Can AI replace UI designers?

By huyen

14 Aug 2023

AI is everywhere these days. According to Forbes, jobs that need AI or machine learning skills will increase by 71% in the next five years. It’s used in all kinds of businesses, from health care to entertainment. In fact, AI has been growing by 270% in the last four years, even before ChatGPT became a thing. While current AI use is far from the dreaded images of robots taking the world, many are left wondering how secure their careers are and what AI use means for us as a working society.

Tech employees are not safe from this worry, either. And even creative positions like user interface designers are worried AI UI design will be more profitable to companies than hiring actual employees.

So, what does AI mean for the UI design field, and how will it affect the people who want to work in it? In this article, we’ll go through the top concerns about AI for UI design. Let’s get started!

1. The impact of AI on UI design

AI for UI design might seem like a new thing, but it has been around for a while. One of the first examples was Einstein Designer from Salesforce in 2020, which used neural networks to quickly create different versions of a design.

Despite AI’s developing capabilities in this industry, it is critical to understand that AI will not replace UI designers. Instead, it will complement their skills and enhance the design process. Ultimately, a human would filter through the variations and select the best design, significantly reducing the time required to generate and assess the same number of iterations on their own.

Since then, numerous different AI-driven design tools, such as Genius, Magician, and Galileo, have become commercially available.

Most AI tools currently in use require a person to guide the AI by inputting parameters on what they want to view and then sorting through the output. The outcomes are faster, more diverse, and frequently exceed what the human mind can produce at such speeds.

AI for UI design can do more than just create frameworks or designs for a web-based product. It can also assist UI designers in sorting through a large amount of initial data or research that they can use to inform their design process.

UI designers may also need to consider how AI is integrated into the product they are designing and therefore understand the current and best practices for designing AI products for users.

2. Can AI replace UI designers?

This question doesn’t warrant a strict “yes” or “no” answer, as the emergence and practice of AI UI design is quite complex. While AI has the potential to transform the user interface field as we know it, many say that it will never be able to replace the human eye.

To answer this question, consider how advanced artificial intelligence is today and what experts predict will occur in the future. These are three main categories of AI:

Artificial Narrow Intelligence: AI that has a narrow or weak range of capabilities. It can only complete the single task it was programmed to do. It simulates human behavior but can not match it. This is the only level of AI we have been able to successfully achieve today.

Artificial General Intelligence: This level of AI is proposed to be on par with human intelligence. It can learn and use its knowledge to solve problems. For this level of AI to be possible, we would need to be able to program consciousness and full cognitive ability.

Artificial Super Intelligence: The highest proposed level of AI, super intelligence, would mean that AI not only becomes self-aware but also surpasses human capability and function. This form of AI is often what sci-fi and dystopian novels or movies depict when robots have their own needs, emotions, and identities and can outperform any human.

If we do achieve artificial superintelligence, designers and many other professions will almost certainly face stiff competition from AI systems. However, that level of AI is unlikely to be realized in our lifetimes, if at all.

AI UI design is currently not complete or functional enough to completely replace a UI designer. Human designers’ knowledge, such as user research, visual design, user behavior, and company preferences, is still required for creating efficient designs with or without AI UI tools.

While AI can replace a UI designer for certain tasks, it cannot completely replace them because a human is still required to input data into the AI system and select what works and what does not.

Although anyone could enter qualifiers into the AI and choose the best one, a UI designer brings extensive knowledge as well as a competitive edge to the process, making them the best fit for the job.

3. Key takeways

The topic of artificial intelligence invading our workforces has permeated many industries. And the UI design field has not been spared from the possibility of AI systems replacing designers.

Many people are concerned that AI for UI design has made it easier for employers to get quality UI design work done without hiring a designer. However, there are many reasons why actual UI designers are needed and desired, and there is a better chance that AI UI design will improve UI designers’ work habits rather than replace them.

While future generations are open to further integrating technology into our societies, humans still possess unique abilities that AI has yet to achieve. Human UI designers are in high demand due to their empathy, complex decision-making, and ability to set and observe the context.

If you are a UX/UI Designer who loves to work and develop with AI tools, you should check out our job post!

Hybrid Work: A Solution to the Remote Work Conflicts Between Employers and Employees

By huyen

24 Jul 2023

Remote work is a work arrangement that allows employees to work from locations other than the office, such as their homes, co-working spaces, or cafes. Remote work has become a popular trend in the software industry, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many software engineers are looking for remote jobs that offer them more flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance.

However, not all employers are ready or willing to embrace remote work fully. Some may have concerns about communication, collaboration, security, or performance. They may also value the social and cultural aspects of working in an office. This can create conflicts between employers and employees who have different preferences and expectations about remote work.

One possible solution to this problem is hybrid work, a flexible work arrangement that allows for a blend of office work and remote work. Hybrid work can offer many benefits for both employers and employees, such as reduced costs, increased productivity, more opportunities to upskill, access to a wider talent pool, and improved employee satisfaction and retention. However, hybrid work also comes with some challenges that need to be addressed, such as managing communication and collaboration, maintaining trust and accountability, ensuring security and compliance, supporting employee wellbeing, and creating an inclusive culture.

