Hi Bill, I've seen your Senior SWE, Windows Desktop App position listed for quite a while, given it seems you're having a hard time filling it would you be willing to loosen the "consumer facing" part of the requirements? I'm very interested and I believe I'm an excellent fit in every other way.

I've built very sophisticated C# applications that simplify complex lighting algorithms to allow users to simply control the light timing in an automated fruit sorting machine. Unfortunately as these applications were used by business customers it seems I don't tick that "consumer facing" box despite over a decade of experience building C# UIs.

Not for nothing, but I applied a couple of years ago with similarly almost-perfect but not-customer-facing app experience, and all the other qualifications they were looking for, and was rejected with no followup, not even an initial screen.

Normally I wouldn't care, but it sticks in my memory and has soured me on applying again, because I don't know how I could get any closer to what they're asking for without literally working the job they have posted. It makes me think perhaps the posting is not accurate or complete in some way.

I was hired for a similar role with a better salary within a few months, so I don't think it was something fundamentally wrong with my application or resume. Though, granted, the market was different then. Maybe I somehow totally biffed the three or four questions they asked.

I would encourage you to apply! We have a thorough review process and one of my colleagues will definitely read your application. I'll flag it with the DRI for the role and tell them to keep an eye out.

Yes, and to the point of some of these roles being open for a long time, that's because we keep hiring more people for them over time.

You seem to be over qualified if anything. Why do they need a desktop app? A webview window with a search box seems pretty simple.

I wouldn't make assumptions. When I talked with Duck Duck Go about their browser, they had a very particular idea about what it was supposed to do. Their needs are probably a bit more complicated than you're assuming.

I also wouldn't assume that anyone is overqualified. They seemed rather particular about who they wanted to hire. (Although, given the current market, a C# job opening staying open for a long time says a lot.)

Hi Bill, I applied like three weeks ago on that "Windows Desktop App" position! I haven't got any reply since. I am sure you folks get pretty decent applications but I think my profile deserves at least a reply from your side! I fit perfectly, 1O YOE, of which 5 as a SW for MSFT. An MCSD in UWP apps, 2 MSc..ect! Your talent acquisition team doesn't reply to my messages neither! I genuinely like the project and would love to work on it ft. Can I at least have a chance?

I've been waiting for ops roles at DuckDuckGo to pop up! Just submitted :)

Hope it goes better for you than for I! 6:00pm last night - applied. 4:00am this morning - rejected. Mind you, it was for the Brand Manager, Ad Production role, but I thought I was pretty decent fit!

ah darn, maybe bill_duckduckgo can put in a referral for us? ;)