Finding your first developer job can be daunting, especially if you switch careers after years in another field or fresh out of school. Where do you even begin? How do you choose which roles to apply for, and how do you stand out to potential employers? The path can feel overwhelming, especially in today's competitive market. But with the right mindset and strategies, you can navigate the process effectively and land that first role.
Recognize the Market and Control What You Can
The job market is tough, especially for junior developers. It has been challenging for the last five years or so, and many argue that it's become even harder recently, particularly for junior positions. When companies are downsizing or pausing their hiring plans, junior roles are often affected first. The reality is that we can't change the market. But you can control how you respond to it.
Focus on what's within your power. Don't burn yourself out by applying to every role in sight without a plan—pace yourself. The right position might open up at a later time, and you need to stay ready. Burnout doesn't just make it harder to keep applying; it can lead to desperation, which employers can often sense. Instead, set yourself up for long-term persistence. Your job right now is to stay in the game and keep showing up.
The Cover Letter Matters
Many juniors overlook the importance of a well-crafted cover letter when it comes to applications. It's not just about listing skills—connecting with the person reading it. Understand that the size of the company you're applying to can affect what your cover letter needs to convey.
When applying to larger companies, an HR or "People" team member is often the first person to read your application. They may not be technical, so structure and clarity are essential. They'll be looking for keywords that match the job description and want to ensure you meet every requirement. Smaller companies, however, might have someone closer to the development team reading it—maybe even the team lead. This is your chance to get personal and let your personality shine through. Don't be afraid to tell a story about why you're passionate about their company or the role. Let them remember you beyond just your skills.
Play to Your Strengths in the Resume
Your resume should be concise and targeted. Think of every inch of that document as prime real estate. Too often, junior developers feel they need to include everything they've ever done—every job, every course, every skill, regardless of relevance. This, in our opinion, is a mistake. Your resume should be a story about you as a developer—your projects, skills, and experience. If you worked in a non-technical role before, only include it if it highlights something relevant, like leadership or communication skills.
For junior developers, projects can be as impactful as work experience. Include the projects you've worked on and emphasize what made them interesting or enjoyable. Highlight what you learned, any challenges you overcame, and how they helped you grow as a developer. Smaller companies might not require a cover letter, so it can help to include a short paragraph at the top of your resume explaining who you are, why you're applying, and why they should talk to you. Remember, it's about impact—not fluff.
The Power of Personal Projects
Personal projects can be a game-changer if you need help getting traction in the job market. They serve as both a learning opportunity and proof of your skills. Set aside time to work on individual projects alongside job hunting—balance your schedule so you can not just focus on applications. These projects don't need to be revolutionary; they just need to demonstrate your technical skills and ability to learn new things. Post your work on GitHub or Bitbucket, and make it clear that you're experimenting, learning, and refining your craft.
Employers understand that junior developers are still developing their skills, but seeing evidence of progress is critical. Seeing you take the initiative to learn something new or solve a small but practical problem is more valuable than claiming proficiency without proof. Working on projects can also serve as a bridge to connect with others—consider finding peers at your level to collaborate with. Working with others gives you experience with tools like version control, code reviews, and teamwork—crucial skills that mirror what happens in professional settings.
Finding a Mentor—Even Without Regular Access to Senior Developers
One of the fastest ways to grow as a developer is by learning from those with more experience. But what if you don't have regular access to senior developers? You still have options for finding mentorship. Get involved in open-source communities, attend meetups, or reach out to developers you admire on Twitter. You'd be surprised how often someone is happy to lend a hand, even if it's just offering a brief note of advice or pointing you in the right direction.
Whether in-person or online, networking can provide opportunities you won't find by applying through job boards. If you're in a city with developer meetups, attend them regularly. If that's not an option, look for virtual events or join Slack or Discord communities. Specific networks like "100Devs" also cater to beginners and can be a great way to find like-minded peers to learn and grow with.
Make Sure Your Online Presence Reflects You
Your LinkedIn and GitHub profiles are your public resume. It's never been easier to apply to multiple jobs, but that means the first impression most employers will have of you is online. Your LinkedIn should tell a story that goes beyond the job titles. Talk about why you want to be a developer, highlight the skills you're passionate about, and ensure any non-technical jobs you include add value by demonstrating qualities like persistence or problem-solving.
Your GitHub (or other repository) should be active and public. Again, it doesn't have to be perfect—employers aren't expecting masterpiece projects from juniors. They're looking for signs that you've been learning, know how to solve problems, and have made an effort to share your progress.
Work Together—And Show It Off
Employers want to see that you know how to work well with others. Whether through pair programming, working on a group project, or just collaborating on a small script, demonstrating that you've engaged with other developers is valuable. If you can work well with a group on a side project, you'll likely adapt to teamwork in a professional environment, too. Look for opportunities to collaborate—whether with peers at your level, through open source, or in online coding communities.
The process of building something with others—handling pull requests and giving and receiving feedback—mimics the real-world work environment. It's also a great confidence booster. Even if you're working with people at your level, seeing progress come together as a team helps prepare you for professional settings.
Make Real Connections—Without Overstepping
When applying to a company, don't stop at just submitting your resume. Take a moment to see if you can connect with people who already work there. It could be as simple as reaching out on LinkedIn to say you're excited about the role and would love to hear more about the company from someone on the inside. Personal connections can make a big difference in getting your resume noticed.
However, there's a fine line between proactive and pushy. Reach out once and make your case, but know when to step back if you don't get a response. People are busy, and a polite, non-intrusive approach will always leave a better impression than relentless follow-ups.
Stop Mass-Submitting—Start Focusing
It's tempting to apply for as many jobs as possible, especially when hitting "submit" on LinkedIn is so incredibly easy. But a spray-and-pray approach isn't always the best tactic. Instead of applying to hundreds of jobs with generic applications, focus your efforts on a smaller list of companies you genuinely want to work for. Take the time to research them, craft tailored cover letters, and consider reaching out personally. Quality often wins over quantity, especially in a competitive market.
Conclusion: Stay Persistent, Stay Open, Stay Ready
Finding your first developer job is a journey that takes persistence, effort, and a little creativity. The market is challenging, but focusing on what's within your control—creating great job applications, networking meaningfully, building and sharing projects—can make a real difference. Stay open to new opportunities, keep learning, and take every setback as a chance to refine your approach.
The goal isn't just to get any job—it's to find the right start to your development career. Keep at it, stay motivated, and soon enough, you'll land that first role.