This article will discuss about how hybrid work can be a win-win situation for both employers and employees who want to balance the benefits of remote work with the advantages of in-person work. We will explore the benefits and challenges of hybrid work in more detail and provide some tips and best practices on how to make it work for everyone.

Benefits of Hybrid Work for Employers and Employees

Iwo Szapar, Co-founder at Remote-First Institute emphasizes that “the most important benefit of remote work is the flexibility that it offers to employees, which ultimately leads to a better work-life balance, improved productivity, and increased satisfaction.” Hybrid work can offer many benefits for both employers and employees, such as:

Reduced operating costs: Hybrid workplaces can help lower operating costs for businesses, especially logistics and infrastructure-related expenses. For example, with remote workers, businesses require less physical office space, saving them money on rent and utilities. According to a survey by Global Workplace Analytics, a typical employer can save about $11,000 per year for every employee who works remotely half of the time.

Increased productivity and efficiency: In a hybrid setup, flexible hours and a refreshing change of environments can increase an employee’s focus, especially on their own tasks. A Stanford study found that remote workers are 13% more productive than those working in traditional office environments. They also take fewer breaks and sick days and have less turnover. According to another survey by Owl Labs, 75% of remote workers say they are more productive when working from home.

More opportunities to upskill: Employees working part of their workweek from the office can use the remainder of their time honing their skills at home. This can lead to better job performance, higher self-esteem, and faster growth within the business. According to a report by LinkedIn, 94% of employees say they would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development.

Access to a wider talent pool: A hybrid workplace takes an employer’s talent search from local to international. This can help them find the best talent for their projects, regardless of their location. According to a report by McKinse, 87% of executives say they are experiencing skill gaps in their workforce or expect them within a few years. By offering hybrid work options, they can attract and retain more skilled and diverse workers.

Improved employee satisfaction and retention: Hybrid work can help employees achieve a better work-life balance and reduce stress and burnout. It can also give them more control over their schedules and working conditions, which can increase their happiness and loyalty. According to a survey by FlexJobs, 65% of respondents want to be full-time remote employees post-pandemic, while 31% want a hybrid remote work environment. Only 4% want to return to the office full-time.

Challenges of Hybrid Work and How to Overcome Them

Hybrid work also comes with some challenges that need to be addressed:

Managing communication and collaboration: Hybrid teams need to have clear and frequent communication channels to ensure everyone is on the same page and avoid misunderstandings. They also need to use effective tools and strategies to collaborate on projects and share feedback. Some tips to overcome this challenge are:

Use a variety of communication tools, such as video conferencing, instant messaging, email, phone calls, etc., depending on the purpose and urgency of the communication.
Establish regular check-ins and meetings with your team and manager, and make sure to attend and participate actively.
Use collaborative platforms, such as Google Workspace, to create, edit, and share documents, spreadsheets, presentations, etc., in real-time.
Set clear goals, expectations, and deadlines for each project and task, and track your progress and performance using tools like Trello.
Provide constructive feedback and recognition to your team members and celebrate your achievements together.

Maintaining trust and accountability: Hybrid workers need to have a high level of trust and accountability from both their managers and their peers. They need to set clear goals and expectations, track their progress and performance, and report their results regularly. Some tips to overcome this challenge are:

Be transparent and honest about your availability, workload, challenges, and achievements with your manager and team.
Use tools like Trello to track your time, productivity, and activity levels when working remotely.
Use tools like Google Calendar to share your schedule and availability with your team and manager.
Deliver high-quality work on time and within budget, and ask for help or feedback when needed.
Trust your team members and manager to do their work without micromanaging or interfering.

Ensuring security and compliance: Hybrid workers need to follow the security policies and protocols of their organizations when working remotely. They need to use secure devices and networks, protect sensitive data, and comply with the regulations of their industry. Some tips to overcome this challenge are:

Use a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt your internet connection and access your organization’s network securely.
Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication for your accounts and devices, and change them regularly.
Use antivirus software and firewall to protect your devices from malware and cyberattacks.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi or shared devices when working remotely, and always log out of your accounts when done.
Follow the data protection laws and guidelines of your organization and industry, such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) or HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

Supporting employee wellbeing: Hybrid workers need to have adequate support from their organizations to ensure their physical and mental wellbeing. They need to have access to resources, training, and guidance on how to manage their time, health, and stress levels. Some tips to overcome this challenge are:

Create a comfortable and ergonomic workspace at home that suits your needs and preferences.
Maintain a healthy routine that includes regular breaks, exercise, nutrition, hydration, sleep, etc.
Set boundaries between your work and personal life, such as having a fixed schedule, a dedicated workspace, a do-not-disturb sign, etc.
Seek support from your manager, team, family, friends, or professionals when you feel overwhelmed or isolated.
Take advantage of the wellness programs and benefits offered by your organization, such as counseling services, fitness classes, meditation apps, etc.

