C++ Job Readiness

Resume snapshot

Skills: C++20, STL containers + algorithms, smart pointers + RAII, templates + concepts, move semantics, multi-threaded C++, CMake, gtest/Catch2, ASan/TSan/UBSan, perf profiling (perf, vtune). Projects: pl-cpp-passion (mystl on GitHub), pl-c-passion if applicable. Bonus: contribution to a real C++ OSS project (Boost, libc++, Folly, fmt, abseil).

Interview questions

'Explain RAII and why it matters.' 'What's the difference between unique_ptr and shared_ptr? When to use each?' 'Why is std::move not actually moving?' 'Explain the Rule of Five.' 'How does virtual dispatch work under the hood?' (Vtable.) 'When would you use std::variant over polymorphism?' 'Implement a thread-safe singleton.' (Use std::call_once or Meyers' singleton.)

Portfolio + 60-day plan

Three commitments.

1. 1

   1. Ship mystl with CI on 3 platforms.

2. 2

   2. Contribute one small patch to a real C++ project (fmt, Catch2, abseil, they're welcoming).

3. 3

   3. Solve 30 LeetCode mediums in C++, focus on STL fluency + cache-friendly solutions.

4. 4

   4. Write one technical blog post, 'How I built a templated HashMap' is great.

5. 5

   5. (Optional) Get a Coursera C++ specialization cert or pass C++ certification (CPP Institute).

Common mistakes

Listing C++ with no public artifact. Mentioning 'C/C++' on resume (signals you don't understand they're different languages). Not knowing modern C++ (interviewer will ask about smart pointers, move semantics, concepts).