Transparency Equals Trust
Let's cut to the chase. Job seekers want to know what they're getting into, and can you blame them? Being upfront about salary shows that you respect their time and value fairness. 

It sets a positive tone for the employer-employee relationship from the very beginning, fostering a culture of openness and trust—a critical foundation for employee engagement and retention.
Attracting Top Talent
In today's job market, top talent holds the cards. By keeping the salary range under wraps, you're basically saying, "Trust us, it'll be worth it." But in a sea of job postings, why should they take the risk when other companies are shouting their salaries from the rooftops? 

Being transparent about pay can reel in top-notch candidates who know their worth and won't settle for less. I can tell you from experience that most of them don't even consider applying for the ad without the salary range. So, if you want to increase the quality and diversity of the applicant pool, be upfront. 
Building Your Rep
Picture this: You're a job seeker scrolling through listings. You stumble upon a company that's all hush-hush about pay. What's your gut reaction? Yeah, probably not great. Transparency isn't just about attracting talent—it's also about your company's reputation. Word travels fast, and you don't want to be known as the company that plays coy with salaries.
But It Will Cost Us More
If you hire someone cheaply, thanks to a lack of transparency and by throwing a lowball, will this saving pay off in the long term? People talk. Sooner or later (and I bet it will be sooner), your new hire will learn how much his better-negotiating colleagues make and will feel cheated and unmotivated, looking to change the ship on the next occasion. 

It is just an extremely bad foundation on which to build a relationship, with much more to lose than the initial savings. 
The Change Is Coming Either Way
In some jurisdictions, such as certain states in the United States, legislation mandates the disclosure of salary ranges in job advertisements.

It does not apply yet to Australia, but does your company really need to be forced by law to do the ethical thing that even politicians have started figuring out?
Bottom Line: Let's Keep It Real
So can your company afford not to disclose salary ranges? It might seem like a small detail, but it speaks volumes about your company culture and how you value your employees. We suggest ditching the secrecy and starting to be upfront. Trust us, it'll pay off in the long run.

And so, it happens you read this blog post on the JobTab website – a job board that only accepts ads with salary ranges. So, join the club of the transparent companies and post your first ad with us!


Hey there, hiring managers! Let's talk about the elephant in the room: salary disclosure in job ads. You know that thing that often gets swept under the rug until the very last minute, leaving everyone involved feeling a little uneasy? Yeah, that.

Should Your Company Really Keep Salary a Secret in Job Ads? Let's Get Real.

## Transparency Equals Trust
Let's cut to the chase. Job seekers want to know what they're getting into, and can you blame them? Being upfront about salary shows that you respect their time and value fairness.

It sets a positive tone for the employer-employee relationship from the very beginning, fostering a culture of openness and trust—a critical foundation for employee engagement and retention.

## Attracting Top Talent
In today's job market, top talent holds the cards. By keeping the salary range under wraps, you're basically saying, "Trust us, it'll be worth it." But in a sea of job postings, why should they take the risk when other companies are shouting their salaries from the rooftops?

Being transparent about pay can reel in top-notch candidates who know their worth and won't settle for less. I can tell you from experience that most of them don't even consider applying for the ad without the salary range. So, if you want to increase the quality and diversity of the applicant pool, be upfront.

## Building Your Rep
Picture this: You're a job seeker scrolling through listings. You stumble upon a company that's all hush-hush about pay. What's your gut reaction? Yeah, probably not great. Transparency isn't just about attracting talent—it's also about your company's reputation. Word travels fast, and you don't want to be known as the company that plays coy with salaries.

## But It Will Cost Us More
If you hire someone cheaply, thanks to a lack of transparency and by throwing a lowball, will this saving pay off in the long term? People talk. Sooner or later (and I bet it will be sooner), your new hire will learn how much his better-negotiating colleagues make and will feel cheated and unmotivated, looking to change the ship on the next occasion.

It is just an extremely bad foundation on which to build a relationship, with much more to lose than the initial savings.

## The Change Is Coming Either Way
In some jurisdictions, such as certain states in the United States, legislation mandates the disclosure of salary ranges in job advertisements.

It does not apply yet to Australia, but does your company really need to be forced by law to do the ethical thing that even politicians have started figuring out?

## Bottom Line: Let's Keep It Real
So can your company afford not to disclose salary ranges? It might seem like a small detail, but it speaks volumes about your company culture and how you value your employees. We suggest ditching the secrecy and starting to be upfront. Trust us, it'll pay off in the long run.

And so, it happens you read this blog post on the JobTab website – a job board that only accepts ads with salary ranges. So, join the club of the transparent companies and post your first ad with us!

Confronting the Realities
So, can it be done? Can you switch your career in your 30s, 40s etc. to tech? The short answer is yes. But the same answer applies if you ask if you could become an architect, doctor, or musician. There are people who did it. It is possible. But you need to be aware of how much of a head start people have who decided to pursue this career in their teens, in high school or uni. This applies especially to the Software Developer role, which is the first one many newcomers think about when wanting to transition.

I know we are starting on a grim note but stay with me. There is a light in a tunnel.