Creating an inclusive culture: Hybrid workers need to feel connected and valued by their organizations and their teams. They need to have opportunities to socialize, network, and bond with their colleagues, both online and offline. Some tips to overcome this challenge are:

Participate in virtual social events and activities organized by your organization or team, such as happy hours, trivia nights, game nights, etc.
Initiate informal conversations with your colleagues about topics other than work, such as hobbies, interests, family, etc.
Join online communities or groups related to your profession or industry, such as Slack channels, LinkedIn groups, forums, etc., where you can exchange ideas, insights, or advice with other professionals.
Attend in-person events or meetings with your colleagues when possible or safe to do so. This can help you build rapport and trust with them.
Respect the diversity of your colleagues in terms of their backgrounds, cultures, perspectives,

Conclusion

The future of work is undeniably shifting towards a more flexible and adaptable model, with hybrid and remote work becoming increasingly prevalent. By embracing this era of work, organizations have a unique opportunity to redefine work-life balance and create a workplace culture that not only attracts top talent but also ensures their employees thrive in the long term.

We hope this article has given you some insights on how hybrid work can be a win-win situation for both employers and employees. If you are interested in hybrid working and looking for new opportunities in you professional software engineer career, check our job posts now!

The Power of Networking for IT Professionals: Building Connections and Opening Doors

By huyen

21 Jun 2023

In today’s ultra-competitive job market, networking is like the secret ingredient that can take your IT career to new heights. Building connections with the right people at the right time could be the key to a game-changer.

If the idea of entering a room of strangers terrifies you, know that you’re not alone. However, avoiding networking can hinder your success. Discover why networking is essential for your career growth.

Why Is Networking Important?

Networking is a powerful tool for job seekers, providing access to hidden opportunities that aren’t widely advertised. By leveraging your network, you increase your chances of finding new employment or advancing within your current organization through valuable referrals.

Thirty-one percent of job seekers find listings through professional connections, especially referrals. Networking can open doors to new opportunities that might be out of reach otherwise.

Plus, a strong professional relationship can inspire someone to hand-deliver your resume to the hiring manager’s desk. This can make you stand out from the crowd and even help you land your dream job one day.

While networking is commonly associated with job searches, its benefits extend far beyond finding employment, encompassing various opportunities for professional growth.

5 Reasons Networking Is Important For Career Development

Professional networking is not just about meeting new people; it’s also about maintaining existing relationships. This involves staying in touch with contacts, sharing updates on your work, and offering support and assistance when needed. This all supports your career growth and development.

Here are five reasons why networking is important to your career development:

Enhance your social well-being
Lead to the exchange of ideas
Help you meet people at all professional levels
Boost your professional confidence
Expand your visibility

1. Networking enhances your social well-being

Research conducted in the US highlights the significant impact of networking on personal well-being and community welfare. The same studies also accentuated that unfortunately over the last 30 years, a significant decrease of 20-30% is being noticed in participation in public affairs and civic associations (Delagran,2016).

It’s concerning to see a decline in networking because workplaces often serve as the breeding ground for friendships. Spending so much time together and sharing common interests, both within and beyond work, can lead to lasting connections. With less networking, we miss out on opportunities for initial professional connections that have the potential to evolve into lifelong friendships.

Asian businessmen and businesswomen meeting brainstorming ideas about creative web design planning application and developing template layout for mobile phone project working together in small office.

2. Networking leads to the exchange of ideas & information

Let’s brainstorm. Don’t best ideas evolve while being discussed on the open forum? Isn’t it that during conversation with someone, ideas tend to take a whole new shape?

Embracing new ideas fuels professional growth. Learning about others’ experiences in different companies can inspire you to introduce innovative techniques and skills to your work. Whether you’re in a small business or a large corporation, your fresh ideas will distinguish you and drive success in your current role.

Exploring new concepts not only broadens your network but also enhances expertise by considering multiple perspectives. Adopting a holistic view helps overcome obstacles and contributes to ultimate success.

Networking also keeps you in the loop with industry trends and the latest advancements. Connecting with industry experts, attending conferences, and being part of IT communities gives you the inside scoop on cutting-edge technologies and emerging practices. Talk about staying ahead of the game!

And here’s a cool perk: collaborating and sharing knowledge with other IT pros. Engaging in conversations, participating in group discussions, and being active in IT communities expands your horizons and helps you learn from other tech wizards. It’s like leveling up your skills and building your street cred within the industry.

3. Networking helps you meet people at various professional levels

Networking brings a bunch of fantastic benefits to the table. First off, it helps you create a squad of supportive professionals who’ve got your back. Mentors and industry experts can guide you, share their experiences, and give you invaluable advice to navigate the ups and downs of your career journey.

Knowing people of various professional levels can also expose you to a wider variety of job opportunities. Once you develop a relationship with someone, you may be able to leverage their connections to get a foot in the door for a new role. This is why networking is so important.

Male and female financial managers gathered together in spacious meeting room and analyzing statistical data, picturesque view on background

4. Networking can boost your confidence

Professional networking is an exercise in confidence, especially for people who are shy or introverted. That’s part of why so many people avoid it. However, once you find yourself discussing your shared interests with a new friend, you’ll see that networking isn’t so bad.

Networking events offer an excellent opportunity to build confidence, even for introverts. Take the initiative to express yourself and discuss topics that hold significance for you. Developing new relationships fosters a sense of self-assurance in your professional abilities.

