Maybe start an illegal gambling den? Have you considered selling large quantities of drugs perhaps? If you do decide to create software for money, just realize you may never crack six figures, you're likely to be laid off at least once and you have to keep up with technology which changes fast AF. Is anyone still here? Here's the great news - if you do enjoy coding and are willing to do things that make you uncomfortable, you can have dramatic financial upside. I have a process I've been following to maximize my earning potential as a developer and stay employed which I want to share with you. Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

1
#236 - Developer Internships: The Good, The Bad, and The “Wait, They Threw Out My Code?” 26:06

9 weeks ago26:06

26:06

What’s it really like to go from coding alone to working on a real dev team? Dean Fox shares his raw experience navigating TypeScript, Git, team dynamics, and scrapped code during his first internship through Parsity's Inner Circle program. 👤 Connect with Dean: Dean Fox on LinkedIn Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

1
#235: 2 Skills You Don't Need Anymore In the AI Era and 3 More You're Going to Need 18:21

10 weeks ago18:21

18:21

The developer landscape is shifting. Fast. AI isn’t replacing developers—it’s replacing the kind of developer that only knows how to write boilerplate and follow tutorials. There are some practical skills you're going to want to pick up in the AI era and a few I'm kinda sad to say are becoming less relevant by the day. I mentioned my unit testing project in this episode - it's still worth checking out IMO. Grab it here: https://github.com/CodeCoachJS/js_pro_unit_testing Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

1
#234 - Coding Isn’t Enough: 3 Weird Traits That Predict Success in Tech 16:24

10 weeks ago16:24

16:24

What separates successful tech career changers from those who struggle? After switching careers into tech at 31 following years of addiction, and mentoring hundreds of aspiring developers, I've noticed some odd patterns and traits of those who make it vs those who don't. This episode is not meant to discourage you. I hope it gives you a practical idea of some skills you can develop and ultimately, whether you should consider this career path. I'd love to know your take as well - leave a comment or email me at brian@parsity.io Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

1
#233 - How Mindi Navigated ADHD, Bootcamp Burnout, and Landed a Dev Role 38:53

11 weeks ago38:53

38:53

We cover: Why even smart, driven people need help when learning to code What ADHD looks like as a software engineer—and how she manages it How burnout hit hard after landing the job Why public speaking became a surprising superpower Getting hired without ever doing a technical interview Her honest take on AI tools, TypeScript, LinkedIn vs. Twitter, and more If you’re an adult switching careers, neurodivergent, or just wondering if bootcamps still work—this conversation is for you. 👉 Connect with Mindi: 📬 Code Out Loud on Substack 💼 Mindi on LinkedIn Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

1
#232 - The Harsh Truth About Coding, AI, Bootcamps, and Breaking in to Tech 16:09

11 weeks ago16:09

16:09

Think you need a CS degree to get hired? That bootcamps are scams? That AI is making developers obsolete? In this episode, I share some very hot takes on what it really takes to break into tech — and why most of what you’ve been told is dead wrong. I talk about the rise and fall of bootcamps, the myth of guaranteed outcomes, why advice from FAANG engineers probably doesn’t apply to you, and why can hate JavaScript but you still must learn it. Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

1
#231 - Roasting A Listener's Resume, LinkedIn and GitHub Profile 14:21

12 weeks ago14:21

14:21

A listener, Andrew, was kind enough to send me his resume, LinkedIn and GitHub profile for me to roast. Overall - he did a good job BUT there are some issues I would fix that I've seen in many of the hundreds of resumes I've seen over the years as an engineering manager or while helping to hire other developers at companies where I worked. You can watch here: https://youtu.be/k0_6grxbhXc Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

1
#230 - AI Will Replace Most Coding: What Chief Scientist Laly Bar-Ilan Says Developers Should Learn Next 29:32

12 weeks ago29:32

29:32

Laly Bar-Ilan has been working in AI and natural language processing for over two decades—long before it was trendy. She’s now the Chief Scientist at Bit , where she’s helping build composable, AI-first developer tools that might just replace most of the coding we do today. In this episode, we talk about what staying ahead actually looks like for developers in an AI-driven world. Laly shares what skills are becoming obsolete, what new ones are emerging (RAG, agents, prompt engineering), and why “vibe coding” alone won’t cut it. If you’re wondering how to future-proof your dev career—or whether learning to code still matters—this conversation will give you both clarity and direction. Connect with Laly here : Laly's Linkedin Check out Bit to build composable software in the cloud here . Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

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#229 - The 2025 Tech Job Market Sucks? Here's How You Beat It 17:51

