The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for software developers is going to grow by 22% by 2030, which is much faster than average. That means getting gainful employment in this industry won’t be difficult, but it will be nearly impossible without help.
How to Get Your First Job as a Software Developer
Most companies need software developers to use programming languages and their expertise to create and update code for projects.
Here’s how you snag your first job in this industry.
Step 1: Taking a Self-Paced Course Online
You don’t need a degree to become a software developer. In fact, millions of developers start off their careers by taking classes online. For example, you can become a certified programmer in Java by taking a self-paced course online with Dooey and other eLearning platforms.
Software developers typically learn back-end coding languages like Java, Python, C++, and Scala, but you can expand your knowledge by learning front-end coding languages, too.
Step 2: Make an Impressive Portfolio
Whether you graduated from college or took the self-learning route, you need a portfolio. Your portfolio doesn’t have to include completed or perfect projects; they should just show you’ve made progress. It’s okay to dabble into generative AI, even when you’re just learning.
Your portfolio should reflect the job you’re applying for. So, if the job posting wants candidates to know how to use React, you should include at least one React app in your portfolio examples.
Step 3: Prepare for Technical Tests
Technical interviews are a common sight in software development, but you may run into trouble if you aren’t used to thinking out loud. Purchase a whiteboard and take a few practice tests you find online and try to talk your way through the steps, as this helps the interviewer follow you.
If they don’t ask you to write on a whiteboard, they’ll always ask you technical questions about your profession. For example, they may ask you how you implement your error handling.
Step 4: Write a Resume and Cover Letter
You should write a targeted/unique resume and cover letter for every company you apply to. Generic resumes and cover letters often get rejected immediately because they aren’t tailored to the job posting. Your cover letter should explain why you want to work for a specific company.
When writing your resume, highlight the most relevant skills and technical aspects of your previous jobs. Make sure you place your portfolio before your resume and cover letter.
Step 5: Start Networking in Your Industry
Getting a job can be difficult without networking, as employers prefer to hire people they already know. If you’re a bit more extroverted, you can go to in-person meetups and job fairs to mingle with industry professionals. If you’re introverted, join a LinkedIn Group for software developers.
You can even find success by using Slack, going to lectures, attending alumni events, taking a professional development class, volunteering, or staying active in a civic organization.
Step 6: Define Where You Want to Work
The job market belongs to the workers, so you’re free to decide who you want to work for and where you want to work. While this step can be done before your job search, you should at least know what type of company culture or employer you want to work for before you start applying.
Make a list of priorities for your new career, such as a good work-life balance, career growth, and the ability to tackle challenges, as it will help you stay in charge of your job hunt.
