Content Creation for Developers

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Learn how to create and share professional web development content to expand your reach, advance your careers and establish expert status. This talk will tech you how to share your knowledge effectively through blogs, videos, and social media posts, helping you stand out and connect with others.

This talk has been presented at TechLead Conference 2024, check out the latest edition of this Tech Conference.

FAQ

Technical content creation for developers involves sharing your knowledge and skills through various forms such as writing technical articles, making tutorial videos, or sharing open source projects. It helps in showcasing your expertise, connecting with like-minded developers, and even opening doors to career opportunities.

Creating technical content allows developers to share their knowledge, enhance their personal brand, and establish themselves as experts in their field. It can lead to career opportunities, such as job offers, speaking engagements, and consultancy roles, while also improving one's own skills.

Adrian, the voice behind JavaScript Mastery, gained recognition as one of the 73 GitHub Stars worldwide, amassed over 1.3 million followers across various platforms, and collaborated with major development companies. All these achievements were possible because he started sharing his journey online.

Developers can create various types of content such as technical articles, tutorial videos, open-source projects, blog posts about coding experiences, and vlogs sharing what they've learned. The key is to share valuable and engaging information that showcases their skills and knowledge.

Creating content helps developers improve their coding knowledge, social skills, presentation skills, and interpersonal communication. Teaching others requires a deep understanding of the subject, which reinforces the developer's own knowledge and skills.

Technical content creation helps in building a community by connecting and collaborating with other developers. It fosters a sense of belonging and provides opportunities for feedback, support, and networking, which can lead to future career opportunities.

Personal branding through technical content creation helps developers establish a strong online presence and showcase their expertise. It differentiates them from others, making them more recognizable and trusted in their field. This can lead to increased career opportunities and influence.

Common challenges include stepping out of one's comfort zone, facing judgment from others, and maintaining consistency and quality in content creation. However, overcoming these challenges can lead to significant personal and professional growth.

To create engaging content, developers should use storytelling, personal anecdotes, and examples to make their points relatable. They should also incorporate visuals, keep the language clear and concise, and provide actionable insights or practical tips to add value to their audience.

1. Know your audience and create content that addresses their needs. 2. Craft catchy and relevant headlines. 3. Use storytelling and examples to make your content engaging. 4. Provide value by offering actionable insights and practical tips. 5. Keep your content simple and readable with clear language and visuals. 6. Share your content across social platforms and engage with your audience.

Adrian Hajdin
Adrian Hajdin
18 min
15 Jun, 2024

Comments

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  • Oussama Bouchikhi
    Oussama Bouchikhi
    Keepbook
    I was thinking about it a long time ago but I'm still procrastinating and waiting for the right moment when I get the best camera, the best microphone... and keep delaying it :/
Video Summary and Transcription
Today's Talk highlights the importance of technical content creation for developers and the benefits it brings. It emphasizes the value of becoming a thought leader and the opportunities it opens up in one's career. The Talk also provides practical tips for getting started with content creation, such as tailoring content to the audience, using storytelling techniques, and providing value to the readers. It further emphasizes the need for quality and consistency in content creation and the importance of sharing personal insights and experiences. Overall, the Talk encourages developers to step out of their comfort zone, share their knowledge, and grow both professionally and personally through content creation.

1. Introduction to Technical Content Creation

Short description:

Today I'll be talking about technical content creation for developers. Becoming a technical content creator was the best decision I've ever made. Content creation is not only about showing off your skills, but also about sharing your knowledge and becoming an expert in your field. Putting yourself out there is not simple, but your future self will thank you for it. Creating online content isn't solely for entertainment purposes, you're also sharing your ideas, skills, and experiences. When developers create content, people start paying attention and hiring managers get excited. It's like having a giant neon sign above your head that says, hire me, I'm something else.

Hi there, it's Adrian here and I hope you're doing great. Today I'll be talking about technical content creation for developers. And how you might be wondering, content creation? Nah, I'm not an influencer, but I'll need you to trust me here. Becoming a technical content creator was the best decision I've ever made, especially for my career. And by the end of this talk, I'll try to get you to understand that content creation is not only about showing off your skills, but also about sharing your knowledge, becoming an expert in your field, and maybe even landing a dream job, all while having a great time doing it.