13 weeks ago17:51

17:51

The job market in 2025 feels broken—and you’re not imagining it. AI-generated spam is clogging recruiter inboxes, resumes are becoming less relevant, and LinkedIn is more influencer platform than job board. In this episode, I break down why things feel so hard right now (for everyone —not just developers), and give you a practical, modern strategy to stand out and actually get hired: ✅ What to do instead of blasting resumes ✅ How to play the LinkedIn game without becoming a cringe poster ✅ Old-school tactics that still work (and new tools I recommend) If you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or just tired of bad advice from people who’ve never written code for a living—this one’s for you. Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

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#228 - The 3 Stages of Learning Javascript: What to Build && What to Learn 14:31

13 weeks ago14:31

14:31

No one said it would be easy. If you're having trouble learning JS, you're not alone. I nearly quit coding when I had to learn JS. I even considered trying to become an email developer (yes, this was a thing). Fast forward 10 years later and I've made a career with JS and even teach it to others. I want you to have a much better experience. We will explore the 3 stages of learning JS to take you from 0 to ready to learn ReactJS with practical, actionable steps and the projects and resources you can use to learn. Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

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#227 - How Busy Professionals Can Learn to Code (Without Losing Their Minds): A 3 Step Process 15:42

14 weeks ago15:42

15:42

Ever feel like learning to code is impossible with your packed schedule? You're not alone. Ten years ago, I was juggling parenting two kids, working full-time with a brutal Bay Area commute, and driving Lyft on the side just to make ends meet. Finding time seemed impossible—until I discovered three game-changing strategies that transformed my journey. No fluff - just practical stuff you can start doing now. PS. Here's a really solid web dev roadmap I found on Reddit that you might find useful. Link Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

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Special Episode: Answering Fan Mail 14:55

14 weeks ago14:55

14:55

Have you ever sent a message into the void? That's exactly what's been happening to listeners who've tried to contact me through Buzzsprout's messaging system. From a father in Dayton balancing family responsibilities while trying to break into tech, to aspiring developers wondering if JavaScript is still worth learning in 2025, these messages touch on real struggles and practical concerns. I share personal insights about my own journey learning to code while supporting a family and offer actionable advice for making career transitions with limited time. Please keep the questions coming! Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

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#226 - New Coders Can't Code? 28:15

14 weeks ago28:15

28:15

The rise of AI coding tools has fundamentally changed how people learn programming, creating a concerning trend: developers who can produce impressive-looking applications without understanding how they work. What makes a developer truly valuable? Contrary to popular belief, it's not the ability to rapidly generate new code. A revealing LinkedIn survey showed 73% of experienced developers spend most of their time reading existing code rather than writing it. The real value comes from engineering judgment – knowing which approach to take and understanding why certain solutions work better than others. "The entire act of keystrokes is not what the value in software engineering is." Instead, it's about developing the mental models that let you reason through complex systems. "If you don't know what this code is doing, then why is it in the codebase? And why is your name on it?" Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

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#225 - The 3-Month Coding Bootcamp Myth: 4 Things You Actually Need to Get Hired 17:30

15 weeks ago17:30

17:30

Thinking about joining a coding bootcamp to land a job in three months? Let’s get real. I’ve been coding professionally for over a decade, and while a bootcamp kick-started my career, it didn’t teach me everything I needed to stay hired. In this episode, I’ll share four critical skills that most bootcamps overlook—but that you’ll absolutely need if you’re serious about making coding your career. We’ll cover why bootcamps fall short, what skills really get you hired, and how to ensure you’re not just another bootcamp grad struggling to land a job. Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

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#224 - How Jeremy Went From Tutorial Hell to Front End Developer at Apple 36:56

15 weeks ago36:56

36:56

Jeremy spoke with a couple mentees at Parsity which led to a conversation where I learned about his unusual (and long) journey into software. If you're a career changer and you're dealing with impostor syndrome or tutorial hell and need some practical advice on breaking into tech, you're going to get a lot out of this episode. Connect with Jeremy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrobinparker/ Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

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#224 - Should You Still Learn JavaScript in 2025? 20:01

16 weeks ago20:01

20:01

With the rise of AI and Python’s dominance, is JavaScript still worth learning? In this episode, I break down why JavaScript remains the best starting language for new developers, how it sets you up for success in web development, and even why it’s still relevant for AI. Plus, I introduce a new AI developer course for those looking to leverage AI in real-world projects. Sign up here Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

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#223 - AI for JavaScript Developers: What You Actually Need to Know 19:58

