The hottest Career development Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

The software engineering "squeeze"

Leading Developers • 109 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Career development Job Market AI Impact Professional Skills
  1. Software engineering was once an easy path to a high-paying job, but many engineers are now feeling the pressure due to high competition and the rise of AI.
  2. There are a lot of average engineers in the field, which is causing a squeeze; companies are looking for those who truly stand out and have a mix of skills beyond just coding.
  3. It's important for engineers to continuously improve their skills and take initiative instead of waiting for job offers, as the demand for great engineers remains strong.

How much agency do we actually want?

benn.substack • 1585 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Work Culture Productivity Career development Human behavior
  1. Many people want clear directions to reach their goals rather than complete freedom to decide everything on their own. It's sometimes easier to follow a checklist than to choose your own path.
  2. In the tech world, even highly skilled professionals often seek specific instructions on what to do next, rather than relying solely on their creativity and initiative.
  3. While we talk about wanting more agency and independence, many of us really just want someone to give us a roadmap for success, even if it means giving up some of our freedom.

Why Employees Quit

The Future of Education • 59 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🚌 Education Career development Educational Policy Learning Strategies Employee retention
  1. Many people quit their jobs because they don't find their work meaningful and don't feel valued by their colleagues or managers. To keep employees happy, companies should focus on providing fulfilling work experiences.
  2. People are leaving jobs despite being offered good pay because traditional hiring and retention strategies are not addressing their real needs. Employers need to look beyond just salaries and benefits to understand why employees leave.
  3. Relationships and connections in life matter a lot for both personal happiness and career success. It's important to nurture these relationships, as they can provide joy and future opportunities.

Frameworks for Managing Up as a Software Engineer

High Growth Engineer • 624 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Management Career development Communication Trust Building
  1. Building trust with your manager is essential. Focus on being sincere, reliable, caring, and competent in your work.
  2. You need to speak your manager's language. Understand their goals and priorities to communicate effectively and prevent misunderstandings.
  3. Regular updates matter. Create a system for updates that keeps your manager informed without overwhelming them, ensuring that every communication is valuable.
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3 Mistakes to avoid when writing your performance review

High Growth Engineer • 866 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Career development Workplace Management Performance Human Resources
  1. Don’t start writing your performance review from scratch. Create a separate document summarizing your work to help you organize your thoughts and provide a clear overview.
  2. Avoid assuming that everyone knows the details of your work. Write your review in a way that any reader, even a senior leader, can easily understand the impact of your contributions.
  3. Use specific numbers and clear statements to show your impact. Instead of vague phrases, quantify your achievements and relate them to team goals for better clarity.

Be a Bridge Builder

The Engineering Leader • 99 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Leadership Collaboration Innovation Career development
  1. Technical skills are important for engineers, but to become a leader, you also need to connect with other teams and understand the bigger picture. It's about being a bridge builder, not just a tech expert.
  2. Having strong communication skills helps in explaining your work to others and getting their feedback. This way, everyone can work better together.
  3. To grow into a leadership role, seek opportunities to collaborate with different departments, learn about the company's goals, and create a culture of teamwork.

I'm glad I took the off-ramp from software engineering

Cloud Irregular • 6800 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Career development Artificial Intelligence Tech industry Job Market
  1. A career in software engineering isn't guaranteed to lead to high pay or upward mobility. Many people find that their progress stalls after a certain point.
  2. The rise of AI will significantly change the role of developers, making it less about coding quickly and more about solving human problems and understanding technology's role.
  3. Choosing to step away from traditional software roles can open up new opportunities. It’s important to explore other interests and skills to avoid being trapped in a limiting career path.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers (10/21)

Human Capitalist • 59 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
💼 Business Job Changes Recruitment Career development Corporate strategy Leadership
  1. There were ten notable job changes recently, showcasing how companies are promoting and hiring talent in key positions.
  2. Major positions were filled at influential companies like Google, Salesforce, and Pinterest, indicating strong movements in the tech and business sectors.
  3. Staying updated on these job changes can help investors and recruiters spot talent and assess market trends.

Behavioral Interview Question Bank Categorized into 8 Themes

Behavioral OS for Techies • 419 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
🚌 Education Career development Interview Preparation Skills Training Job Searching Professional Growth
  1. There are 40 behavioral interview questions split into 8 themes, which can help you prepare for interviews.
  2. For each theme, think of your personal experiences or create hypothetical scenarios to practice your answers.
  3. Identifying areas where you lack experience can focus your personal development and improve your interview skills.