It can also help you gain confidence when it comes to social networking. Learning to face your fears in order to further your career can make meeting new friends less intimidating.

5. Networking expands your visibility

By actively sharing your ideas and listening to input from your peers, you enhance your visibility in that field. Successful thought leaders are often skilled networkers, adept at connecting with others, effective communication, and attentive listening. Putting yourself out there can propel you forward as a thought manager.

Bottom line

Networking is the secret ingredient that can propel IT professionals to new heights in their careers. It opens doors to hidden job opportunities, fosters the exchange of ideas, boosts professional confidence, expands visibility, and contributes to social well-being. Embracing networking, even for shy individuals, can lead to lifelong friendships, career development, and staying ahead of industry trends. So, step out of your comfort zone, build connections, and watch your IT career soar to new levels of success!

Top 10 Things You Should Avoid While Coding: Valuable Tips for Developers

By huyen

8 May 2023

Coding is a hard (for some) and challenging field, and even professional developers can fall into common traps that can slow down their progress and hinder their success. That’s why we’ve put together this blog post packed with valuable tips on the top 10 things you should steer clear of while coding. Although these tips may seem like common sense, they can be especially helpful for beginners looking to improve their coding skills and efficiency.

Avoid Overcomplicating Your Code

Complex code can be difficult to understand and maintain. It can slow you down and make things way harder than they need to be. That’s why it’s important to keep things simple! By focusing on clean, simple, easy-to-read code that’s straightforward to modify, you’ll make your life a whole lot easier.

Avoid Copying and Pasting Code

Just copying and pasting code from the internet without knowing how it works can cause serious problems like bugs and security risks in your own code. So, instead of taking shortcuts, it’s important to put in the effort to comprehend how the code functions and create your own code from scratch. This method not only lowers the chances of facing technical difficulties but also strengthens your coding skills and improves your comprehension of programming.

Avoid Hardcoding Values

If you use hardcoded values in your code, it can be hard to change or keep up. Instead, you can use constants or configuration files to help update values more easily in the future. This way, your code will be more flexible and not as likely to have problems or glitches.

Avoid Ignoring Error Messages

Error messages are super helpful in understanding what went wrong in your code. It’s important to take the time to read and address them properly to prevent similar issues from happening in the future.

Avoid Not Commenting On Your Code

When you add comments to your code, it can help other programmers understand your code better and also assist you in recollecting your thought process while writing it. So, make sure to add comments that explain what your code is doing and why it’s doing it. It’s a simple but effective way to keep your code organized and understandable.

Avoid Using Outdated Technology

When you use outdated technology, it can cause security vulnerabilities and compatibility problems. So it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and keep your software current to avoid any issues. This will help ensure that your code is secure and functioning correctly.

Avoid Not Testing Your Code

Not testing your code can lead to bugs and errors that could have been easily prevented. So, before you roll out your code, make sure to give it a thorough check to ensure it works as intended..

Avoid Over-Optimizing Your Code

Don’t get too carried away with trying to optimize your code because it can actually make it harder to read and slow down its performance. Instead, focus on writing code that is clear and easy to understand so that it can be easily maintained and modified in the future.

Avoid Not Backing Up Your Code

Forgetting to back up your code can result in losing countless hours of work. Make sure to regularly back up your code to a safe and secure location, such as a cloud storage service or a version control system. By doing this, you can avoid the frustration and disappointment that come with losing your hard-earned code.

Avoid Not Asking for Help

Asking for help when you’re stuck is not a sign of weakness. It’s important to recognize when you need help and seek assistance from your colleagues or online communities.

Last Things…

By following these valuable tips, you can become a more efficient and effective programmer. Remember to focus on writing simple, clean, and easy-to-read code that is thoroughly tested and backed up regularly. And don’t forget to ask for help when you need it! By avoiding common mistakes, you can save time and avoid costly errors, helping you achieve success in your coding career.

Are you a software engineer and looking for job changes or finding a start: Click here!

Most Common Job Interview Questions Part 1 [+ Sample Answers for Software Engineers]

By huyen

24 Apr 2023

After successfully crafting an impressive resume and getting past the first stage, it’s now time to tackle the challenge: the job interview.

While interviewers often attempt to put candidates at ease by stating that there are no right or wrong answers, the reality is that they usually have specific responses in mind.

This is where our guide comes in – we’ll be discussing the most commonly asked interview questions and providing answers that will transform you into a true interview pro by the time you finish reading.

So, let’s begin!

This comprehensive guide covers nearly every interview question you may encounter, making it a valuable resource for job seekers. Don’t worry if it seems overwhelming – you don’t have to read it from start to finish. Instead, we suggest focusing on the following:

Familiarizing yourself with the most commonly asked interview questions
Reviewing the situational interview questions section to understand how to respond to questions that pertain to your experience
Understanding the purpose of behavioral interview questions, so you can confidently tackle any queries the HR manager may ask you.

Most Common Job Interview Questions:

Tell me something about yourself.
Why did you decide to apply for this position?
Why did you decide to leave your previous company?
What is your greatest strength?
What are your biggest weaknesses?

