I code mainly as a hobby and do some open source work, so no job search info. But this site is an interactive Git tutorial that awesome and free.

So how did you guys get your first developer job?

I got it essentially via networking.

How far along in your journey did you start applying?

I constantly applied, and did jobs relative to IT in the mean time, such as basic IT support.

I'm not expecting my first job to be anything spectacular.

I'd actually consider grabbing a generic tech job rather than focusing on only coding. Getting into tech doesn't mean you need to be a front-end developer, as this is a field that is easier to get into than other fields, but also very competitive job wise. Without a clear network to leverage, cold applying to jobs can easily leave you fighting for a single position against thousands of applicants.

Without the skills to stand out, you'll be lost to the crowd, which is probably what already happened with your referral.

That said, getting feedback on your current resume can help point you in the right direction to at least "see" what you'll need to learn to stand out and have a chance. So if you're told that your skills need work, then work on your skills.

Was a long time ago now (1995) when I was aged 19, so I'm not sure how relevant or useful this advice is...

I made a list of all IT related businesses within a certain radius of my home - and sent every single last one of them a letter introducing myself and asking if they would be interested to hire a young, enthusiastic programmer. I had no qualifications, and almost no professional experience (I had been paid for assisting in the conversion of some kids maths software from one platform to another when I was 16). I had taught myself programming from the age of 7.

I would say 80% of the companies didn't even respond, and most of those who did just sent a polite "thanks, but no thanks" letter. I did however, end up with about 4 interviews... one of which led me to join a small husband and wife software company who wrote desktop software (in VisualBasic) to assist with running warehouse businesses. From there, I never looked back... 😀

Networking is going to be crucial to landing your first job. If you can, try to attend developer Meetups around where you live (online or in-person) to make connections with other people. Check if there are any local Facebook or Discord groups for web developers as well. Also make sure to optimize your LinkedIn profile (linkedin.com/business/sales/blog/p...). There are also general tips on applying to jobs via LinkedIn that you can find online (example: if the job was posted by a recruiter or HR, message them in addition to applying online with a description on why you'd be a good fit for the role).

I think lack of Git skills is a bit nitpicky since that's a process that can be learned on the job (especially in terms of collaborating with teammates), but Github has free interactive courses: lab.github.com/

I took a look at your portfolio, and under the "My Work" section, I would switch the links on the images and the "Live Site" links. Make the main link go to your actual work, while the "challenge" should be a smaller link. Also putting your email on your site can opens the risk for getting spammed, so I would remove it or find a way to mask it (https://stackoverflow.com/questions/21421948/protect-e-mail-address-with-css-only?noredirect=1&lq=1)

Good luck!

Learned HTML CSS JS

Made 2 projects

Used a local job listing application

Fixed interview

Presented my projects in interview, employer impressed

Selected as a fresher web developer

🚩🚩🚩

You can try this 👍

Hi,
I could give you some feedback on your resume and projects.
Let me know if you want it privately or here:)

My first job was at an agency that did Wordpress development. I started applying as soon as I knew I wanted to be in this field, even though I really had a lot to learn. I still had a lot to learn on that first job, but I don't regret applying and starting the journey.

Went to a programming trade school for two years. My first boss was an alumni of the same school. Got the job through networking by one of the teachers.

I love how proactive you are and creating projects and writing posts, you should definitely keep this up!

I also shifted careers so totally can relate to how hard it can feel especially for the first job.

I didn't really network much (probably not a great move on my part) but continued applying to companies off linked in and grad programmes. I leveraged quite heavily off personal projects and hackathons I participated in. I did get a lot of rejections, but I ultimately got into a really good company.

Some advice that may be helpful:

1. I tried to figure out early the areas that I liked and wanted to focus on: I loved doing frontend, so I honed in on CSS/HTML/JS - it seems you might have the same interest areas so I highly recommend you continue to develop your skills in these areas. While it won't necessarily help you get in the door - it will make sure that you are ready when the opportunity comes.

2. Learning JavaScript in-depth is really important if you want to go into web-development: It can be daunting but if you chip away at it it will become familiar over time. Javascript.info (javascript.info/) is a great resource to start and building increasingly complex stuff with JS can really help hone your skills.

