Resist the Hype!: Practical Recommendations to Cope With Résumé-Driven Development

Abstract

Technology trends play an important role in the hiring process for software and IT professionals. In a recent study of 591 software professionals in both hiring (130) and technical (558) roles, we found empirical support for a tendency to overemphasize technology trends in résumés and the application process. 60% of the hiring professionals agreed that such trends would influence their job advertisements. Among the software professionals, 82% believed that using trending technologies in their daily work would make them more attractive for potential future employers. This phenomenon has previously been reported anecdotally and somewhat humorously under the label Résumé-Driven Development (RDD). Our article seeks to initiate a more serious debate about the consequences of RDD on software development practice. We explain how the phenomenon may constitute a harmful self-sustaining dynamic, and provide practical recommendations for both the hiring and applicant perspectives to change the current situation for the better.