In this episode, Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders and Founder of 100Devs) dive deep into how to stand out in today’s competitive tech job market. They discuss common mistakes, the importance of qualifying yourself before you even get to the technical interview, the power of referrals, and what hiring managers are really looking for.
They also share practical tips on:
Customizing your résumé for every job application
Leveraging LinkedIn and networking strategically
Building real, impactful projects instead of generic tutorials
Using volunteering and freelancing to strengthen your credibility
Navigating Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
If you’re frustrated by endless applications and zero callbacks, this conversation is a must-watch. It’s time to learn how to play the game—rather than be mad at it—and land that role you’ve been dreaming about!
Highlights:
Why being “mad at the game” isn’t going to help (and what to do instead)
How to ensure your résumé, GitHub, and portfolio align with your desired role
Why networking and asking for genuine referrals can change your career
The importance of real-world projects and problem-solving in your job hunt
A preview of the Commit Your Code Conference, benefitting charitable causes
📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?
Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com!
Danny Thompson
https://x.com/DThompsonDev
https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev
DThompsonDev.com
Leon Noel
https://x.com/leonnoel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/
https://100devs.org/
📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?
Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com!
Chapter Timestamps
0:00 – Intro & “Learn to Play the Game”
0:36 – Meet Danny & Leon
1:07 – Why Job Seekers Are Frustrated
2:03 – Common Mistakes with Résumés & Portfolios
3:19 – How to Stand Out Quickly
5:00 – Why Generic Projects Hurt You
9:02 – Referrals & Building Proof
11:45 – De-Risking Yourself for Recruiters
14:01 – Freelancing vs. Volunteering vs. Open Source
18:02 – Networking & Meetups: The Game-Changer
24:00 – ATS: Applicant Tracking Systems Explained
26:57 – Customizing Your Résumé (Stop Spray & Pray!)
32:01 – Insights from CEOs & CTOs on Hiring
36:02 – Qualifying Yourself Beyond Skills
38:04 – Commit Your Code Conference & Final Thoughts
39:55 – Wrap-Up & Next Episode Preview