And putting yourself out there is not simple. People who do, are often judged for deviating from the norm. But one thing I can tell you for sure, if you do manage to step out of your comfort zone, your future self will thank you for all the experiences, skills, and opportunities that you now possess. And let me give you some background so you know where the tips in this talk are coming from. I'm the voice behind JavaScript Mastery, where I share my journey and teach aspiring developers to code through practical and project-based approach. I am one of 73 developers out of more than 100 million developers worldwide that has been awarded a GitHub Star, a recognition directly by GitHub for recognizing our open source work and teaching other developers. We currently have more than 1.3 million followers across all platforms, YouTube being the biggest one, followed by Instagram, our newsletter, LinkedIn, and X. We work with some of the largest dev companies out there, like Docker, Cloudinary, Apprite, Streams, Sanity, Payload, and more. And all of that was made possible because I started sharing my journey online.

And throughout my talk, I'll share things I wish I'd known when I was getting started. So let's dive right into it. Content creation is all about sharing engaging and helpful information. But why is this so important? Well, think about it. We're looking at our screens 24-7, whether we're developing apps on our Macs, checking out our social media on iPhones or iPads, or just watching Netflix on TV. We are searching for something to pique our interest. So why not be on the other side? Why not create instead of consume? See, creating online content isn't solely for entertainment purposes. You're also sharing your ideas, skills, and experiences. It's like having your own little corner of the internet to show what you're passionate about. And when we, developers, create content, we typically do it in form of writing technical articles, making tutorial videos, or sharing open source projects. We shout, hey, look at me. I'm great at this coding stuff. And you know what happens? People start paying attention. Suddenly, other developers say, wow, this person really knows their stuff. And hiring managers, oh boy, they get excited, thinking, hey, we want this coding expert on our team, just because they saw your posts online. It's like having a giant neon sign above your head that says, hire me, I'm something else.

2. Becoming a Leader in the Field

Short description:

Technical content creation helps us become leaders in our field. People will start looking up to you and calling you a rockstar. Be truly knowledgeable and passionate about the things you share. Personal branding, showcasing expertise, and connecting with like-minded developers are some of the benefits.

But it's not just about getting a job. Technical content creation also helps us become leaders in our field. People will start looking up to you when you constantly share your knowledge and ideas. They will come to you for advice. They will want to learn from you. And before you know it, people will start calling you a rockstar, unicorn, ninja, or whatever other crazy term there is, for exceptional developers nowadays.

Now, here's a mandatory disclaimer. You can't just pretend to be an expert if you're not one. There are already enough self-proclaimed gurus online. Be truly knowledgeable and passionate about the things you share. And if you're not an expert yet, later in the talk, I'll tell you how to start immediately and use that to your advantage to build your skills further. That's how I started. And remember, it was the best decision I've made in my career.

Besides a job, a salary, and a status that comes with it, putting yourself out there has even more benefits, like personal branding through establishing a strong online presence and showcasing your expertise. Think of your favorite online personality. They have a unique voice, right? That's their work and content doing the heavy lifting. Believe it or not, there are personalities even in the engineering space. From Elon Musk of Tesla and Tim Berners-Lee of the Internet, I guess, to Linus, the creator of Linux, they all have their unique voices. Your content can help you stand out, show off your skills, and connect with like-minded developers.

3. Benefits of Content Creation

Short description:

Position yourself as a thought leader by sharing forward-thinking ideas and deep dives into specific technologies. Building your own community through content creation. Sharing content online provides countless career opportunities. Starting a technical content journey improves skill development. Creating content pushes you to step out of your comfort zone and grow as a developer and a person.

Another benefit of content creation is thought leadership. By positioning yourself as an authority in a specific field or technology, we can position ourselves as thought leaders by sharing forward-thinking ideas or deep dives into specific technologies. It's about being the person others turn to for insights on the latest tech trends or complex problem solving. You might even become an in-demand consultant in your field while doing this.

Let's also talk about community building for a sec, through connecting and collaborating with other devs and sharing knowledge. You know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you hang out with your friends? Well, creating content is like building your own little community. When you share your projects, ask for feedback, or chat with other developers, you build connections with people who share your interests. Some of these connections might even help you in the future, whether connecting you to a hiring manager or joining you to build a SaaS startup. The possibilities are endless.