Trust & Integrity

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 27 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
💼 Business Leadership Ethics Career development Trust Integrity
  1. Trust is key in any relationship or career. It helps people work together quickly and confidently.
  2. Integrity means being honest and consistent in your words and actions. When what you say, believe, and do align, you create a trustworthy image.
  3. To earn trust, be clear about your intentions, share data, be transparent in your processes, and fix mistakes when they happen. These habits can help you build strong relationships.

There Are No Safe Havens

Freddie deBoer • 6621 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💼 Business Labor Market Tech industry Career development
  1. The job market for entry-level programmers has drastically declined, with job postings dropping significantly. It's harder than ever for new coders to find work right now.
  2. While skilled and experienced programmers still have good job prospects, the narrative around learning to code often ignores that not everyone can secure those top jobs.
  3. The promise of tech jobs being a guaranteed path to success is misleading, especially for beginners who face tough competition in a shrinking market.

My Next Decision Making Class is Launching on November 18th!

Thinking in Bets • 99 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🚌 Education Online Learning Decision-making Career development Personal Growth Workshops
  1. A new decision-making class starts on November 18th, running for a month with interactive sessions.
  2. Students will learn a 6-step process for better decision making and how to overcome cognitive biases.
  3. The course includes nine live sessions, projects, and access to a community of peers for networking.

The 5 Interview Mistakes You're Making Without Realizing

Behavioral OS for Techies • 259 implied HN points • 29 Aug 24
🚌 Education Interview Tips Career development Soft skills Technical Skills
  1. Make sure your answers during an interview are detailed and clear. It helps the interviewer see that you understand the topic well.
  2. Before jumping to solutions, always ask questions to clarify the problem. This shows you're thoughtful and focused on finding the right solution.
  3. Don't forget to showcase your real-world experiences. Sharing relevant stories makes your answers more relatable and authentic.

5 Frameworks To Master Communication And Influence As An Engineer

High Growth Engineer • 1415 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
💼 Business Leadership Communication Influence Startups Career development
  1. Understanding communication styles is key to being effective as an engineer. Knowing how to adapt your message can help get your point across better.
  2. Influence is about more than just speaking well; it's also about building relationships. Strong connections can lead to better collaboration and teamwork.
  3. Mastering executive communication can help you lead better and get your ideas heard. It's important to practice and refine these skills regularly.

On ne te virera pas

L'Atelier Galita • 79 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
💼 Business Employment Management Career development Negotiation
  1. Most people worry too much about getting fired when they actually have a lot of protection once they are in a permanent job. Employers need a real reason to let someone go after the trial period.
  2. Don't rush to resign without a good reason. Being fired can give you unemployment benefits, while quitting usually won't. You're safer in a job than you might think.
  3. Your worth in the job market matters a lot. The more skills you have, the less likely you'll be fired, and the better conditions you can negotiate.

Les bénéfices de mon CDI

L'Atelier Galita • 119 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
💼 Business Employment Work Life Social Issues Personal Finance Career development
  1. A permanent job offers great financial security and strong social benefits. This means stable income and protection from hard times.
  2. Being self-employed can make you work harder than you should, as there's no one to tell you when to take a break. Some self-employed people might even forget to take vacations.
  3. Having a structured job means you have set times to interact with others and avoid feeling lonely. It also allows for a balance in your daily routine without forcing you into a rigid schedule.

5 Lessons I learned the hard way from 10+ years as a software engineer

High Growth Engineer • 1462 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Career development Mentorship Productivity Leadership
  1. Always learn from your mistakes, as they can teach valuable lessons for your career. Embracing failure can help you grow and improve.
  2. Networking is important; make connections in your industry. Relationships often open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
  3. Keep your skills updated and be open to new technologies. The tech field is constantly evolving, and staying current helps you stay relevant.

La pieuvre des désirs

L'Atelier Galita • 79 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🚌 Education Career development Personal Growth Psychology Philosophy Self-help
  1. Finding a career that fits you is sometimes hard. It's tough to know what you really love doing, even though other factors seem easier to identify.
  2. Tim Urban's idea of the 'octopus of desires' shows that our different aspirations can clash with each other. You can't easily satisfy all your desires at once.
  3. There are five types of desires: personal, social, moral, practical, and lifestyle. It's important to prioritize these to find better balance and fulfillment in your life.

What Eight Years Of Being Stuck Taught Me About Career Paths

Diary of an Engineering Manager • 259 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
💼 Business Career development Work-life balance Skills Training Organizational Behavior Job Market
  1. Career growth can be messy and non-linear, much like cooked spaghetti. Just because you're not moving up quickly doesn't mean you're failing.
  2. Promotions often come with extra responsibilities and sacrifices. It's important to reflect on whether you're ready for those changes before chasing a title.
  3. Your career will have phases, with ups and downs. It's okay to experience stagnation; it's part of building resilience for the long run.

