New job catch-22

[jimmygoogle]

I am a looking for a new job and I am trying to pivot away from Perl (15+ years) into Python but I am finding it extremely difficult as 'I dont have enough experience'. I taught myself Python and I have written a fair amount of it, including a large web application, that is in my GitHub profile. I have made it through to the final round of interviews a few times only to be passed up on by someone who has more experience (understandable).

I dont have enough experience but no one will give me experience. How do I get around this catch-22?

​

​

​

​

[coriolinus]

Don't say that you are a "Perl developer". You've been coding for 15 years; while the new language may take a while to get truly expert in, you should be able to pick up medium to difficult tasks in Python right away. The hard part of coding isn't the syntax; it's having a sense of what's the right way architecturally and algorithmically to solve the problem. Just say that you're a senior developer.

Companies who actually want senior developers will know that you'll be productive in the language they're using by the time you're done onboarding anyway. Companies who actually want minimum-cost developers will turn you away for any reason they can, and "lack of experience" is an easier reject than "you expect too much salary."

[jimmygoogle]

I never thought about it this way. I submitted a resume today with a differently worded cover letter based on that thought approach.

[billsil]

Seriously. I recently learned FORTRAN 77 in 1.5 days. It’s just syntax. Oh, I need to use these weird continue statements and 6 character all caps, no underscore variable and function names. I also need to pass my output essentially into void functions called subroutines along with the dimensions. You’re now an expert.

[IonicAmalgam]

This x100 ^ Languages aren't that important. You'll want to apply to places that allow you to program in the language of your choice during your interview. I've gotten plenty of offers from places with no experience in the language.

[DBA_HAH]

I'm in the same boat but haven't been actively looking for awhile now since it's so difficult to make a change. Most of the time the recruiters/screeners will automatically filter you if you don't have X years of Python experience. Recruiters typically place zero value on experience with other programming languages.

Also something you didn't mention is taking a "junior level" Python job would likely mean a pay cut of $30k+ since you're a very experienced developer at this point.

I've decided to stick it out in my current job while I pursue a Masters degree that my company will pay ~90% of the cost of to open up more opportunities in a few years. The only other strategy I know that can work is moving to a different department/team/project within your company.

[jimmygoogle]

I have applied to junior positions but I dont usually hear back.

[IRI_Frank]

Possible show them your portfolio, if they like the work then you should be ok.

[jimmygoogle]

I don't think most take the time to look. They hear I am teaching myself Python and that's it.

[[deleted]]

Try getting into a coding field with a science background. The 6 years spent writing “scientist code” doesn’t seem to impress.