But by default, sharing content online will provide countless career opportunities, opening doors to speaking engagements, freelance and full-time jobs, and even consultant gigs. Companies love hiring developers when they actually show what they can do instead of just talking about what they can do. When you share your work, you're sort of forcing yourself to create really good stuff that's worth showing to everyone. And being active in the community and building a strong personal brand can make a huge difference. I often hire developers that showcase their projects because it shows me they are actually doing stuff.

But maybe the biggest benefit of starting your technical content journey is skill development. Improving your coding knowledge, social skills, presentation skills, interpersonal communication, and more. Because by putting your code into words, whether it's writing a tutorial, explaining a concept in an article, or even just talking about your project on Twitter, you're not only teaching others, but you're also teaching yourself. Because to teach others, you need a deep understanding of the subject. And this is exactly how I began my journey too. While I was still learning, I realized that teaching others was the best way to solidify my understanding.

On another note, many of us tend to be introverted, which means we're more comfortable working on our own rather than interacting with others. But when you start creating content like articles or sharing your projects online, it pushes you to step out of that comfort zone. And that's a good thing, because it helps you grow not just as a developer, but as a person too. Think about it. When you're putting yourself out there, you're practicing important skills, like communication and sharing knowledge in a way that others can understand.

4. Getting Started with Technical Content Creation

Short description:

Stepping out of your comfort zone and sharing what you know helps you grow as a developer and as a person. Know your audience and tailor your content to match their interests. Craft catchy headlines to attract clicks. Make your content engaging by using storytelling and examples. Provide value and end each article with a takeaway or call to action.

On another note, many of us tend to be introverted, which means we're more comfortable working on our own rather than interacting with others. But when you start creating content like articles or sharing your projects online, it pushes you to step out of that comfort zone. And that's a good thing, because it helps you grow not just as a developer, but as a person too.

Think about it. When you're putting yourself out there, you're practicing important skills, like communication and sharing knowledge in a way that others can understand. Over time, you become better at explaining things, talking to people and even leading discussions in your field. So by stepping out of your shell and sharing what you know, you're not just becoming a better developer and someday a better leading developer, but you're also becoming a more confident and skilled individual.

So everything I've talked so far explains why I think it's important to start creating technical content online. But now, let's switch over to how. How can you get started doing this? And how can you get all the great benefits that I mentioned?

First of all, know your audience. Understand their needs, interests, and pain points. Tailor your tone, language, and topics to match their interests. But what if you don't have an audience yet? Well, create content for your previous self. Ask yourself, what content would you like to have had access to a week, month, or a year ago? And create it. That'll help you choose the right topics. Selecting relevant topics will keep your content valuable and interesting to your audience, establishing you as a trusted authority in your niche.

Now even if your content is the best out there, it's not worth anything if no one clicks on it. So craft catchy headlines. I'm not talking about clickbaits, but having a compelling headline is critical because it determines whether someone clicks on your content or not. Typical stuff like lists of top X numbers, use of strong action verbs, numbers, and intriguing phrases that provoke curiosity or promise benefits always works.

So now that you have the topic and the people have clicked on it, make it engaging. Use storytelling, anecdotes, and examples to captivate your audience. I'm not talking about children's stories. Rather, incorporating personal stories, case studies, or even hypothetical scenarios that illustrate your points. This makes the content more relatable and memorable. But above all, provide value by offering actionable insights, practical tips, or thought-provoking ideas. Each piece of content should offer something valuable, be it knowledge, a solution, open source codebase, or entertainment.

Think about what will make your content stand out. Make sure that every article ends with a takeaway or call to action, giving readers a sense of how to apply the information. Because providing value helps build trust and authority and encourages repeat visits and increases the chances of your content being recommended to others.

5. Enhancing Content and Sharing on Social Platforms

Short description:

Always ask what the reader will gain. Keep it simple and readable, use visuals to enhance content, and share it on social platforms to engage with the audience.

So always ask, what will the reader gain from this? And once you've got them there, keep it simple and readable by using clear and concise language and break the content into digestible chunks. No one likes to read a block of text like this, so break it into manageable subheadings, bullet points, numbered lists, bold keywords, highlight any important information, and improve the scannability of your content. Remember, content that's easy to read and understand retains readers longer and makes the information more accessible.

