[Chennaipy] Looking for a rockstar. Python/Django skills a bonus.

[A. K.]

Hi, all.  I learned about this group recently from a bright Python
enthusiast who interviewed for a position at my company.  I would hire him
in a heartbeat, except that he's leaning towards pursuing a Master's
instead.  The next best thing seemed to be to go directly to the watering
hole.  So, here I am.

Now, programmers are aplenty and easy to find.  That's not what I am
looking for.  In fact, when I see job application emails in which "Current
CTC + X%" is the only stated motivation for the application, I don't even
open the attached resumes.

That's right, I am not looking for mere coders-for-hire, who send out job
applications without even researching a company.  I am looking for bright
individuals who aim to use their analytical, programming skills to do
something meaningful, add value, and make a difference.

*If you are such an individual:*

   - You'd enjoy taking in this wise, inspiring lecture:
   http://youtu.be/D73mm29XXAw (Core message: "Strive to create value, in
   whatever area you want")
   - Let's talk!


*A little bit about myself:*
I am the founder and CEO of Jodi365.com, a next-generation matchmaking site
for Indians worldwide.  The site has been live since 2011 and has made
about 500,000 pairings to date.  It constantly gets heartwarming reviews
from users and generates revenues at a healthy clip.

Yet, wary of premature PR, we have consciously kept a low media profile
these last few years and have grown the business primarily organically.  It
may have been wise because, despite or perhaps in part due to numerous
innovations (we have patents pending in India and the US), we faced
repeated scaling challenges.

To remedy that, we began work a few months ago on a version 2, and are
migrating the site entirely from its current LAMP stack to one based on
Python/Django, with Angular.js on the front end.  (We will also be rolling
out companion mobile apps.)  We are close to rolling out this v.2.

*What I'd be happy to talk about:*
If you want to build or help build something of value and have relevant
skills, I'd be happy to think through these 3 options with you:
1) Take up or hold on to a stable, decently-paying job (at the safe end of
the risk/reward scale)
2) Build your own venture (highest risk, but with the highest reward
potential)
3) Join a startup (moderate risk, yet with substantial upside)

I can empathize with those who must at least for the time being pursue
Option 1.  What qualifies me to discuss Option 2: I was previously at an
angel investment network.  (See anil-kumar.com for my bio.)

*About Option 3, joining a startup:*
I am pleased to see young Indian professionals -- and their involved
families! -- becoming more aware of and open to startup opportunities.  A
common path, worldwide, is to flow from Option 1 to 3 to 2.  That is, the
paths are fluid.  Even within Option 3, the risk/reward profile varies
depending on where the startup is on its growth curve.

I have a personal interest in pitching Option 3, yet don't want to glorify
startups.  Why, a typical startup job posting from yesterday did just
that!  Our team members (see job description below) may have a similar
opportunity to get their hands dirty playing with leading-edge
technologies.  Yet, take it from me: Startups are not a picnic.  They are
hard.

Most people see athletes and their moments of glory.  What they don't see
is the hours, days, weeks, and months of persistence and toil that led to
the podium finish.

If you feel inspired to sweat it out with me and my team, learn from and
with us, and grow more than you otherwise might, personally and
professionally, drop me a line!

If you know of friends or acquaintances who may be interested, I would
appreciate your sharing this email with them.

Kind regards,
Anil
@aktxt <http://www.twitter.com/aktxt>



*Senior Software Engineer / Tech Lead*

Chennai, India
http://www.jodi365.com/careers/software-engineer-web-developer

*tl;dr version:*

FreeElective Network Pvt. Ltd., based in Chennai, has introduced Jodi365.com
<http://www.jodi365.com/>, a next-generation social matchmaking site.  The
site is growing briskly, and we are about to launch a re-built, more
scaleable v.2 of our innovative, patent-pending system.  We are looking to
add another Python specialist to our team as we continue to refine our
product and service.


*About this job:*

We are expanding our engineering team as we migrate Jodi365 from the
current LAMP stack to Python/Django.  The work would be at FreeElective
Network's office in the heart of Chennai, a few miles from the IIT-Madras
campus.  The position represents a terrific opportunity to work in a
fast-paced entrepreneurial environment, especially for someone who is
excited about seeing their work get used and appreciated by thousands of
users on a daily basis.  If you think your particular skills and experience
would add to our team, we would love to hear from you.

*Responsibilities:*

   - Design, test, develop, and deploy production-ready web applications
   using Python/Django and client-side code
   - Build elegant, responsive, and optimized (cross-platform) web
   applications and user interfaces with HTML5/CSS3, JavaScript, Ajax,
   Bootstrap, and Angular.js
   - Develop functional prototypes from wireframes and mockups
   - Support the Software Architect in designing, testing, and deploying
   the infrastructure to support a secure, scalable, and rapidly-evolving web
   application
   - Understand how users interact with our features through extensive use
   of analytics and continuously improve user experience
   - Resolve application issues/bugs that may arise
   - Assist management team in ensuring efficient progress of workflow and
   transforming business visions into reality

*Requirements:*

   - Exceptional Python coding skills and prior experience with web
   development using PHP/MySQL also
   - Deep JavaScript/Ajax experience, including framework experience and
   debugging tools
   - Able to design, code, unit test, and debug complex, DOM-based web
   software applications supporting multiple browsers
   - Able to take mockups and create high-performance web pages

*Preferences:*

   - 3+ years of programming and web development experience, including
   experience integrating front-end code with server-side technology on
   dynamic, large-scale consumer-facing websites
   - Experience in an Agile development life cycle
   - Solid understanding of object-oriented design, coding, and testing
   patterns
   - Bachelor's or higher degree in computer science or related major

*Bonus Points:*

   - Proficiency in source code management practices and working knowledge
   of version control tools such as Subversion

*Desired soft skills:*

   - Team player with strong analytical and project management skills
   - Organized and detail-oriented individual who works well with deadlines
   - Willingness to learn, switch roles as necessary, and to roll up one's
   sleeves to get a job done
   - Self-starter with the ability to work independently in a fast-changing
   environment
   - Energized by the opportunities and challenges of working at a small
   and growing company

------------------------------

*How to apply:*

Want to work with us?  To apply for this position:

   - Submit your application online
   <https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHlLX2J5TmdPZHhvZVRITjNCc3hIQnc6MQ>
   - E-mail a detailed CV/resume to careers at FreeElective.com, with the
   subject "Senior Software Engineer / Tech Lead".  Include URLs of sites you
   have worked on and describe your role on those projects.
   - Instead of a cover letter to accompany your resume, include your
   crisp, thoughtful answers (less than 250 words each) to the following
   questions:


   1. What are your key skills? What are you really good at professionally?
   2. What do you think of the online matchmaking industry?
   3. Why do you want to work with us?
   4. What are your salary requirements and career growth expectations?
   5. Why should we hire you?


Some advice, as you prepare your application:

   - Be true to yourself. (Ask yourself about this job, "Is this what I
   really want to do professionally?")
   - Say it in your own words. (Your responses will be more compelling if
   they came from the heart.)

------------------------------

FreeElective Network (a subsidiary of US-based FreeElective LLC) is an
equal-opportunity employer. We provide opportunities to all employees
and applicants for employment without regard to religion, ethnicity,
race, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.
FreeElective complies with applicable laws governing
non-discrimination in every location in which the company has
facilities.

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