doing this almost GUARANTEES you get hired (in tech)

Summary

This energetic script lays out a practical roadmap for getting hired in tech in 2025, arguing that LeetCode and syntax alone won’t cut it anymore—AI can write code, so employers hire problem-solvers. Phil shares his personal comeback from broke bootcamp grad to six-figure lead, showing how a signature end-to-end project, a clear developer story, and framing work in business impact make candidates unforgettable. The video explains how to tell product-focused technical narratives, interview like a problem solver, leverage the hidden job market, and build a repeatable system: one flagship project, authentic storytelling, visible work, intentional networking, and outcome-driven communication.

Takeaways

• 😀 AI and lead code are no longer enough to land a job in 2025; companies want problem solvers who can build real-world solutions.
• 😀 Your personal developer story is as important as your technical skills; it shows growth, grit, and the journey you've been through.
• 😀 Focus on building one full-scale, end-to-end application rather than small tutorial projects to showcase your problem-solving abilities.
• 😀 Be able to explain your full-scale project from idea to production, including design choices, scalability, security, and trade-offs.
• 😀 Don't just talk about tools or technologies in interviews—focus on the value and impact your work brought to users or the business.
• 😀 Networking is key: 80% of the best tech jobs are never posted online. Build relationships and show your work in open-source communities and industry networks.
• 😀 To stand out, become a storyteller. A compelling narrative about your journey and how you solve problems will make you memorable to hiring managers.
• 😀 When interviewing, show you think like a product engineer. Ask open-ended questions to demonstrate your interest in solving real business problems.
• 😀 Build your signature project to represent your abilities. It should be complex enough to show you understand full product development and problem-solving.
• 😀 Focus on outcomes, not just tasks, when discussing your work. This shift from focusing on syntax to results will make you a more valuable candidate.
• 😀 Your goal isn't just to land a job—it's to become the kind of developer who can always get a job by building visibility, mastering full-scale applications, and telling your story.

Q & A

What is the main message of the script about getting a tech job in 2025?

The main message is that in 2025, tech companies are no longer hiring coders based on their ability to solve algorithmic problems alone. They are looking for problem-solvers who can think critically, communicate clearly, build end-to-end applications, and tell a compelling personal story. A combination of engineering skills, personal growth, and a strong narrative is what sets top candidates apart.

Why is lead code no longer enough for tech job candidates in 2025?

Lead code is no longer enough because AI can now solve coding problems better than most junior developers. Additionally, many applicants already have boot camp or CS degrees, making it harder to stand out. Companies are looking for candidates who can solve real-world problems, build full applications, and communicate their decisions effectively.

What role does a developer's personal story play in the hiring process?

A developer's personal story is crucial because it shows the interviewer who they are as a person, their journey, and their growth. People hire people, not resumes. A compelling story that demonstrates grit, determination, and passion can make a candidate memorable and trustworthy, which is often the deciding factor in hiring.

What is the significance of building a full-scale application?

Building a full-scale application demonstrates a candidate's ability to think through all stages of product development, from front-end design to back-end architecture and deployment. It shows that the candidate can solve real problems, understand trade-offs, and scale systems effectively. This is more valuable than completing small tutorial projects, which often lack depth.

How can developers make their signature project stand out?

To make a signature project stand out, developers should focus on solving a meaningful problem, ideally one that is personal or connected to their life. The project should be complex enough to demonstrate architectural thinking and scalability, and it should evolve over time to showcase growth and ownership. Most importantly, the developer should be able to confidently discuss every aspect of the project.

What is the importance of translating technical skills into business value during interviews?

Translating technical skills into business value is crucial because hiring managers care more about the impact of what a candidate has built than the specific tools they used. Developers should emphasize the outcomes of their work, such as solving real problems, improving user experiences, or driving business results. This demonstrates that the candidate thinks in terms of value and business impact, not just technical tasks.

How can a developer demonstrate leadership during a tech interview?

A developer can demonstrate leadership during an interview by asking thoughtful, open-ended questions that show curiosity about the company's challenges and success metrics. They should focus on the bigger picture, such as business outcomes, scalability, and teamwork, instead of just discussing coding tasks. Mirroring the company's priorities and showing a genuine interest in solving problems will make the candidate appear like a future leader.

What is the hidden job market, and how can developers leverage it?

The hidden job market refers to job opportunities that are not publicly posted but are filled through referrals, networking, and relationships. Developers can leverage this market by building a strong online presence, sharing their work publicly, participating in open-source communities, and networking within industry groups. By adding value and showcasing their skills, developers can attract job offers without relying solely on job boards.

What are the steps in the repeatable system to land a tech job in 2025?

The steps in the repeatable system include: 1) Build a full-scale flagship project. 2) Craft your authentic developer story. 3) Polish your portfolio and resume to reflect that story. 4) Show your work publicly to build visibility. 5) Network with intention and add value. 6) Target specific companies and understand their problems. 7) Interview like a problem solver. 8) Mirror the interviewer's language to build trust. 9) Follow up with ideas and insights. 10) Negotiate with confidence.

What is the ultimate goal for developers in the tech industry, according to the script?

The ultimate goal is not just to land a job, but to become the kind of developer who can always get a job. This means mastering full-scale projects, crafting a compelling personal story, thinking in terms of value and impact, building relationships, and consistently showing your work. When developers adopt this mindset, they no longer apply for jobs—the jobs come to them.