16 weeks ago19:58

19:58

I started off 2025 knowing jack sh*t about LLMs besides how to ask Chat-GPT questions. Since then, I've built a multi-agent app for work, learned some linear algebra to understand how LLMs work at a basic level and started using a new tech stack for working with these LLMS. In this episode, I lay out the technologies you need to learn to keep up with AI as a full stack JavaScript developer and a project to up skill yourself. Resources mentioned: 3Blue1Brown's Linear Algebra series LLM Engineer's Handbook Building a Large Language Model (from scratch) I'll be working with 20 developers in a 30 day style cohort to up-skill with AI. Apply here: https://www.parsity.io/ai-developer 👈 Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

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Has Cursor Cooked Junior Developers for Good? 15:28

17 weeks ago15:28

15:28

Cursor is an AI-powered text editor for coders. Let me be honest - if I was a junior developer, I'd feel a little nervous looking at what it's capable of doing. But I'm not. So I'm not. Let's explore why Cursor is an amazing tool that will cause a ton of headaches when used improperly and what you can do as a junior developer to to create a technical moat to be "AI-proof." Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

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#221 - How AWS Used AI to Save 4,500 Years of Work – with AWS’s Director of Generative AI Applications 31:17

17 weeks ago31:17

31:17

I've been using AWS Q Developer for a few months now but it turns out I've barely scratched the surface. Srini, Director of Generative AI Applications and Developer Experiences at Amazon Web Services, who leads the team behind Q, agreed to be interviewed by me. We discuss: • How AWS Q Developer helps software engineers with coding, testing, and debugging • How Amazon used AI to save 4,500 years of development time • Why AI won’t replace developers—but developers using AI will dominate • The future of AI in software development and how beginners can stay ahead 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode: • AWS Q Developer : aws.amazon.com/q/developer • AWS Machine Learning University (MLU) Courses : amazon.science • AWS Skill Builder (Free & Paid AI Training) : aws.amazon.com/training/learn-about/machine-learning/ • AWS Generative AI Innovation Center ($100M investment) : aws.amazon.com/generative-ai/innovation-center/ Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

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#220 - Real-World JavaScript: Why Loops and Arrays Are the Backbone of the Internet 13:09

18 weeks ago13:09

13:09

You’re learning about JavaScript arrays all wrong. For loops, zero-indexing, blah blah blah. But WHY? What makes arrays so damn important? Let's break down why arrays and objects are the backbone of the internet and a couple common problems that JS beginners should work towards solving. A video on using APIs with JavaScript : https://youtu.be/4naH4qczQCg Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

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#219 - The 3-Step No-BS Guide to Getting in Shape After 30 27:55

18 weeks ago27:55

27:55

Don't worry - this won't become a fitness podcast... or I dunno, maybe it will. Seriously, I know how much exercise has changed my life and directly contributed to my ability to debug code, stay sane during stressful periods and make me feel a bit more confident. Next episode we'll be back to tech focused content but I sincerely hope you find this show useful. Grab Your simple fitness guide 👈 Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

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#218 - The 3 Worst Developers I Ever Worked With 17:13

19 weeks ago17:13

17:13

There are enough stories out there about how to be a 10x developer, whatever the hell that means. I want to share with you the 3 worst developers I ever worked with and what made them so awful. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. Except for the first one… Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

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#217 - How to Get Your First Tech Job - Straight from a Recruiter 24:10

19 weeks ago24:10

24:10

Henry Ngo is a tech recruiter who wants to see you win the game of job hunting. We chat about: • The Importance of a compelling hero section in resumes • Utilizing technology and AI in the recruitment process • Tips for effective communication during interviews • Addressing myths about the competition in job applications You can connect with Henry on LinkedIn Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

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#216 - Take-Home Coding Challenges Suck. Here’s 3 ways to Beat Them... 10:59

20 weeks ago10:59

10:59

I might be in the minority on this one but I cannot stand these types of interviews. IF you must participate, you might as well give it your best shot. Let's go over 3 ways I've personally seen mentees at Parsity crush the take home assignment so you can do the same. Here's a short unit testing course that yours for free: Grab it here. 👈 Send us a text Shameless Plugs 🧑‍💻 Join Parsity - For career changers who want to pivot into software. ✉️ Got a question you want answered on the pod? Drop it here Zubin's LinkedIn (ex-lawyer, former Googler, Brian-look-a-like)…

Develop Yourself

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#215 - Building Software with AI: Dr. Robert Toth on the Future of Coding, Cursor and True Prompt Engineering 31:14

20 weeks ago31:14