How to Answer Most Common Job Interview Questions [+ Sample Answers]

Whether you’re a seasoned professional with years of experience or an intern just starting out, the following questions are likely to be asked during your job interview.

They serve as a means for interviewers to gain insight into your character and professional background.

While it’s common to believe that there are no right or wrong answers to interview questions, there are certain guidelines you should keep in mind when responding to them.

By comprehending the interviewer’s intentions behind each question, you’ll be better equipped to provide the appropriate response – and excel during your interview!

1) Tell me something about yourself.

Talking about yourself may seem like a simple task – after all, we do it every day without much thought. However, it’s often the first question asked during an interview and serves as your introduction to the interviewer. It’s crucial to ensure that your response is tailored to the position you’re applying for and showcases why you’re the ideal candidate for the job.

To structure your answer effectively, consider the following guidelines:

Briefly introduce yourself by sharing your name and how long you’ve worked in your profession.
What do you love about your job?
Highlight 2-3 relevant achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Now, let’s go through some examples:

2) Why did you decide to apply for this position?

Through this question, the interviewers want to assess how passionate you are about the position. And no, the answer isn’t: “I need the money”.

In reality, the interviewer is interested in learning about your level of excitement towards the job or the organization. As job satisfaction is directly linked to job performance, being passionate about your role can make you more productive, and the interviewer wants to gauge that.

Interestingly, during the interview, your passion for the job will be evident in your responses, making it a crucial aspect of your performance. When you’re talking to a person that’s passionate about something, you can pretty much feel them glow as they talk. And if you’re an HR manager who’s interviewed hundreds of people, this is a very good sign to hire the candidate.

Therefore, it’s essential to leverage this knowledge and answer the question appropriately. Ideally, your response should encompass two things:

What motivated you to apply for this position, specifically.
Why this company? Have you heard of them before?

Keep in mind, though, that if you don’t know much about the company or the position – that’s OK too. Just be honest and show your passion for the job. However, it’s always better to do your homework before going to an interview.

3) Why did you decide to leave your previous company?

When an interviewer poses the question about why you left your previous job, they are likely evaluating the level of risk associated with hiring you. Their goal is to gain an understanding of the circumstances surrounding your departure, such as whether it was for a valid reason and if you left on positive terms. Additionally, they may be interested in gauging your level of dedication to your work.

If your departure from your previous job was due to performance-related issues, a hiring manager might question your potential performance at their company. Similarly, if you have a history of frequently changing jobs, they may question your ability to remain committed to a single employer.

To answer this question, if you want to be truthful but not say anything that could reflect badly, don’t say:

“I hated my old boss”

“My old job was boring”

“I want more money”

Instead, keep it professional and focused on you. For example:

4) What are your biggest strengths?

It is important to bear in mind that when asked about your strengths, the interviewer is providing an opportunity for you to showcase your positive attributes.

Simply rattling off a long list of your strengths will not suffice. Rather, you should emphasize a select few key qualities and demonstrate how these are applicable to the prospective employer’s needs. As each company has unique requirements, it is crucial to conduct research and identify what the company is seeking in a candidate. There is no use professing what a great React developer you are if you are applying for a backend role.

For this question, you would want to narrow your answer down to at most three strengths. Pick 1 or 2 skills that would help you really excel at the job and 1 or 2 personal (more or less unrelated) skills.

Not sure which ones are your top strengths? Check out the list below to learn which one’s perfect for you:

Since this is a common interview question, it’s essential to prepare for it in advance. By practicing your response and having relevant examples ready, you’ll be able to impress the interviewer and increase your chances of landing the job.

5) What is your biggest weakness?

After all, you don’t want to mention your flaws during an interview, so it’s guaranteed to be a tough question. The trick to answering this one is realizing that the interviewers don’t expect you to be perfect. Everyone has flaws, weaknesses, and things to improve on.

When asking this question, the HR manager is actually seeking to learn:

Whether you have the right skills for the job. If you’re applying for the position of a server in a busy restaurant, and you say your biggest weakness is performing under pressure, then you’re definitely not getting a callback.
If you’re self-aware and really know what your sticking points are.

And NO: fake humble-brag weaknesses don’t count as weaknesses. You can’t just say that your biggest weakness is that you work too hard, or that you’re a perfectionist.

The key here is to mention a weakness that’s real, but not something that would get in the way of you doing your job. It’s also good practice to mention how you are working towards overcoming this weakness and realizing how it affects you negatively. If you can, just balance it with a positive side effect: treat it like two sides of the same coin.

And finally, good luck on the interview! You got this!

8 Tips to Stand Out from the Crowd in a Competitive Mobile Development Job Market

By huyen

25 Jan 2023

The mobile development job market is highly competitive, with a large pool of talented developers seeking employment. In such a crowded landscape, it can be challenging to stand out from other candidates and secure your dream job. However, by implementing certain strategies, you can increase your chances of success. Here is a guide on how to stand out from the crowd in a competitive mobile development job market:

Build a Strong Online Presence

Your online presence plays a crucial role in your professional brand. Ensure that your online presence accurately reflects your skills and experience as a mobile developer. This includes having a professional website, a well-maintained LinkedIn profile, and active participation in relevant social media platforms.

