I’m over 40 and trying to transition into a tech role, but it feels like companies only want fresh graduates or developers in their 20s. How can I make myself competitive as an older candidate?

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Catching up with practical experience and disciplined learning will give you the competitiveness. Having 5 years of professional experience ideally in 3 companies or varied projects helps to build a credible record on your CV.

I would recommend starting in a small company so that you can sit next to SWEs and learn from them. Also the entry barriers are likely smaller. If possible choose a company that mainly does software development.
The next company should allow you to apply your skills broader like e.g. finance where you join a Tech team and maybe stay in SME company sizes. Take up more responsibility gradually understanding the bigger picture in the domain but also building CI/CD pipelines, drive performance, etc. to become senior. In parallel you should aim at a CS or somewhat Technical degree.

This will put you into a very competitive position in your age after 5 years of disciplined hard work.

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Took me 5 years to transition into a tech role.

With the added ageism, you're going to struggle.

My advice, work for a large company, find out what technology they use, teach yourself, pester the Dev team till they find you a role.

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Don't put all of your experience on your resume. Arise is real

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The resistance is likely due to concerns about your ability to perform in an engineering role, which is very different from a CS program or a bootcamp.

I transitioned into tech roles when I was 30 by taking small freelance projects, working as an extra pair of hands for a more established solopreneur I met in a networking group, and working my way up to larger freelance projects until I had enough of a portfolio to demonstrate I could work in a real eng role.

Start by getting certifications in the technology. Apply to consulting firms. It’s a quick way to build experience. You may have to take a pay cut in a junior position.

Nearly 80 and enough work for 10 hour days, try tutoring!!

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