A verifiable track record that is
very hard to fake.
This includes:
1. Open source contributions to high-profile / major repositories (with code-review in the open with core maintainers).
2. Side projects that are production-grade with customers and recurring revenue.
3. Given presentations at conferences.
At least 2 out of 3 of those. Years of experience is an additional plus.
But those still using keyword matching, ATS scores, leetcode don't have a clue on how to hire or who to hire as all of that can be faked, gamed and cheated by LLMs in 2026.
Instead of hiring builders, they continue to optimize for people studying for interviews and at the end of the day, I only care if you know how to make money and I prefer the former; builders over those who just study for the interview.
This includes:
1. Open source contributions to high-profile / major repositories (with code-review in the open with core maintainers).
2. Side projects that are production-grade with customers and recurring revenue.
3. Given presentations at conferences.
At least 2 out of 3 of those. Years of experience is an additional plus.
But those still using keyword matching, ATS scores, leetcode don't have a clue on how to hire or who to hire as all of that can be faked, gamed and cheated by LLMs in 2026.
Instead of hiring builders, they continue to optimize for people studying for interviews and at the end of the day, I only care if you know how to make money and I prefer the former; builders over those who just study for the interview.