Check out tips that Make Your LinkedIn Profile Stand Out as a Software Engineer.

Specialize in a Particular Area

Specializing in a specific area of mobile development, such as iOS or Android development, can help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of securing a job. By focusing on a specific platform, you can develop a deep understanding of its features, capabilities, and limitations, making you a valuable asset to potential employers.

Enhance Your Technical Skills

In a competitive job market, having a strong set of technical skills is crucial. Consider taking courses or attending workshops to learn new programming languages, development tools, and frameworks. You can also participate in online coding challenges, hackathons, or open-source projects to showcase your abilities and keep your skills sharp.

Showcase Your Work

Create a portfolio that showcases your best mobile development projects, including the challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the end results. This will give potential employers a sense of your experience, skills, and problem-solving abilities, helping you stand out from other candidates.

Network Effectively

Networking is an essential aspect of any job search, and it can be especially beneficial for mobile developers. Attend industry conferences and meetups, join online communities and forums, and reach out to professionals in the field who can offer advice and mentorship. Building a network of professionals in your field can also increase your exposure to job opportunities and give you an inside track to hiring managers.

Be Prepared for Interviews

When you’re invited for an interview, ensure you’re well-prepared and ready to make a great impression. Research the company and its products, be ready to discuss your experience and skills and come prepared with questions about the position and the company.

Stay Current with Industry Trends

The mobile development industry is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to stay current with the latest trends and technologies. Attend conferences, read industry publications, and participate in online forums to stay up-to-date and demonstrate your commitment to the field.

Offer a Unique Perspective

In a competitive job market, offering a unique perspective can help you stand out from other candidates. Consider offering innovative solutions to problems, highlighting your passion for the field, or showcasing your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

In conclusion, standing out from the crowd in a competitive mobile development job market requires a combination of technical skills, online presence, portfolio, networking, preparation, staying current with industry trends, and offering a unique perspective. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of securing your dream job and making a successful career in mobile development.

If you’re looking for remote mobile development jobs for product companies, we’ve got your back. Check out our latest jobs now!

The Impact of Remote Work on the Software Engineering Skillset: What Has Changed and What Has Stayed the Same?

By huyen

8 Jan 2023

With the advent of remote work, the software engineering industry has seen a significant shift in the way work is performed and skills are developed. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend, with many companies quickly shifting to remote work to ensure the health and safety of their employees. However, this shift has also led to changes in the software engineering skillset. In this article, we’ll examine what has changed and what has stayed the same in the software engineering skillset due to the rise of remote work.

What has changed in the software engineering skillset?

Increased Emphasis on Communication and Collaboration Skills

Remote work often means that software engineers are working with colleagues who are not in the same location. This can make communication and collaboration more challenging and can also create a need for more efficient and effective communication methods. As a result, software engineers are now placing a greater emphasis on developing strong communication and collaboration skills. This includes skills such as active listening, clear writing, and effective use of virtual communication tools such as video conferencing and project management software.

Growth of Remote Tools and Technologies

The rise of remote work has also led to an increased demand for remote tools and technologies that support collaboration and communication. For example, software engineers are now using virtual collaboration tools such as GitHub, Trello, and Asana to work with colleagues on projects. They are also becoming more familiar with remote debugging tools, code editors that support remote development, and other software tools that allow them to work effectively from a distance.

Focus on Self-Motivation and Self-Management

Remote work requires software engineers to be self-motivated and to have good self-management skills. With the absence of a traditional office environment and a lack of face-to-face interaction with colleagues, software engineers must have the discipline to manage their own time and workload effectively. This requires a strong sense of self-motivation and the ability to set and achieve personal and professional goals.

What has stayed the same in the software engineering skillset?

Technical Skills Remain Essential

Despite the changes brought on by remote work, the technical skills required to be a successful software engineer have remained largely unchanged. Technical skills such as programming languages, algorithms, data structures, and software design principles continue to be essential for software engineers. In addition, software engineers must still have a deep understanding of their field and be able to apply this knowledge to real-world problems.

The Need for Continuous Learning and Development

Remote work has not diminished the importance of continuous learning and development in the software engineering field. In fact, remote work may have increased the need for software engineers to stay up-to-date with the latest tools, technologies, and best practices. As new tools and technologies emerge, software engineers must be able to adapt quickly and learn how to use them effectively.

Conclusion

The rise of remote work has brought about significant changes to the software engineering skillset. However, it is important to note that many of the core skills required for success in the field remain unchanged. Software engineers must continue to develop strong technical skills, and they must also have good communication and collaboration skills, self-motivation, and the ability to continuously learn and grow. By embracing these changes and developing the skills required for remote work, software engineers can continue to thrive in this rapidly evolving field.

If you want to join a product-based company in Singapore and work remotely from the comfort of your home in Vietnam, Inspius can help! Find out more here.

Cracking your next Node.js interview for senior software engineers

By huyen

22 Dec 2022

Most businesses must develop modern software applications in order to adopt and benefit from new technologies. Fortunately, backend developers have an abundance of options. Node.js is a modern application framework that has simplified large-scale application development.

