How To Get Your First Junior Developer Job
I consider software engineers the plumbers of our generation. Like plumbing in the 80s/90s (and even today), it’s a low-risk way for someone who comes from a less prestigious background to make a comfortable living.
And like plumbing, it’s very easy to get a job or start your own business if you know your stuff. But unlike plumbing, it’s very difficult to get your first job.
From the outside, bootcamps have replaced technical college tracks; but unlike a technical college, employers are not picking from them. Unfortunately, in my experience, it’s been the opposite.
Please note this is written from the perspective of someone living in the United States. Your mileage may vary in the UK or Belarus.
Treat Side Projects Like Your Real Job
Hustle is extremely important early in your career. If you’re just starting out, you will not regret having a real side project.
This is more than a Github profile. This should be a real thing.
If you are interested in getting started in data science, build a data science platform for any industry. If you want to be a front-end / creative technologist, design a beautiful logo and then build out the project with a partner. Build SOMETHING you’re interested in.
This project should be one of the most impressive things you’ve done. If you do this right, you will stand out in the sea of resumes like no other.
So my recommendation, if you’re struggling getting an entry-level job; is to make your own job. From 9–5 (or 5–10 if you’re already working), just build out the project like you were being paid to do so. It’ll be a great learning experience.
Do Not Call Yourself A “Junior Developer”
I would not ask people if their company is looking for junior developers. I wouldn’t put “seeking a jr. developer job” on LinkedIn. You’re actual title and salary may be that of a “Jr. Developer,” but you shouldn’t act like it.
At the moment, employers are in a weird spot where they don’t want to pay mid-senior level developers; but they also don’t want to hire junior developers. The American labor market is in a weird spot.
When you ask about a companies open position, ask if they’re looking for developers, and have your amazing side project (see above) as your current employer on LinkedIn.
If you’re asked about it in the interview, be honest. Just say “I was having trouble finding a job, so I made my own.” For most managers, this is a good thing. You’re basically saying 1) you don’t have to micro-manage me and 2) I know how to build things already.
Target Smaller Agencies
Unfortunately, depending on your location, you most likely won’t be making a life-changing amount of salary starting out if you didn’t come from a prestigious school.
This is why I recommend targeting smaller companies. While pay may be lower, what you lose in salary you earn in responsibility. At smaller companies, your role will most likely not be clearly defined; which means you’ll grow much quicker than you would at a gigantic corporation.
You might do sales, design, or write in some obscure PHP framework from 2009; and this is a good thing. Additionally, smaller companies usually operate at a less stressful scale. Workload might be huge, but the consequences of failure are lower (usually).
It can be difficult to find your first job. If you build something real, consider yourself a “developer,” and start small; you should stand out. Just remember: you will not learn everything in one day and you (most likely) won’t be making six-figures in your first gig. If you play your cards, right, though — who knows how the second gig will turn out!