Adding directly to that, also incorporate visuals. That will help you enhance the content with images, graphics, or even videos. Because visuals are not just decorations, but essential elements of storytelling. They can explain complex information quickly and appealingly. It can increase retention of information, make complex data understandable, and make content more shareable. You can use tools like Canva, Dally, or Midjourney.

And finally, share your content across your social platforms. Engage with your audience and encourage interaction. You can also incorporate some SEO best practices to improve organic reach. Doesn't hurt. And tailor the message for each platform. So on Twitter, it's typically a bit shorter. On LinkedIn, a bit more longer. Instagram typically has images, YouTube, videos. You know that stuff. But just by sharing your content across your socials and engaging with people that comment on it should give you some initial traction to your technical content creation journey.

6. Becoming a Professional Content Creator

Short description:

Quality and consistency are key. Share something you've learned every day. Use templates with a personal touch. Write articles, blogs, or make small vlogs. Share your experiences and insights. Start somewhere and keep going. Be real, honest, and professional. Stay accountable, curious, and avoid sounding like ChadJPT.

So we've talked about some tips to help you become a more professional content creator. When you're just starting out, don't put too much pressure on yourself to be flawless. Just get your content out there. Quality and consistency are the key. So make sure that your content is good, but also make sure that it is consistent.

And there are various ways not to be too harsh on yourself. And one of them is to simply write about something you've learned every day and share it as a Twitter thread or a LinkedIn post. It's totally okay to post even if it's something as basic as maybe centering a div in CSS. Because remember, somebody has yet to center their first div. The key is to learn and to get better at doing so.

Here on the screen, I've prepared a couple of general templates that you can use with a personal touch. Like sharing a quick tip or maybe even sharing your thoughts on a coding book or a video that you've read or seen. You can do something similar on LinkedIn too. Sharing a cool project you've done, technologies that it uses, features it has, maybe even with a quick video demo. And I would recommend also including some obstacles you've encountered while building it and how did you overcome them. Those are a few very easy and actionable ways to get started.

Another way is to start by writing articles or blogs. Whenever you learn something new or come across an interesting concept, pen it down and turn it into words to share with others. It doesn't have to be a traditional or lengthy article. Just pour your thoughts onto the page and share it with the world. And if you have a good microphone, like even a very cheap one, or maybe using your phone as a mic will be enough, consider making small vlogs where you share what you've learned. You can share them on LinkedIn or maybe even start sharing something on YouTube.

One thing I want to say is that you can share content no matter whether you're starting a company or even better, if you are an already experienced developer working in a company, because then you have even more actionable insights that you've experienced on your day to day in your job. And of course, if you're not tied by the NDA, you can maybe share about your experiences. Trust me, many would like to learn from you. As I said, there's many things you can share and there are many ways to share it. But the key is to start somewhere and keep going. Remember, don't get too caught up in likes and comments in the beginning. Focus on the process of learning and improving. Always be real and honest in what you write or record, put your feelings into words, and tell great stories while still being professional. Also, try to avoid sounding like ChadJPT. Nobody likes to read that. Stay accountable, stay curious, and keep doing your thing. Trust me, it'll pay off. And if you actually do take my advice and start sharing your journey, tag me on socials and I'll follow along. If you have any questions, you can reach me on LinkedIn, Twitter, email, or literally everywhere else. Thank you for sticking until the end of this talk, and have a wonderful day.

