Thread by @jangiacomelli

Don't know how to land your first tech job?

It's not easy but it's possible

🧵This is how I did it👇

#100daysOfCode #100daysOfMLCode

It was starting my master's at university in electrical engineering.

For some reason, I decided to try to get a job as a software engineer to increase my income.

I knew how to program in Matlab & C. It was enough to pass exams but not enough to build a project from scratch.

I decided to learn the basics of Javascript, PHP, and Laravel.

I built a couple of small and simple projects (e.g. web page for my band with Laravel).

I searched for open positions in my town. I didn't meet more than 25% of the requirements for any of them.

I felt miserable but I applied to 10 of them.

I sent my CV (which was quite empty at that point) and a cover letter.

CV was the same for all applications.

I wrote a different cover letter for each position.

It took 3 days to receive the first invitation to the interview.

I went to the interview.

A guy asked me what do I now/show him.

I showed my projects and he liked them.

He asked me a bit about me and my master's studies.

I told him that I can work around 35 hours per week and still finish my exams.

He said they'll contact me if they decide for me.

After 5 days I received an email when can I start.

I must admit I was lucky.

Out of 10 applications I received 3 answers in total.

I also received 1 rejection (after 1 month) and another interview invitation (after 3 weeks).

After 1 year at the company, I asked the guy who interviewed me why did they go with me.

Answer:
* well-written email
* well-written cover letter
* done projects which I showed (although they were stupid and simple)
* confidence while talking
* honesty (knowledge, hours/week)

To sum up:

* build projects
* apply even if you don't know all the technologies
* put effort into CV and cover letter (different for each application; research company and their products)
* be honest
* be confident