Over the past couple years, I've had the opportunity to coach quite a few aspiring developers. I'm going to start sharing some of the things I've learned in this capacity, since I think it could really help folks looking to start their career as a dev.
First up: enthusiasm.
First up: enthusiasm.
If you're looking for your first job as a developer, as a recent college/bootcamp grad or someome self-taught, one of the biggest assets you can bring is enthusiasm. You see this in a lot of corny job descriptions, talking about "hunger" (which always felt so primal/weird to me).
For non-college grads in particular, finding that first job can take ~1-2 months of pretty intense work. Lots of networking, cold emails, interview prep, portfolio development, all that stuff.
It can be draining, especially since it comes right after an intense bootcamp!
It can be draining, especially since it comes right after an intense bootcamp!
So the tricky thing is: How do you show genuine enthusiasm when you're 6 or 8 weeks into a job hunt that has been pretty exhausting?
I have a few thoughts!
I have a few thoughts!
First, nobody expects candidates to be enthusiastic about the job-hunt itself. You don't need to be starry-eyed about whiteboarding. What employers want to see is an enthusiasm for software development itself.
The easiest way to cultivate that enthusiasm is to take on a project that appeals to your interests. If you're really into yoga, make an app that tracks your yoga progress, or lets yoga practitioners share tips. Scratch your own itch, build something you wish existed.
When you talk about this project to your interviewer, they'll see that glint in your eyes. It sends such a strong signal to employers.
It can be hard to find the time to work on a project like this, but it's one of the highest-value things you can do with that time.
It can be hard to find the time to work on a project like this, but it's one of the highest-value things you can do with that time.
For example, many grads I've seen spend an hour or two a day filling in applications. They take a shotgun approach, blanketing applications to any opening they can find. This strategy _can_ work, but the returns are diminishing. I'd swap this approach for a passion project.
Ideally, the project itself will be engaging enough that it reminds you why you thought software development might be for you in the first place. But even if it doesn't, at least it'll be more fun than filling in application forms.
Another key part to keeping your spirits up in the job hunt: avoiding isolation. If you did a bootcamp, organize a coffee-and-code with your peers! If not, look for local meetups in your area, and make new friends in the industry. Volunteer as an instructor for intro workshops.
That last one—volunteering as an instructor for intro workshops—is huge. It reminds you how much you've learned, and gives you confidence. Plus it keeps you from feeling isolated, and builds your support network.
Another thing to keep in mind: the first job is the hardest to get. It gets so much easier after that. No matter your path, you've done the work of learning the fundamentals and making it this far. These are the last few steps before your career starts!
Hopefully this thread helps folks who are finding it hard to land that first gig. For currently-employed folks: what helped you keep your spirits up when you were in that position?
