Building a Standout Portfolio and Resume for DevRel Roles
Job hunting can be a stressful and demanding process. You know what's worse? Using a bad resume that most likely won't even make it to the hiring manager's desk.
Blessing Adesiji is a Developer Relations Manager at Circle, and in this conversation, he shared practical tips on how to build a standout resume and also stand out during job applications. His advice goes beyond the usual stuff you hear, giving you real strategies to get noticed in today's competitive job market.
Please Tell Us a Bit About Yourself and How You Got Into DevRel
I'm currently a Developer Relations Manager at Circle, which involves a lot of DevRel activities. My background is mainly in data science and software engineering. I didn't start directly in DevRel; I began with data science, machine learning, AI, and software engineering.
DevRel started for me when I applied for a role as a visualization engineer at an AI company. During my first interview, the manager pointed out that my extensive skill set, communication skills, and experience creating courses and articles aligned perfectly with DevRel. They suggested I apply for a DevRel opening instead, which was my first time learning about the field.
After doing some research, I decided to apply and got the job. So, DevRel found me rather than me finding DevRel.
What Skills and Experiences Do Hiring Managers Look for in DevRel Candidates?
I've been fortunate to be on both sides of the process. From a hiring manager's perspective, the key things we look for are:
Technical Strength: We examine your resume for technical projects you've built, focusing on the programming languages and tools you've used.
Communication Skills: We assess your ability to articulate ideas clearly through videos, articles, or research papers.
People Skills: We look for evidence that you're a "people's person," such as leading community initiatives or hosting meetups, even virtually.
Empathy: We value the ability to understand and address the needs of developers, particularly in explaining complex topics in a way beginners can grasp.
These qualities on your resume significantly increase your chances of advancing to the next stage.
What Should a Standout DevRel Resume Look Like?
Many people get caught up in making their resumes visually appealing with colors and fancy fonts, but keeping them simple is key. The best resumes are well-structured and easy to scan quickly.
Focus on showcasing your work experience in reverse chronological order, including metrics and numbers. Highlight your technical skills, projects, and relevant experience. What matters is presenting your technical expertise and accomplishments.
How Long Should a DevRel Resume Be?
There are two types of applicants: those actively applying for roles and those sought out by recruiters.
If you’re actively applying, keep your resume short and concise, ideally one page. Hiring managers often scan resumes just a few seconds to ensure the most important and relevant information stands out quickly.
If you're experienced and being approached by recruiters, a longer resume (two to three pages) is acceptable, as it showcases your extensive experience and skills.
How Can Someone With No DevRel Experience Build a Strong Portfolio?
I recommend focusing on three things for those transitioning into DevRel without prior experience. First, emphasize your transferable skills, especially if you have a background in software engineering. Your technical skills are valuable in DevRel.
Second, contribute to open-source projects. This experience demonstrates community involvement, technical ability, teamwork, and empathy—all essential in DevRel.
Lastly, understand how you can add value to the role you’re applying for. For example, when I transitioned from data science to DevRel, I created a proposal outlining how I could contribute to the role, even without direct experience. You'll stand out in the interview process if you can clearly demonstrate your potential value
Are Cover Letters Important or Overrated for Job Applications?
Are cover letters necessary? I would say yes, especially from someone who has sometimes skipped writing them when applying for jobs. Let me give you a detailed answer.
The importance of cover letters really depends on the type of job you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a job that requires strong communication skills, like a Developer Relations role, I highly recommend writing one. It's vital if the job application requires you to upload a cover letter.
Having a standard cover letter that you can use when applying for Developer Relations roles or similar jobs is a good strategy. Don't fall into the trap of thinking, "I'm not going to upload a cover letter." That cover letter might be what sets you apart from other applicants.
If you're transitioning from one role to another, like moving from software engineering to Developer Relations, a cover letter is important. It helps others understand your story, highlights things your resume might not, and showcases your communication skills. Your cover letter can tell a story that your resume cannot.
I'm not saying you must always submit a cover letter or shouldn't. It's nuanced and depends on your situation when applying for a job. However, I encourage you to start writing cover letters because they can be very helpful.
What Are Some of the Questions Usually Asked During DevRel Interviews?
Sure, let me share some common questions that I've encountered or that have been asked in the past during DevRel interviews.
One key aspect of these interviews is understanding your critical thinking and communication skills. A typical question might be, "How would you explain a particular technical concept to a non-technical audience?" If you're applying for a Developer Relations role, this is a question you should be prepared to answer confidently. Your response to this question can reveal a lot about your critical thinking, communication, and technical skills, so it's important to practice your answer.
Another common question is, "How do you stay updated on industry trends as a Developer Relations person?" Staying current with industry trends is important because it helps you communicate effectively with developers about new and relevant technologies.
You might also be asked, "How would you handle negative feedback from developers?" This question is designed to test your non-technical skills, particularly your ability to take and respond to feedback. Handling feedback is an essential part of being a successful Developer Relations engineer.
What Are Effective Strategies for Finding a DevRel Role Beyond the Usual Methods Like Applying Online or Sending Cold Emails?
The traditional approach of going to a website, clicking the apply button, and submitting your resume isn’t as effective anymore, especially for niche roles like Developer Relations. Given the current competition, especially with many people being laid off, it's important to go the extra mile to distinguish yourself. You have to do what it takes to get noticed and land the role you want.
Build your personal brand by consistently creating content, such as blog posts or videos, focused on the specific technology you’re passionate about, like JavaScript. This positions you as a thought leader and increases your visibility, making you a go-to candidate for companies seeking expertise in that area. This approach not only enhances your technical and communication skills but also helps you stand out in the job market.
In my case, my Developer Relations role came to me because of the content I was already creating—videos, articles, and more. This approach helped me stand out in a crowded job market.
What Do You Think About Building Your Social Media Presence as a DevRel Professional?
Building your social media presence is important not just for DevRel professionals alone. We're in an "adaptive economy," where personal branding plays a significant role in career opportunities. Instead of seeing it as just branding, think of it as sharing your journey.
Even if you're not an expert yet, openly discuss your struggles and progress, like working through challenges in JavaScript or data structures. This approach not only adds value to others who can relate but also helps you grow an audience and establish yourself as a thought leader.
While some people might discourage building a personal brand on platforms like Twitter due to concerns about inauthenticity, if you focus on being real, sharing valuable content, and growing technically, you'll stand out for the right reasons. The ultimate goal is to offer value, grow your network, and let the opportunities come naturally from the reputation you build.
Conclusion
Standing out in the job market, especially in a niche like Developer Relations, requires more than just a well-crafted resume. Here are some key takeaways from this conversation:
Keep your resume clear, concise, and focused on showcasing your technical expertise and achievements.
Contributing to open-source projects can help demonstrate your technical skills, teamwork, and empathy, which are valuable in DevRel roles.
Consistently creating authentic content around your area of expertise can position you as a thought leader and make you more visible to potential employers.
Focus on being genuine in your content and interactions. Authenticity helps you stand out and build a reputation that attracts opportunities.
For the full, in-depth conversation with Blessing, check out the complete video on our YouTube channel. For further engagement, feel free to connect with Blessing Adesiji on LinkedIn and Twitter. He's always open to sharing his journey and helping others succeed in DevRel.
