> > ...projects that I can't discuss due to NDAs,
> > Can't discuss AT ALL?  Those are pretty strong NDAs.
>
> I wouldn't discuss them anyway. NDA or not, if I get information in
> confidence then that is how it stays. Just as I don't expect my
> accountant, lawyer or doctor to discuss anything relating to another
> party.

A snippet of code or page of a notebook does not have to reveal any
confidences.  But a snippet of code or a page of a notebook says volumes
about work style.  Remember, your product is largely code and documentation,
isn't it reasonable for a prospective employer to try and find out what you
are likely to produce?

If you don't have some personal work you can demonstrate, here's one
suggestion born out of over 40 years of being on both sides of
confidentiality agreements.

Make a photocopy of your exemplars.  Make sure it is not a complete program
or write up.  A few pages here and there is enough.

Redact them and photocopy again so someone can't read through the blackouts.

Give the redacted exemplars to a colleague subject to the same NDA or the
client representative for comment.

Everyone should have examples of their work to show style and thoroughness.
The time to make them is long before you are job hunting.  The examples are
useful for teaching situations too.

I used to look for programmers who wrote "if(3 = = foo)" rather than "if(foo
= = 3)" and who properly bracket compound logic in higher level languages.
Careful in-line documentation aimed at the naive reader was another plus.
They all seem to be indicia of someone who's learned from mistakes and who
makes a maintainable product.

Win Wiencke
Image Logic Corporation

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