Software Developers
Many software developers started coding early in their lives. This gave them plenty of time to learn by making mistakes, doing non-commercial projects, experiencing many technologies and having the freedom to dive deep into how things work. It all often started with a passion for technology, which they wanted to immerse themselves in, and the urge to create things.

Problem-solving and critical thinking are prized commodities for software developers, but if you decide to become one without any background or relevant degree, you will be starting more or less from zero, and you will have to be prepared to spend countless hours in front of the screen, to close the gap. It can definitely be done, but you will have to be realistic about how much work is ahead of you. 

But There Are Other Tech Roles
And those roles arguably have much more potential for leveraging your existing skills and experience. Even for people with relevant backgrounds, breaking into the tech industry often requires perseverance and resilience. Competition can be fierce, but leveraging your transferable skills from your current career can get you a big head start.

Experience with Project Management? How about doing Product Management? Strong communication skills? The Scrum Master role can utilise them well. Have a way with words? That's a scarce commodity, and Technical Writers need it. Good eye for design and empathy for users? They make good UI/UX Designers.

Those and many others, like IT Support, Business Analysts, do not require you to start learning to code but will leverage your existing experiences and skills.

Conclusion
Regardless of the role that you choose, in the fast-paced world of technology, continuous learning isn't just encouraged – it's essential. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer, staying up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and technologies is crucial for remaining competitive and relevant. So, there will be a lot of learnings, but by picking the right role, you might not be starting from zero but coming on board with a unique skill set. 

And so, it happens you read this blog post on the JobTab website – a job board for the tech industry in Australia. We publish Australian job offers from all across the ITverse. So please check out our job board, and we hope you will find your first job in tech there!


Considering a leap into the tech industry? Get ready for a reality check. The allure of lucrative salaries, job security, and opportunities for innovation often entice individuals from various backgrounds to consider making the switch. But before diving headfirst into this dynamic field, let's have an open conversation about what it truly entails to switch your career to the dynamic world of technology.

Switch your career to tech: An honest take.

## Confronting the Realities
So, can it be done? Can you switch your career in your 30s, 40s etc. to tech? The short answer is yes. But the same answer applies if you ask if you could become an architect, doctor, or musician. There are people who did it. It is possible. But you need to be aware of how much of a head start people have who decided to pursue this career in their teens, in high school or uni. This applies especially to the Software Developer role, which is the first one many newcomers think about when wanting to transition.

I know we are starting on a grim note but stay with me. There is a light in a tunnel.

## Software Developers
Many software developers started coding early in their lives. This gave them plenty of time to learn by making mistakes, doing non-commercial projects, experiencing many technologies and having the freedom to dive deep into how things work. It all often started with a passion for technology, which they wanted to immerse themselves in, and the urge to create things.

Problem-solving and critical thinking are prized commodities for software developers, but if you decide to become one without any background or relevant degree, you will be starting more or less from zero, and you will have to be prepared to spend countless hours in front of the screen, to close the gap. It can definitely be done, but you will have to be realistic about how much work is ahead of you.

## But There Are Other Tech Roles
And those roles arguably have much more potential for leveraging your existing skills and experience. Even for people with relevant backgrounds, breaking into the tech industry often requires perseverance and resilience. Competition can be fierce, but leveraging your transferable skills from your current career can get you a big head start.

Experience with Project Management? How about doing Product Management? Strong communication skills? The Scrum Master role can utilise them well. Have a way with words? That's a scarce commodity, and Technical Writers need it. Good eye for design and empathy for users? They make good UI/UX Designers.

Those and many others, like IT Support, Business Analysts, do not require you to start learning to code but will leverage your existing experiences and skills.

## Conclusion
Regardless of the role that you choose, in the fast-paced world of technology, continuous learning isn't just encouraged – it's essential. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer, staying up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and technologies is crucial for remaining competitive and relevant. So, there will be a lot of learnings, but by picking the right role, you might not be starting from zero but coming on board with a unique skill set.

And so, it happens you read this blog post on the JobTab website – a job board for the tech industry in Australia. We publish Australian job offers from all across the ITverse. So please check out our job board, and we hope you will find your first job in tech there!

The Case for Pet Projects
Demonstrating Skills: Pet projects offer a tangible demonstration of your technical abilities. They provide a platform to showcase your coding prowess, problem-solving skills, and creativity in a real-world context.

Passion and Initiative: Employers often look for candidates who are genuinely passionate about software development. Having a pet project underscores your enthusiasm for the field and demonstrates your willingness to go the extra mile.

Learning Opportunities: Engaging in a pet project allows you to explore new technologies, 
tools, and methodologies outside the constraints of a typical work environment. This hands-on experience can significantly enhance your skills and knowledge base.

Portfolio Building: Just like artists compile portfolios to showcase their work, software engineers can use pet projects to build a portfolio of their accomplishments. This portfolio can be invaluable when applying for jobs or freelance gigs.

The Counterargument
Not a One-Size-Fits-All Requirement: While pet projects can certainly bolster your candidacy, they are not an absolute necessity. Some hiring managers prioritize professional experience, educational background, and problem-solving abilities over personal projects.

