I'm scared of public speaking but got talent scouted for a Dev Relations role. Help!
I have recently phone interviewed with Google for a job role that I don't particularly want. Role is in Developer Relations. I was talent scouted. My background is a combination of technical marketing/customer/open-source/sales so I can see how I am qualified for the role. But I want to get into software engineering more and I really don't like public speaking. Can anyone allay my concerns regarding public speaking: Do all the roles in dev relations require public speaking? I don't mind speaking in a workshop style arrangement but conferences rustle my jimmies too much. I like sales and one to one conversations. I like writing blog posts and technical documentation. I like talking to other people. I like screencasts and creating videos. I like talking to other devs. Is there a role in dev rel that fits that bill? Side note: My feeling is that this also may be an opportunity for me to get a foot in the door to software engineering at Google so I kind of want to continue the process, but at the same time I'm not even sure I can progress into software engineering after dev rel.
Why don’t you get the offer first? Also how much % of the job involves public speaking?
That's the thing haha, I'm not sure. Google do things weirdly and they team match afterwards. So I might be a Customer Engineer or a Sales Engineer or an Advocate. So yeah not sure
So why let something uncertain stop you? Just try your best, get the offer and navigate the team matching process as much as you can do
I’m introverted af, but I noticed that fear of public speaking manifests the most before I actually speak. Once I start I get into a flow and stop caring about it that much. The trick is of course to know the topic, it’s a must. YMMV
To not know or understand the topic completely and yet do a talk on that is public speaking. :)
That’s public shmoozing
I feel bad for the company that scouted you.
I feel bad for the company that hired someone so close-minded.
There are a ton of different types of roles within DevRel; lots of people just create demos and maybe staff a booth. If you would be comfortable presenting something you built to 5-10 people and are a strong writer, you'd probably be fine. Definitely be transparent with the hiring manager so they can put you in the right role.
Absolutely comfortable with presenting to smaller groups and have done loads of technical documentation. You seem to know more about the roles. What role do you think matches my skills? I'm thinking Customer Engineer or something along those lines. I just don't want to be limiting my career chances in the future for getting into swe.
I work with a ton of people in these roles in Cloud (assuming that's where they're hiring). Customer engineer could also be a good fit; I'm a subscriber to the get-in-and-transfer philosophy. Most recruiters will be happy to discuss other openings that you might be a fit for. The big thing is to get into a role you can kick ass at, since that will open a lot of doors for you.
Just one advice: Face it! No easy way out, buddy!
Courageous are the brave 💯
Toastmasters
I'm curious ro know what is the interview process to this type of role. Can someone share?
As a long time technical introvert, I can relate to your fear of public speaking. But just embrace it. It is scary and you'll always have nerves. But if you know what you are talking about and are confident, you'll do great.
Thanks for this. Recruiter and employee were very impressed with interview and past experience. I'm 90% happy with role, just public speaking is nerve wracking. I'm an introvert too. Are there any tips you can share?
Just be yourself, and dive in and do it. Imagine you are talking to a small group had helped me sometimes. It's the lack of the feedback loop when speaking to a large group that is disconcerting for me. You just need to totally committed to what you are talking about. I have been put in the position to present something I don't really believe in. That is much harder. But even then, it gets easier the more you do it.