Many businesses now use this backend technology as part of their tech stack. Popular examples include Netflix, Uber, Twitter, and PayPal. Node.js is the sixth most popular technology for backend development, according to StackOverflow’s 2021 Developer Survey. According to a Node.js user survey report, backend developers prefer this technology because it increases developer productivity by 68%, application performance by 48%, and customer satisfaction by 13%.

In this section, we go over the Node.js developer career landscape in depth.

Career Path in Node.js

Junior Node.js developers work on applications such as websites, native apps, and enterprise solutions. After working as a senior developer for 5-6 years, they are promoted to roles such as team lead, architect, scrum master, and product owners. Node.js programmers can work as app developers, game developers, or product developers.

Senior Node.js developer roles favor developers with extensive knowledge of agile processes and ceremonies such as backlog grooming, scrums, retrospectives, and demos. Furthermore, GitHub’s technical expertise is required.

Job opportunities and average pay scale Node.js developers

There are over 55,000 job listings on LinkedIn for Node.js developers. Indeed currently has nearly 8000 job openings for the same profile.

According to TopCV, the salary of a NodeJS Developer in Vietnam is determined by the position held, the size of the company, and the developer’s experience. However, statistics show that the average salary for this position is around 17,000,000 VND/month, with popular salary ranges ranging from 11,000,000 to 27,000,000 VND/month. This is the average salary for a software developer with 1 to 4 years of experience.

What abilities will be assessed during Node.js interviews?

Companies that hire Node.js developers look for specific skill sets. Along with practical knowledge of Node.js, demonstrated skills in bug fixing and patch development distinguish a candidate.

As a capable Node.js developer, you should be familiar with front-end technologies. Node.js developers are frequently required to integrate various backend functionalities with front-end elements. During an interview, their HTML5, CSS3, and core JavaScript concepts are assessed.

There are several Node.js frameworks, the most basic of which is Express. In addition to Express, most interviews assess developers’ knowledge of other Node.js frameworks such as Koa.js, Total, and Hapi. Because these frameworks have expanded functionalities, you must become acquainted with them in order to demonstrate your experience.

Model-View-Controller (MVC) frameworks used in Node.js development are required. MVC frameworks such as Sinatra, Rails, and StrongLoop are popular.

Another duty of Node.js developers is to deal with interfaces between different systems. You can highlight your experience with RESTful APIs here.

Interview Questions and Answers

Is Node.js compatible with multi-processor platforms?

Node.js is a single-threaded language that runs on a single processor core by default, not taking full advantage of multi-core processors. Node.js, on the other hand, allows for the creation of multi-core systems that take full advantage of the available hardware.

The Cluster module in Node.js allows multiple Node.js worker processes to run from the same port.

How does Node.js handle child threads?

Node.js runs in a single thread and does not expose child threads to the developer. There is no way for a programmer to manage threads in Node.js because everything happens behind the scenes.

Technically, Node.js does create child threads for specific tasks such as asynchronous I/O, but these child threads cannot execute any application JavaScript code.

Why is Node.js preferred over other backend technologies like Java and PHP?

Some of the reasons why Node.js is preferred include:

Node.js is very fast
Node Package Manager has over 50,000 bundles available at the developer’s disposal
Perfect for data-intensive, real-time web applications, as Node.js never waits for an API to return data
Better synchronization of code between server and client due to same code base
Easy for web developers to start using Node.js in their projects as it is a JavaScript library

Conclusion

A career as a Node.js developer is a long-term commitment. Node.js will remain a dominant JavaScript framework as some of the largest companies use it and offer productivity benefits.

If you want to work remotely for a Singapore tech company while living in Vietnam, Inspius can help. Explore the latest NodeJS jobs here!

The Software Engineer Career Path

By huyen

6 Dec 2022

In addition to being a well-paid and highly sought-after position, a job in software engineering also offers multiple career paths. These paths become available as software engineers gain new skills and abilities, allowing them to choose their career paths and directions.

While having a say in your career’s trajectory is unquestionably beneficial, having many options can make choosing the right path more difficult. To help you make that decision, we’ve compiled some of software engineers’ most common career paths.

Understanding your career path will allow you to easily shape your future and focus your energy on what you’ve chosen.

Fresher/Junior Developer

A Junior Developer is a basic-level software developer or programmer who works in a development team. They are in charge of helping the team with all the coding and software design tasks.

0-1 year of experience (usually students who are interns/fresh graduates).
Basic knowledge of software programming, database, application life cycle, application services, etc.
Can write basic scripts.

At this point, you are an “apprentice”. You must practice almost every skill required to work independently, including programming experience, problem-solving ability, workflow, teamwork skills, etc. Because companies frequently retrain freshers/juniors due to inexperience, so when interviewing freshers, companies usually only consider your logical thinking ability, programming ability, and programming potential.

But this startling beginning is often crucial to your future career path. You should:

Take advantage of the opportunity to learn the necessary skills (as mentioned above).
Choose a good environment and leader to learn from.

Developer

After 1-3 years of coding, you will be referred to as a Developer (many people go straight to Team Leader or Senior Developer, depending on the company). You’ve completed several projects and are well-versed in some technologies.