Time and Resources: Not everyone has the luxury of spare time and resources to devote to a pet project. Balancing work, family commitments, and personal interests can be challenging, making it unrealistic for everyone to engage in extracurricular coding activities.

Alternative Demonstrations of Skill: There are other ways to demonstrate your skills and passion for software engineering besides pet projects. Contributing to open-source projects, participating in coding competitions and even giving back to the community by blogging or any other forms of sharing knowledge. 

Finding a Balance
Ultimately, whether you need a pet project to get hired as a software engineer depends on various factors, including the company culture, the specific role you're applying for, and your individual circumstances.

If you have the time and inclination to work on a pet project, by all means, go for it. It can be a rewarding endeavour that not only enhances your job prospects but also fuels your passion for coding. Heck, it can even become your full-time job.

However, if personal projects aren't feasible for you, don't despair. Focus on honing your skills, gaining relevant experience, and finding alternative ways to demonstrate your value to potential employers.

In the end, what matters most is your ability to solve problems, collaborate effectively with others, and continuously learn and grow as a software engineer—whether or not you have a pet project to your name. So, while having one can be beneficial, it's not the be-all and end-all of your career prospects in the tech industry.

Bonus Part – What to Avoid
It's not just about having a pet project; it's about the quality and relevance of the project. A hastily thrown-together application or a clone of an existing project may not impress employers as much as a well-thought-out, original creation. 

And to be 100% clear – projects you do as a part of a guided online course do not count for pet projects. Believe me when I say it: I have seen hundreds of resumes with exactly the same portfolio. They don't really prove anything, as they were done as guided walks in the park. The pet project's main objective is to showcase that you can build something independently, showing your initiative and creativity in a real-world context.

So, you're diving into the world of software engineering, eager to land that dream job at your favourite tech company. But wait—do you really need to have a side project (or "pet project," as some - including me - call it) to stand out in the sea of applicants? Let's break it down.

So, you're diving into the world of software engineering, eager to land that dream job at your favourite tech company. But wait—do you really need to have a side project (or "pet project," as some call it) to stand out in the sea of applicants? Let's break it down.

Do You Need to Have a Pet Project to Get Hired as a Software Engineer?

## The Case for Pet Projects
**Demonstrating Skills:** Pet projects offer a tangible demonstration of your technical abilities. They provide a platform to showcase your coding prowess, problem-solving skills, and creativity in a real-world context.

**Passion and Initiative:** Employers often look for candidates who are genuinely passionate about software development. Having a pet project underscores your enthusiasm for the field and demonstrates your willingness to go the extra mile.

**Learning Opportunities:** Engaging in a pet project allows you to explore new technologies,
tools, and methodologies outside the constraints of a typical work environment. This hands-on experience can significantly enhance your skills and knowledge base.

**Portfolio Building:** Just like artists compile portfolios to showcase their work, software engineers can use pet projects to build a portfolio of their accomplishments. This portfolio can be invaluable when applying for jobs or freelance gigs.

## The Counterargument
**Not a One-Size-Fits-All Requirement:** While pet projects can certainly bolster your candidacy, they are not an absolute necessity. Some hiring managers prioritize professional experience, educational background, and problem-solving abilities over personal projects.

**Time and Resources:** Not everyone has the luxury of spare time and resources to devote to a pet project. Balancing work, family commitments, and personal interests can be challenging, making it unrealistic for everyone to engage in extracurricular coding activities.

**Alternative Demonstrations of Skill:** There are other ways to demonstrate your skills and passion for software engineering besides pet projects. Contributing to open-source projects, participating in coding competitions and even giving back to the community by blogging or any other forms of sharing knowledge.

## Finding a Balance
Ultimately, whether you need a pet project to get hired as a software engineer depends on various factors, including the company culture, the specific role you're applying for, and your individual circumstances.

If you have the time and inclination to work on a pet project, by all means, go for it. It can be a rewarding endeavour that not only enhances your job prospects but also fuels your passion for coding. Heck, it can even become your full-time job.

However, if personal projects aren't feasible for you, don't despair. Focus on honing your skills, gaining relevant experience, and finding alternative ways to demonstrate your value to potential employers.

In the end, what matters most is your ability to solve problems, collaborate effectively with others, and continuously learn and grow as a software engineer—whether or not you have a pet project to your name. So, while having one can be beneficial, it's not the be-all and end-all of your career prospects in the tech industry.

## Bonus Part – What to Avoid
It's not just about having a pet project; it's about the quality and relevance of the project. A hastily thrown-together application or a clone of an existing project may not impress employers as much as a well-thought-out, original creation.

And to be 100% clear – projects you do as a part of a guided online course do not count for pet projects. Believe me when I say it: I have seen hundreds of resumes with exactly the same portfolio. They don't really prove anything, as they were done as guided walks in the park. The pet project's main objective is to showcase that you can build something independently, showing your initiative and creativity in a real-world context.

Welcome to Transparent Blog

Read our honest takes on work culture and hiring trends in tech.

Should Your Company Really Keep Salary a Secret in Job Ads? Let's Get Real.

Switch your career to tech: An honest take.

Do You Need to Have a Pet Project to Get Hired as a Software Engineer?