> What will the self-taught candidate do at this point?
Generally self taught people will have built something. I'd generally consider that the definition of self taught and would not include people that have only done self directed learning.
That would be fine, but I think it’s weird that you’re trying to make the phrase “self-taught” stretch to include also building something. I think it’s far more common for people to believe taking a self-directed online course and getting a certificate entitles them to equal consideration for a job as someone who put in 4 years of a structured university program.
Maybe I'm out of touch with how it's used today, but self taught used to be someone that built things, W3schools was the closest thing to online courses years ago. If so I'd argue the modern usage is wrong though, a self taught mechanic is someone that tinkers with cars, a self taught electrician is someone there own cables, a self taught sysadmin typically fell into the role by doing stuff, a self taught investor has invested money. So I see know reason why a self taught developer shouldn't be someone that's built software.
Generally self taught people will have built something. I'd generally consider that the definition of self taught and would not include people that have only done self directed learning.