3. Learn a framework: I know this isn't the popular advice, but from my experience it is good to know a framework like React. The reasons are twofold - (1) realistically most companies use frameworks so knowing one helps on the CV, (2) by learning the framework you stumble upon and are forced to learn JavaScript concepts that may seem weird eg. JavaScript destructuring. I'd highly recommend React, just because it is the most popular framework, but Angular, Vue, or Svelte are all great alternatives.

4. Keep coding! You are doing the right thing with your projects - keep it up! Also highly recommend looking for hackathons (online or in person), volunteering or startup events where you could put your coding skills to use. You could also consider contributing to open source projects on github - if big stuff is daunting you could start with looking for issues in their docs such as their readme. These could be valuable things you could add on your CV

5. Be confident! The technology landscape changes so quickly that really all of us are learning - we are all in the same boat. It took me ages to realise this, but it really helps to know this and believe in yourself and your ability to learn and grow. The main thing is to keep your morale up and keep learning and putting the new learning into practice :)

6. Internship: I know it isn't the best option but finding a short-duration internship even unpaid could be a good way in. I did one really early on and it really helped me, both in terms of getting some programming experience on my CV but also getting me some solid experience that I could draw on going into my first full-time role

Hope this helps!

I learned on my own for about a half a year? Then I reached out to the local Facebook programmer community looking for a part time job or an internship. During the whole time I was a self-employed language teacher. One guy from a small company took me aboard and I got to spend about a month working on different projects. I had no idea what I was doing and people in the company had no time to invest in me. So I quit and started looking again using job portals. This time for a full time job. I fixed myself a portfolio page and tidied up my GitHub repos. I contacted around 30 companies in my city and went to approximately 15 interviews. I got two offers. One at a SaaS company similar to SAP one at an insurance company. I joined the SaaS, didn't like it and quit after a month. At this time I had no other income so I desperately contacted the insurance company. They took me in. And that was my first developer job.

Don't know if this counts as a job, but I just asked an organization that didn't have a website, to make one which I'm still working on. I didn't ask for them to pay me (nor did they offer) since it was my first kind of job and I mainly did it for the expirience, and to have something proffesional to show on my portfolio. This is almost 2 years after I originally started with web development.

I was a bit older than you when I firat started so I had some general work experience which helped me a lot, I think it makes you look a bit more professional if you just know how to be at a workplace. So taking some general IT job is probably the way to go.
I have some friends who started as an intern at some companies and later got hired, so that could also be a great starting point!

You'll get there, no worries. You're still young! Keep coding!

Wow sounds like a great company.

While at school (i was 16 in 2003) we created a freelance web studio with my mate and began to take local orders. Both of us were just a beginners that time, but improved skills very much indeed with a real projects

1. Get a sub to zerotomastery.io/ ( I think its $35 a month, but WELL worth it).
2. Complete the React developer course ( this will give you a really good portfolio project and needed skills
3. Read and do this: reddit.com/r/cscareerquestions/com... (Will be much easier when you have a new project to show off from your ZTM React course ).
4. Work through the advanced JavaScript course on ZTM (very good fundamental knowledge you'll need for career using JS)
5. Repeat step 3 till you get a job.

Its easy to get a dizzy head trying to figure out what you should learn and how to get a job. Once you find quality learning resources and a community (ZTM has all of these) then the road is much more clear.

Will internships work even though I graduated from college 6 years ago? As a matter of fact I'm hoping to get an apprenticeship or just get an entry level non-coding IT job. Eventually I'll get something. Just have to keep pushing forward and improving my skills.

Hi Chantae :)

I hope my insights will help you in some way.

My roadmap that landed me my 1st job as a frontend dev (1 year of learning)👇

Learned

1. HTML CSS
2. JavaScript (basics, nothing complex)
3. ReactJS (basics, nothing complex)

Built
🧑‍💻4 projects
👯1 was with a team of 4 devs using React&Firebase
🏆1 was for a Hackathon which won 2nd place

Pimped
💪GitHub Profile and CV

IMO you are good to go when you can say YES to all these points I have listed in my job-seeking list here.
You will also find useful tips on how to update your CV, which seems something you could need.

Wish you best of luck.

A university professor hired me and another classmate on the spot. He really neded people, we were just starting the 2nd year and he put us in charge of a project unrelated to the university.

Thank you. I'm looking forward to that day too when I can finally make a post about me getting my first job .

What resources did you utilize to generate that resume, and scroll style? Well done.
A pop of color might change perspective?

I got my first job/gig from Fiverr. I really suck at networking/socialising, I have no clue how to start a conversation with a stranger.