So you want to be a pirate, eh matey?

Jeff Giesea • 558 implied HN points • 14 Aug 24
💼 Business Employment Work Culture Remote work Gig Economy Career development
  1. Job-stacking is when people hold multiple full-time remote jobs at the same time, mainly in tech fields. Some think it's unethical because it can trick employers.
  2. Supporters argue job-stacking is okay as long as people do their jobs well and there are no secret issues. They feel the current job market is unreliable, so they find new ways to cope.
  3. The job landscape is changing, and job-stacking could be a sign that we need new work models. While not for everyone, it might push us to think differently about employment.

What Is Being An Engineering Manager Like

Diary of an Engineering Manager • 119 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Teamwork Career development Work Culture
  1. An engineering manager's role is more about teamwork than just giving orders. It's important to work together and support each other.
  2. The manager's job is like being a driver on a road trip. They navigate and ensure everyone is comfortable and safe along the journey.
  3. Being an engineering manager doesn't mean being smarter than everyone else. It means having different responsibilities while being part of the team.

How Failing Multiple Interviews Helped Me Create My Elevator Pitch For AWS Interview

Behavioral OS for Techies • 299 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
💼 Business Career development Job Interviews Resume Writing Networking Skills Training
  1. Keep your introduction short and focused, ideally between 1-2 minutes. This helps keep the interviewer's attention.
  2. Customize your intro based on the job you're applying for and the interviewer's background. It helps you connect better.
  3. Use key phrases and topics that you want the interviewer to ask about later. This guides the conversation in your favor.

A Software Engineer's Guide to Reading Research Papers

Confessions of a Code Addict • 1467 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Research Methods Career development Technical Writing Information literacy
  1. Research papers are important for software engineers to keep up with new technologies and fill knowledge gaps. It helps to stay current with developments in your field, like time series analysis.
  2. Many people find reading research papers hard because they can be dense and technical. A lack of a research background can make it seem even more intimidating.
  3. With time and practice, anyone can learn to read and understand research papers. Finding a personal approach or framework can make the process easier.

Il faut des discussions difficiles

L'Atelier Galita • 59 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
💼 Business Career development Communication Skills Leadership Decision-making Personal Growth
  1. Having tough conversations is important for personal success. The more difficult discussions you engage in, the more you can grow.
  2. Making good career decisions often comes with challenges. It's not always an easy path, but it can lead to greater autonomy.
  3. Growth and success are tied to your willingness to face uncomfortable topics. Embracing these conversations can lead you to better opportunities.

How to pass any first-round interview (even in a terrible talent market)

Lenny's Newsletter • 5228 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🚌 Education Interview Preparation Career development Professional Skills Job Searching Personal Growth
  1. First-round interviews are designed to filter out candidates who may not be a good fit for the role.
  2. Prepare for interviews by organizing your career story, walking down memory lane, and learning behavioral frameworks.
  3. Ask high-quality questions at the end of the interview to showcase your interest and stand out as a candidate.

Where New Engineering Managers Fail

Diary of an Engineering Manager • 179 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Human Resources Career development Workplace culture
  1. New engineering managers often struggle with accepting their new role. It's important to embrace this change or else it confuses the team and weakens your leadership.
  2. Many new managers make the mistake of telling their team too much instead of listening. Encouraging team members to share their ideas leads to better solutions and shows that you value their input.
  3. It's common to hold on to tasks instead of delegating them. Letting your team handle their own work not only helps them learn but also frees you up to focus on management responsibilities.

8 Key Themes You Should Be Preparing For Your Behavioral Interviews

Behavioral OS for Techies • 219 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
💼 Business Interviews Career development Human Resources Employee Experience
  1. You should prepare stories about your experiences with customers. This can show how you improve their experience and handle complaints.
  2. It's important to share your successes and how you overcame challenges. This helps interviewers see your problem-solving skills and achievements.
  3. Think about times you've faced failure or conflict. Sharing these experiences can show how you learn from mistakes and work well with others.

Don't just apply, opt-in

Creating Value from Nothing • 662 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Hiring Recruitment Company Culture Career development Employee engagement
  1. Candidates can experience the company culture firsthand by attending events like the Super Weekend. This allows them to see what working there is really like.
  2. Meeting actual customers and solving real-world problems helps potential hires understand the company's mission and approach better.
  3. The company commits to hosting regular Super Weekends to attract talented individuals and let them see how great the team is. It's a chance for candidates to really opt-in rather than just applying.

