How to convince an employer to hire me?

[A Tham]

Hi!

I have 10 years of experience in Java programming and I have OCJA certification. I am in the midst of looking for a new job in software development.

My previous job was in project management and I was forced to resign because I did not live up to their expectation as a project manager.
I wasn't quite prepared for this project management job although I am a Certified Associate in Project Management from PMI.

In short, I don't have the experience in Project Management. I also was not made to understudy a senior project manager.

I enjoy programming. This is what I do best.

Problem is: I have to convince a new employer to pay me a salary of a developer with 10 years of experience instead of a fresh graduate to do the same job.

In other words, how do I set myself apart from fresh graduates in programming.

Any ideas?

[Liutauras Vilda]

Alan Tm wrote:Problem is: I have to convince a new employer to pay me a salary of a developer with 10 years of experience instead of a fresh graduate to do the same job.

Apply for senior level positions only? Obviously salary ceiling are different there from those in graduate positions.

And then it is all up to you to demonstrate your skillset during the interview(s).

[Liutauras Vilda]

Alan Tm wrote:I have 10 years of experience in Java programming

This means nothing to potential employer. Just fuzzy words. I'd say you need to specify the technologies you worked with. Describe some projects you worked on, challenges you faced - how overcome those. What went wrong with them, what would you do differently if you'd face similar challenges again.

Alan Tm wrote:...how do I set myself apart from fresh graduates in programming

It is pretty obvious to those who recruiting. You don't need to do anything special. Just be yourself with your actual knowledge baggage.

[Liutauras Vilda]

Alan Tm wrote:I have OCJA certification

That is a slim thing for senior level positions in my opinion. I'd even say it makes no difference.

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

How longer were you a PM? If more than 6 months, I would say to do a project on github to show you are still coding. Then you can say you tried PM but liked development more without looking "rusty"