Software Engineer at Zed, Thorsten Ball, shares insights on differentiation, working in public, importance of domain knowledge, standing out in job interviews, and building innovative products like Zed text editor. Emphasizes soft skills, communication, problem-solving, and showcasing competence to enhance hiring opportunities. Discusses diverse skill set, unique career paths, and the value of self-promotion in tech industry.
Cultivating diverse skills boosts career opportunities and value to employers.
Proving competence through published work enhances job prospects significantly.
Soft skills like communication are vital for success in engineering roles.
Deep dives
Combining Skills in Software Engineering and Content Production
The podcast discusses the unique combination of software engineering and content production skills in the context of Thorsten Ball. Thorsten's background in writing led to a blend of technical proficiency with the ability to create engaging content like videos and books. The conversation delves into how cultivating diverse skills can set individuals apart in the tech industry.
The Value of Domain Knowledge in Writing and Journalism
The episode highlights the importance of domain knowledge in writing and journalism based on Thorsten's experience. He explains the significance of having a subject to write about, underscoring that expertise in a specific area enhances one's ability to create valuable content. Thorsten's journey from aspiring writer to software engineer showcases how domain knowledge can enrich storytelling and communication.
Navigating Self-Promotion in the Workplace
The podcast explores the role of self-promotion within organizations, emphasizing its benefits beyond mere visibility. Thorsten and the host discuss how self-promotion, including clear communication about one's work and achievements, can lead to improved work quality and recognition within a company. They highlight the importance of effectively showcasing one's contributions to enhance personal growth and professional impact.
The Founding of Zed: Building the Best Text Editor
The three founders of Zed, who previously worked on Atom at GitHub, aimed to create a superior text editor from scratch. Their focus was on performance and collaboration, learning from past technological limitations. Utilizing Rust, GPU acceleration, and TreeSitter for parsing, Zed was designed to prioritize speed and facilitate collaborative coding experiences.
Experience of Collaboration in Zed: Audio-Only Calls and Intimacy
Zed's emphasis on collaboration is reflected in its audio-only calls which enhance focus and freedom for users during coding sessions. The absence of webcams promotes a deeper level of engagement and avoids visual distractions. The podcast underlines the unique intimacy and efficiency fostered by voice communication, reminiscent of simpler, phone call-based interactions where individuals can stay focused and share thoughts effectively.
In this episode, Ben chats with Thorsten Ball. This conversation fits neatly into two halves - in the first, Ben and Thorsten go deep on how to differentiate yourself, work in public, and make it easy for people to hire you. In the second part of the conversation, they talk more specifically about Zed, why it matters, and how it’s being built.
Cultivating a diverse skill set can lead to unique opportunities and make you a valuable asset in a company.
Evidence of competence, such as published work or open-source contributions, can significantly impact your chances of getting hired.
Soft skills, such as communication and problem-solving, are essential for success in engineering roles.
Taking initiative and adding value beyond your job description can make you stand out and contribute to the growth of a company.
Interviews should be seen as a chance to demonstrate your skills and fit within a company's culture, rather than just answering questions. Visual cues and real-time interaction are important in conversations to gauge resonance and maintain engagement.
Different business models exist in the tech industry, and investment can provide the time and resources needed for product development.
Building high-quality products in open source requires a focus on performance, quality, and attention to detail.
The landscape of text editors and funding is complex, with various models and approaches.
Working on a quality product with a talented team can be fulfilling and contribute to personal growth.
Noticing and writing about interesting ideas can enhance creativity and lead to new insights.
Chapters
(00:00) - Introduction and Background
(00:21) - Combining Software Engineering and Content Production
(04:41) - The Power of a Diverse Skill Set
(07:40) - Creating Valuable Content
(11:53) - Taking Initiative and Adding Value
(18:47) - Reaching Out and Getting Hired
(20:42) - The Power of Evidence of Competence
(21:39) - The Myth of Not Hiring
(25:35) - The Importance of Leaving Evidence
(28:06) - Resumes and Demonstrating Competence
(30:56) - Interviews as a Vibe Check
(32:38) - The Bias in Interviews
(33:55) - Hiring Process and Competence
(34:22) - No Foolproof Hiring Process
(35:20) - Evidence of Ability
(37:00) - Accepting the Hiring Game
(39:54) - Marketing and Self-Promotion
(44:10) - Zed's Journey and User Availability
(51:02) - Collaboration in Zed
(56:02) - The Magic of Audio Calls
(58:49) - The Intimacy of Voice-Only Communication
(01:01:16) - The Distraction of Self-View in Video Calls
(01:02:43) - The Importance of Visual Cues in Conversations
(01:03:36) - The Value of Real-Time Interaction
(01:05:34) - The Deep Knowledge and Complexity of Vim
(01:06:00) - The Benefits of Noticing and Writing About Interesting Ideas
(01:09:40) - The Habit of Writing and Its Impact on Thinking
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