Finding your first job in a world full of talented people could be difficult at times. The same struggle is in the tech industry where more and more talents continue to sprout every day. The demand for tech gurus in every part of the world is increasing. Yet, this does not guarantee you a place in the job market. Differentiating yourself from others in the same field and strategic positioning is key. It is even more vital if you have little to no experience in the tech field.
Below are some of the tips to consider, to increase your chances of landing a job.
Focus on building your GitHub portfolio
A portfolio is a lifesaver, especially if you have very little or no experience in the software development industry. Building a good GitHub portfolio will make you become a leading contender for the available jobs in the industry.
Your GitHub portfolio allows you to demonstrate your skills and proficiency, and also prove to prospective employers that you are on the same level with seasoned developers—or you have the potential to achieve that proficiency is once given the opportunity. When creating your portfolio, ensure that it does not only highlight the projects you’ve worked on so far, but you’ve highlighted the specific contributions you made—especially if it was a team effort. When you provide such details, you will help hiring managers assess your problem-solving skills, as well as your approach to different issues.
Keep your resume on point
One rule to follow when presenting yourself on a resume—always use job descriptions to guide you on the information that you should include. When you start reviewing the job descriptions for different roles you are interested in, you will start noticing patterns, thus getting insights on the information that’s relevant to appear on your resume.
In case you have a work history in other fields of software development, ensure that you list the most relevant experience on top of your responsibilities so that the recruiter will notice it easily—even if it was a small contribution to the project.
Don’t stop coding
Coding is key for any developer, whether you have a day job or not. Ensure you have about 30 minutes to an hour of coding daily. Make relevant contributions to open-source projects as you work on your projects. This practice gives you a lot of traction. It keeps you knowledgeable and alert for a new job opportunity when it arises. Sites such as GitHub allow you to post your code repository for the public which exposes you to potential employers.
Set up a LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is one of the largest online platforms for employers and employees to interact. Having a LinkedIn profile is key in building your credit in the industry. It shows prospective employers that you are working towards your career- and self-growth. In your profile, include all your courses, skills, and certifications acquired. Include your working experience, your passions and interests, and any projects in progress. Create a captivating profile that makes prospective employers desire to engage you more.
Connect and engage with other developers
According to the experts from dedicated .NET developers staffing company, Allshore, networking is key in any industry. Connect with other developers to get more knowledge and gain more grip in the industry. Networking communities such as open-source and Rails/Ruby can help you connect with other developers. Following common hashtags such as #rails and #ruby can also help build your network. Use them while tweeting. Such developers use the same hashtags in their tweets and comments which allow you to connect with them and benefit.
Engage your networks
Once you establish a connection with other developers, engage them by asking questions. Through the engagement, the developers can share their experiences with you. Their advice and recommendations can help you grow your career. You might also open a door to an opportunity by asking if they are hiring. Even when the opportunity is not advertised, try your luck.
Ask questions whenever you can
Fear is the greatest enemy of progress. Reach out to more experienced developers and ask relevant questions about your field. Do not be afraid to start a conversation with firms or developers that you want to work with. Boldly introduce yourself and give a summary of your skills and interests.
You can say, “I am a junior developer, with a great passion for web development. I am skilled in HTML/CSS, JavaScript, testing & debugging, and search engine optimization. I am a fast learner with great analytical, interpersonal, and responsive design skills.” At the end of the summary, pose a question, “Who in your firm can I talk to for an opportunity to work with your team?”
Taking this step shows that you are bold, skilled, and willing to learn and grow, which is all you need as a developer. It has worked for many people; it might as well land you an opportunity in a company you desire. Many firms hire junior developers with no work experience and continue to excel. Ensure you strategically position yourself for such an opportunity.Read more about: pagalworld
