Designed a Complete Hiring Platform But Can't Code - Help Me Build it open source.

Source: Dev.to

📖 The Story Begins…

There’s something strange happening in the world of hiring software. Companies are spending $10,000 to $100,000 per year on ATS platforms that are:

• Closed‑source (you can’t see or modify the code)
• Locked‑in (your data is held hostage)
• Slow to innovate (feature requests take years)
• One‑size‑fits‑none (impossible to customize)

Meanwhile, applicants face:

• Clunky application processes (30+ minutes per application)
• Black holes (no feedback after applying)
• Repetitive data entry (same information over and over)

For months, I’ve been designing a solution. I’ve mapped every workflow, designed every feature, and created complete technical specifications. There’s just one problem…

I don’t write code.

That’s why I’m launching UJAS Platform as an open‑source project and inviting you to build it with me.

🎯 What is UJAS?

UJAS (Universal Job Application System) is what WordPress did for websites, but for hiring platforms.

The Vision

A completely open‑source, self‑hostable hiring platform that any company can use, customize, and extend—for free.

The Twist

I’ve designed 100 % of the system—every workflow, every feature, every database relationship. But there are zero lines of code written. This is a blank canvas waiting for developers.

✨ Why This Is Different

Planned Features That Don’t Exist Anywhere

• QR Code Applications – Post a QR code anywhere; applicants scan and apply instantly.
• Real‑Time Transparency – Applicants track applications like Uber rides.
• 90‑Second Apply – Pre‑filled from profiles, no repetitive data entry.
• Custom Assessment Builder – Create tests, video interviews, coding challenges.
• Complete White‑label – Your brand, not ours.
• Plugin Marketplace – Extend with community‑built plugins.

🏗️ The Current State: Complete Design, Zero Code

✅ Complete Documentation

• 50+ detailed workflow diagrams
• Full API specifications
• Database schema designs
• UI wireframes
• Technical architecture plans

✅ Project Structure

ujas-platform/
├── docs/                    # 100% complete
│   ├── workflows/          # Every user journey mapped
│   ├── architecture/       # Technical specs
│   └── tutorials/          # Step‑by‑step guides
├── src/                     # EMPTY – waiting for you!
└── docker/                  # Infrastructure plans

✅ Community Foundation

• GitHub repository (empty)
• Discord community (just started)
• Issue templates ready
• Contribution guidelines written

❌ What’s Missing

• Any actual code
• Developers to build it
• Your expertise

👥 Who We’re Looking For

We Need EVERY Skill Level

Absolute Beginners

• Never written code before? Perfect!
• Start with documentation fixes, learn Git/GitHub basics, work on simple HTML/CSS, get mentorship.

Junior Developers

• Build basic features with guidance, learn modern .NET 8 architecture, receive code reviews, grow your portfolio.

Senior Developers

• Design system architecture, implement complex features, mentor junior developers, lead feature teams.

Other Roles

• UI/UX Designers – Create beautiful interfaces
• DevOps Engineers – Set up infrastructure
• Technical Writers – Write documentation
• QA Testers – Ensure quality
• Community Managers – Build our community

💡 Why You Should Join (Seriously)

• Build Your Portfolio with Real Impact – UJAS will be used by real companies hiring real people.
• Learn Modern .NET 8
  • .NET 8 (latest LTS)
  • ASP.NET Core MVC & Web API
  • Entity Framework Core
  • Clean/Onion Architecture
  • Microservices‑ready design
• Get Mentorship & Community – Pair programming, weekly code reviews, office hours, supportive Discord.
• Earn Recognition – Founding Contributor status, blog features, leadership opportunities, real references.
• Work on Cool, Unique Features – QR‑code scanning, real‑time tracking, custom assessment builders, plugin marketplace.

🚀 How to Get Started (5 Minutes)

Step 1: Join Our Community

• ⭐ Star the repository: GitHub Repo
• 💬 Join Discord for real‑time help: Discord Invite

Step 2: Pick Your First Task

Step 3: Make Your First Contribution

# 1. Fork the repository
# 2. Clone your fork
# 3. Create a branch
# 4. Make your changes
# 5. Submit a pull request

We’ll guide you through every step. No prior open‑source experience needed.

🎯 Our First 30‑Day Roadmap

Week 1 – Foundation

• Set up .NET 8 solution structure
• Create basic authentication (ASP.NET Identity)
• Design database schema
• Set up CI/CD with GitHub Actions

Weeks 2‑3 – Core Features

• Applicant profile system
• Job posting management
• Application submission
• Basic dashboard

Week 4 – Polish & Launch

• UI/UX improvements
• Documentation complete
• First beta release
• Community celebration

🏆 Contributor Recognition

Badge System

🏆 Founding Contributor   – First 10 PRs
🚀 Code Champion         – 50+ PRs
🛡️ Quality Guardian      – Consistent code reviews
📚 Documentation Hero    – Docs contributions
🎨 UI/UX Master         – Frontend improvements
🔧 DevOps Wizard        – Infrastructure work

Monthly Recognition

• Contributor of the Month featured in newsletter
• Twitter shoutouts for major contributions
• Virtual coffee chats with project leadership
• Swag packages for top contributors (when budget allows)

🤝 Our Community Values

• Everyone is Welcome – No experience? No problem.
• Progress Over Perfection – Ship imperfect code rather than perfect code that never ships.
• Mentorship Matters – Experienced developers commit to helping newcomers.
• Transparent Decisions – All architecture decisions are discussed openly.
• Celebrate Every Win – Every PR merged is a victory for the community.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’m a complete beginner. Can I really contribute?
A: Absolutely! We have tasks specifically designed for absolute beginners, with step‑by‑step guidance and a mentor.

Q: How much time do I need to commit?
A: As little as 1 hour per week. Even fixing one typo in documentation is a valuable contribution.

Q: What if I get stuck?
A: Our active Discord community, weekly office hours, and experienced developers are ready to help.

Q: Is this a paid project?
A: This is an open‑source, community‑driven effort—no payment required.