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And if I'm not feeling excited about working for some reason, I will often hop on my Onewheel, which is an electric skateboard that only has one giant wheel in the middle. It's just a total blast, and I'll hop on that with my backpack and a charger, and I'll go to a Starbucks or a park just to declutter my mind.
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But the biggest thing I'm excited about is Remix. That's huge. It eliminates a lot of problems that are solved well other tools, but when I'm using Remix, I don't have those problems, so I don't need those clusters.
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I really just enjoy sharing what I'm learning with others. As far as teaching technical topics, I gave my first workshop when I was still a student at Brigham Young University. With my fellow, we taught how to use AngularJS, and I got Firebase to sponsor pizza so they would show up, and that was pretty fun.
Then I started teaching on the side at egghead.io right after I'd graduated. That was when I first got a paycheck for teaching. And I realized that teaching could be quite lucrative and support my family and me as a full-time endeavor. So I did it — I quit my job. I'm a very risk-averse person, so I'd done teaching as a side hustle for four years just to verify that I could make this work.
When TestingJavaScript was released, and I got that paycheck, I realized that I didn't need my PayPal salary anymore. I could just focus my daytime on teaching and give my evenings back to my family, which was a nice trait.
Apart from that, how has teaching impacted your career? Earlier I mentioned that pretty much all of my jobs came because I was perceived as an expert. After the first job, where I was an intern and then converted into full-time, I never applied to another. I worked for four different companies, and they wouldn't have recruited me if they didn't know who I was and what I was doing. My content is how they knew who I was — I just made it easy for them to find me. Teaching made that impact. It made my career. 
We talked about React and Remix. Are there any other open-source projects that you'd recommend keeping an eye on or contributing to?I have some myself. React Testing Library is probably the biggest one that people are familiar with. And if React isn't your jam, then other framework versions of the testing library. 
React Query is also really popular. If you're using Remix, you don't need it, but if you're not, I strongly advise using React Query cause it's a stellar, fantastic library, and Tanner Linsley, the creator, is a stellar and fantastic person. 
What pieces of your work are you most proud of? Probably the biggest thing I've ever done is EpicReact.Dev. It has helped tens of thousands of people get really good at React, improve their careers and make the world a better place with the skills that they develop. My whole mission is to make the world a better place through quality software, and I feel like I've done that best with Epic React. 
There are things that I've built at other companies that are still in use, and I'm proud of those cause they've stood the test of time, at least these last few years. But of everything, I think Epic React has made the biggest impact.
Effective Communication for Engineers
TechLead Conference 2023TechLead Conference 2023
36 min
Effective Communication for Engineers
Top ContentPremium
Today's Talk covers the four building blocks of communication: people, message, context, and effective listening. It emphasizes the importance of considering the perspective of others and tailoring messages to the recipient. The Talk discusses different types and channels of communication, and the need to align them with the intended message. It also highlights the significance of soft skills in communication and provides techniques for effective communication and assessing soft skills in tech interviews. Cross-cultural communication and the impact of bluntness are explored as well.
A Career As Software Engineer
React Advanced 2022React Advanced 2022
24 min
A Career As Software Engineer
Code will be imperfect and perishable, so testing and debugging are crucial. Building relationships and being generous with code reviews are important for teams. Code ownership should belong to the team, not individuals. Prioritizing functionality over consistency can lead to more efficient development. Growing into a tech lead role requires building relationships and coaching skills.

Workshops on related topic

From Engineer to Leader: A Workshop for First-Time Tech Leaders
TechLead Conference 2024TechLead Conference 2024
144 min
From Engineer to Leader: A Workshop for First-Time Tech Leaders
Workshop
Andrew Murphy
Andrew Murphy
Transitioning from an individual contributor role to a leadership position, especially in the fast-paced tech industry, is hugely challenging. Most new leaders don't receive any training at all in the first 10 years of their new responsibilities.Our comprehensive workshop is designed to assist new and emerging tech leaders in understanding their new roles and gaining the skills to make them confident, happy and effective leaders.
Managers Are From Mars, Devs Are From Venus
TechLead Conference 2024TechLead Conference 2024
111 min
Managers Are From Mars, Devs Are From Venus
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Mo Khazali
Mo Khazali
A Developer’s Guide to Communicating, Convincing, and Collaborating Effectively With Stakeholders
It’s a tale as old as time - collaboration between developers and business stakeholders has long been a challenge, with a lack of clear communication often leaving both sides frustrated. The best developers can deeply understand their business counterparts’ needs, effectively communicate technical strategy without losing the non-technical crowd, and convince the business to make the right decisions. Working at a consultancy, I’ve both failed and succeeded in architecting and “selling” technical visions, learning many lessons along the way.Whether you work at a product company, are a consultant/freelancer, or want to venture beyond just being a developer, the ability to convince and clearly communicate with stakeholders can set you apart in the tech industry. This becomes even more important with the rise of GenAI and the increasingly competitive developer market, as problem-solving and effective communication are key to positioning yourself.In this workshop, I’ll share real-world examples, both good and bad, and guide you through putting the theory into practice through dojos.
Designing A Sustainable Freelance Career
React Advanced 2021React Advanced 2021
145 min
Designing A Sustainable Freelance Career
Workshop
Alexander Weekes
Rodrigo Donini
2 authors
Would you like to pursue your passions and have more control over your career? Would you like schedule and location flexibility and project variety? Would you like the stability of working full-time and getting paid consistently? Thousands of companies have embraced remote work and realize that they have access to a global talent pool. This is advantageous for anyone who has considered or is currently considering freelance work.>> Submit your interest on becoming a freelance engineer with Toptal and get a call with Talent Acquisition specialist <<