From Average To Exceptional: 5 Skills To Help You Become The Data Expert Everyone Wants To Work With

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 494 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
💼 Business Data science Career development Communication Analytics Team Collaboration
  1. Always focus on the real problem behind a request, not just what is being asked. This helps you deliver better solutions that actually meet the business needs.
  2. Using clear frameworks can help organize your thoughts and make complex investigations easier. A structured approach leads to clearer communication and better results.
  3. Keep your communication simple and focused on what matters to your stakeholders. This helps everyone stay on the same page and reduces confusion.

How to succeed as a Machine Learning Engineer

The ML Engineer Insights • 359 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Machine Learning Career development Professional Skills Networking Mentorship
  1. Building a strong foundation in machine learning fundamentals and staying updated with the latest research are crucial for success as a Machine Learning Engineer.
  2. Playing to your strengths, such as data and feature engineering, modeling, and deployment scalability, is key. Seek help in areas where you're less experienced.
  3. Focus on aligning your work with business goals, understanding trade-offs, ROI, and embracing experimentation. Continuous learning, networking, and mentorship are invaluable.

Welcome to the EM Diary!

Diary of an Engineering Manager • 159 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Engineering Career development Advice
  1. This blog shares real-life experiences of an Engineering Manager to help others grow into leadership roles. It's based on practical stories rather than high-level advice.
  2. It's aimed at senior engineers, team leads, and new engineering managers, providing actionable advice without any confusing jargon.
  3. Readers can expect weekly posts that are easy to understand and filled with insights about the daily life of an Engineering Manager in tech.

What I Gave Up To Become An Engineering Manager

Diary of an Engineering Manager • 62 HN points • 29 Aug 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Career development Work Culture Team Dynamics
  1. Moving from individual contributor to engineering manager means letting go of past habits. You need to make room for new responsibilities and ways of working.
  2. As a manager, you won't build things directly. Instead, you'll help your team create and support multiple projects, shifting focus from personal achievements to team successes.
  3. Managers face longer feedback loops and must learn to communicate tough issues early on. This shift encourages patience and improves team dynamics.

Business Relationships

In My Tribe • 607 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Workplace culture Career development Professional relationships
  1. Your job should be seen like a relationship that you can move on from, not as a marriage. It’s okay to leave a job when you’ve learned what you can and want to grow elsewhere.
  2. Selling a business can feel like watching your child grow up and become independent. You may feel lost afterward, but it’s a chance to explore new passions.
  3. Consider what you enjoy outside of work. If your job isn’t your true passion, find ways to express those interests in your free time instead.

Breaking Into Data: How to Land A Job in a Competitive Market

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 459 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
💼 Business Job search Career development Networking Interview Prep Skills Training
  1. Focus on your skills rather than specific job titles. Job titles change all the time, so search by what you can do instead.
  2. Prepare well for interviews ahead of time. Make a study plan and find out the topics to focus on, so you don’t get stressed last minute.
  3. Build real connections with people in your field. Attend events, follow up with new contacts, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn to create opportunities.

Lessons from my experience of getting my resume shortlisted at AWS

Behavioral OS for Techies • 79 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
💼 Business Career development Job Searching Networking Resume Writing Interview Preparation
  1. Find the right job role and focus your applications. It's better to apply for a few perfect matches than a lot of random ones.
  2. Tailor your resume for each job. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences to match the job description closely.
  3. Build a strong network and ask for referrals. Connections can help you get noticed and increase your chances of being shortlisted.

Beyond the Code

The Engineering Leader • 59 implied HN points • 15 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering AI Tools Career development Skill Building Team Collaboration
  1. Top software engineers excel not just in coding but in understanding the bigger picture of their projects. They focus on why they're building something, making sure it meets real needs.
  2. Effective communication and collaboration are key traits of great engineers. They share knowledge with their teams and explain their ideas clearly, making work smoother for everyone.
  3. It's important for engineers to keep learning beyond just coding skills. The best engineers adapt to new challenges, use innovative tools like AI, and think creatively to solve problems.

An introvert’s 3 secrets to networking

amivora • 6 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
💼 Business Networking Career development Professional Growth Work Relationships
  1. Use work tasks, like hiring, to connect with others. It's a good way to meet people while doing something you need to do anyway.
  2. Set specific goals to talk to new people at events. This can help ease the stress of networking and make it more enjoyable.
  3. Practice politely excusing yourself from conversations. It allows you to meet more people without feeling rude.

Data Leadership Done Right: Focusing on Work That Matters

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 506 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Career development Impact assessment Project management Team Dynamics
  1. Focus on what really matters in your work to create an impact, rather than just completing tasks. It's important to understand the value of what you do.
  2. As you grow in your role, ask yourself what projects move the needle for your organization. This questioning mindset helps drive meaningful change.
  3. To advance in your career, be proactive in identifying valuable projects instead of waiting for your manager to tell you what to do. Taking initiative is key to success.