1-3 years experience.
Participated in several projects, well-versed in some technologies.
Coded more complex modules.

Interviews for this position are frequently more challenging. The interviewer will ask about the projects you’ve completed, the challenges you’ve faced, and how you overcame them. In addition, the interview will focus on the tech stacks you listed on your resume.

At this stage, you are no longer an “apprentice” who needs to work hand-in-hand. You already have the fundamental abilities to work independently and in groups (meetings, code reviews, etc.). You’ve been working on more complex modules, attending meetings, performing code reviews, talking with customers, and so on. This is the stage where you will gain knowledge, experience, and a reputation in order to move up the career ladder. You should:

Accumulate working knowledge/experience and hone soft skills to create momentum for the subsequent development step.
Learn about career paths and the differences between a product company and an outsourcing company to help you choose the right working environment.
Expand your network and personal brand (blog, join tech groups, tech events, etc.).

Management Roles or Technical Roles?

Choosing the right path from the start will save you a lot of time, effort, help you achieve more and succeed faster.

Management	Technical
Team Leader – Take charge of a small team (3-6 members). – In addition to technical work, you will be responsible for managing and training other team members. – At this stage, you will gradually learn some leadership, management, and other skills.	Senior Developer – Have 3 to 5+ years of experience. – Capable of building complex applications at scale. – In-depth understanding of the entire application lifecycle, databases, application services, etc. – In-depth understanding of many technologies and processes.
Project Manager – Responsible for internal monitoring, ensuring that the project execution from the beginning to the end is smooth, on schedule, and according to the original requirements. – Responsible for budgeting, implementation, resources, and problem-solving. – Developers who want to advance to the position of Project Manager must practice time management, project management, and, most importantly, communication skills.	Technical Lead – Has a deep understanding of technology and is strong in programming and system design. – The one who decides what technology to use, how to design the system, etc. – In charge of the team’s technical aspects. – Nice to have good soft skills, especially the ability to guide, explain, present, etc. to lead other members.
Manager/Director – Require a high level of interpersonal skills for recruiting, managing, training, leading and inspiring. – Ability to negotiate, resolve conflicts, and make decisions is required. – Directors need to have strategic vision and leadership ability to lead the whole company in the same direction.	Software Architect – At least 10-20 years of experience. – Find solutions and design complex systems (preference for programming patterns and anti-patterns) that the junior and senior developer teams can implement.

Based on your purpose, clarify what could be your deepest contribution. After gaining experience and seniority, take the time to do the analysis and validation before you make a move to your choice.

If you’re looking for new challenges to help you grow, check out our job postings to find the perfect role for you!

Vietnam’s IT Recruitment Demand in 2022: What Skills are Employers Looking For?

By huyen

24 Nov 2022

Companies in Vietnam hired 175,370 information technology workers this year, up 36.2% yearly, as the country’s tech sector continues to boom with increased investment. According to the Vietnam IT Market Report 2022, recruitment demand for IT staff is expected to exceed 229,000 by 2023 and 290,000 by 2024.

Employers seek candidates with the right combination of hard and soft skills to add value to their organization. While hard skills focus on what you can do, soft skills focus on how you do it. Soft skills are often the key differentiator between top talent.

In this blog, we will discuss soft skills that impress employers looking for tech talent.

IT industry holds huge recruitment demand

According to the report, 55% of the 2,500 employers polled said they had hired more developers than in previous years. Six out of ten (64%) plan to hire more IT staff this year.

According to TopDev, it takes an average of 51 days to fill a position in Vietnam’s tech industry due to the high demand for recruitment and a shortage of suitable candidates.

One of the reasons for the increase in demand is that Vietnam has attracted enough attention from IT companies from other countries, and they are coming in to hire or build their product development teams.

What is the key differentiator between top talents that employers are looking for?

Foreign Languages Preference

According to the EF Education First English Proficiency Index, Vietnamese developers rank 13th in Asia and 65th globally. The requirement for English skills among software developers in Vietnam is shifting from “nice-to-have” to “must-have,” necessitating more serious practice of English skills.

For their tech jobs, most employers (more than 80%) require developers to have at least a basic and limited working level. The ratio of professionals working in English is 12.3%, mostly from foreign companies in Vietnam, with both management and customers who frequently use English. Aside from English, Japanese and Korean have recently been two popular foreign language requirements in job descriptions. The hiring pattern appears to be very different from the English-required side. Most Japanese and Korean employers who hire developers for whom a foreign language is required require a Professional working level. They rarely accept Basic or Limited working levels, owing to cultural and communication differences, in which the Basic level may trigger some inappropriate situations. The same requirements apply to other foreign languages, such as French, Chinese, and Russian…

Softskill /Interpersonal

Soft skills have become an important criterion in the process of HR/ recruiters evaluating IT candidates, in addition to technical skills. Following the pandemic, the list has shifted dramatically: the top three important soft skills for developers are communication, collaboration/teamwork ability, and a growth mindset.

Most preferable nice-to-have skills

To be successful, software engineers must be highly skilled in technology, coding, program development, and collaborative problem-solving. Aside from the required skills, the most impressive skills for candidates are the ability to write clean code, search efficiently, and troubleshoot quickly.