Freelancing is no longer an unstable career choice.

This workshop will help you design a sustainable and profitable full-time (or part-time) freelancing career. We will give you tools, tips, best practices, and help you avoid common pitfalls.
Table of contents

Module 1: Dispelling common myths about freelancing
Module 2: What does freelancing look like in 2021 and beyond
Module 3: Freelancing choices and what to look for (and what to avoid)
Module 4: Benefits of freelancing from a freelancer + case study
BREAK
Module 6: How to get started freelancing (experience, resume, preparation)
Module 7: Common paths to full-time freelancing
Module 8: Essentials: setting your rate and getting work
Module 9: Next steps: networking with peers, upskilling, changing the world
Module 10: Freelancer AMA
How To Design A Sustainable Freelance/Contracting Career + Speedcoding Challenge
React Summit 2022React Summit 2022
75 min
How To Design A Sustainable Freelance/Contracting Career + Speedcoding Challenge
Workshop
Shane Ketterman
Shane Ketterman
Ready to kickstart your freelance career or just getting started on your freelance journey? You’re in the right spot. Learn from the world’s largest fully distributed workforce in the world.
The independent talent movement is the future of work. If you’re considering leaving full-time employment for a career as a freelancer, now is the time to find your successful space in the independent talent workforce. More people are working freelance today than ever before, with the freelance marketplace now contributing $1.2 trillion to the US economy. Some of the most in-demand roles for freelancers right now are senior developers with professional experience in React, Python, Blockchain, QA, and Node.js.
This workshop will help you design a sustainable and profitable full-time (or part-time) freelancing/contracting career. We will give you tools, tips, best practices, and help you avoid common pitfalls.
At the end of the workshop there will be a Q&A session with a Freelance Developer who can answer your questions and provide insights and tips into their own success.
During the Workshop break, we will be running a speed-coding challenge! At the end of the workshop, we will award a prize for the winner and display the leaderboard.
We will have you login to our portal and complete the challenge as fast as you can to earn points. Points are assigned based on difficulty and the speed at which you solve the tasks. In case you complete all tasks, you get extra points for the remaining time. You’ll see your score, ranking, and the leaderboard once you complete the challenge.
We will be giving away three Amazon Gift Cards ($200, $100, $75) for the top three winners.
Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire: A Manager's Guide to Helping New Developers Thrive
TechLead Conference 2024TechLead Conference 2024
35 min
Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire: A Manager's Guide to Helping New Developers Thrive
Workshop
Andrew Coleburn
Andrew Coleburn
Onboarding to a new project can be difficult, no matter your background and experience. But it can be especially challenging for new developers straight out of school or a coding bootcamp. Drawing on personal experience as a bootcamp grad and JavaScript consultant, this talk will discuss tips and strategies for managers to help the new developers on their teams get their bearings in an unfamiliar codebase, so they can make more of an impact, faster!
Landing Your Next Developer Job
React Summit Remote Edition 2021React Summit Remote Edition 2021
121 min
Landing Your Next Developer Job
Workshop
Sadek Drobi
Nouha Chhih
Francois Bohyn
3 authors
Renaud Bressant (Head of Product), Nathanael Lamellière (Head of Customer Success and Solution Engineer), Nouha Chhih (Developer Experience Manager) will be looking at the different developer jobs that you can accounter when looking for your next developer role. We'll be explaining the specifics of each role, to help you identify which one could be your next move. We'll also be sharing tips to help you navigate the recruitment process, based on the different roles we interviewed for as recruiters, but also as candidates. This will be more of an Ask Us Anything session, so don't hesitate to share your thoughts and questions during the session.