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Amen. "Rock star" or "awesome" in a help-wanted post are code words for me, meaning that the hiring company or manager is a) a douche, b) woefully inexperienced, c) doesn't understand developers, or d) all of the above. I hit the "next" button whenever I see the code words.

I am an excellent developer with many years of experience, but I have never once described myself as a "rock star."



Indeed. Also add "ninja" to the list (WTF is that supposed to mean anyway?) Other tip off phrases: "must love fast paced environment", "ability to juggle multiple projects" (read: our process is non-existent or broken)


A ninja developer is someone that no one on the team has ever seen or interacted with but somehow gets their work done. Usually in the dead of night.




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