This content originally appeared on Telerik Blogs and was authored by Leomaris Reyes
Hear one developer’s recommendations for landing that first tech job once you’re ready to finally dive into the field.
If you’ve decided to start your journey in technology, I understand how exciting and challenging the process of finding your first job in this field can be. I vividly remember when I got my first job in tech; the excitement I felt knowing that everything I had learned would finally be put into practice in a real company was indescribable.
It’s true that this process can be challenging, as many companies often require some level of experience, which can limit opportunities at this early stage. But don’t worry—I’d like to share my personal recommendations, some of which I’ve applied directly, and others I’ve picked up over the years through experience. I hope they help you in your first job search too. Let’s dive in!
1. Showcase Your Projects
Even if you don’t have formal work experience yet, showcasing your personal projects can make a big difference. When you’re learning to program, it’s common to build several projects to practice what you’ve learned, and this counts as experience too. These projects demonstrate to potential employers that you possess the skills they’re looking for.
I remember my first job interview—I had all my projects at hand and presented them to the interviewer. I asked for the chance to explain each one, and, to my surprise, the interviewer was genuinely impressed by what I had built. In fact, he even asked me several questions about them!
2. Use GitHub
As indicated in the previous point, showcasing your projects is important, but it’s much harder to do if they’re just sitting on your computer. By uploading them to a repository like GitHub, you not only make it easier for others to view your work, but you also demonstrate your understanding of Git and version control, which is a valuable skill in itself.
Make sure that all the projects you upload are well-documented so that anyone can understand them without needing extra context. This includes writing a clear and detailed README, where you explain the technologies used, provide screenshots of the final product, give instructions on how to run the project and show how the code follows best practices.
3. Consider an Internship
Internships are short-term work placements, often with little or no pay, that can offer valuable hands-on experience. For those starting out, internships can be a great way to gain work experience and enhance your job search. Depending on the company, some internships are paid, while others may cover expenses like transportation or meals. Even unpaid internships can be beneficial, as they integrate you into the team and allow you to work on real projects, usually for a defined period of time, such as a month or two.
A helpful tip: Some companies announce internship opportunities in internal newsletters, especially for family members of employees. This is more common in larger companies, so it’s worth keeping an eye on those avenues when looking for opportunities.
4. Contribute to Open-Source Projects
This is a great way to gain publicly demonstrable experience! Collaborating on open-source projects not only gives you hands-on experience, but also shows your ability to work within a community and indirectly on a team.
The code you write will be used by people around the world, highlighting your collaborative spirit and technical skills. Plus, it helps you expand your network and learn from more experienced developers.
How do you choose the right project to contribute to? Focus on projects that align with the type of work you are looking for. Find an open-source project that excites you, is relevant to your work goals and makes you really proud to say, “I contributed to that.” Aim for something you are passionate about and that resonates with the field you want to work in.
5. Pay Attention to Your CV
Nowadays, many companies use AI systems to screen resumes. If your CV isn’t structured in a way that AI can easily read, it might be automatically discarded, even if you’re the perfect fit for the job. So, what do I recommend?
- Highlight your key skills: Make it easy for AI (and hiring managers) to spot the technologies and tools you’re proficient in. Clearly list them in a dedicated section. Make sure to use specific keywords, like the technologies, programming languages and tools mentioned in the job descriptions.
- Add links: In the initial section where you list your role, include links to relevant profiles like your GitHub, personal blog or portfolio. This makes it easy for recruiters to see your work firsthand.
- Avoid complex formatting: Eliminate lines, columns and icons. AI systems often struggle with anything beyond simple, linear layouts.
- Include essential sections: There are key parts of your CV that should always be included—About Me, Education and Technologies—so the AI can understand the core aspects of your profile.
How Can You Optimize Your CV to Pass AI Screening?
To make your CV as AI-friendly as possible, you can use tools like ChatGPT for valuable feedback! Simply upload your CV and use a well-crafted prompt to optimize it for AI screening. Here’s an example of how you can interact with ChatGPT to assist you in this process:
“Please analyze my CV for a junior-level React frontend developer position. Focus on making it easy to read for AI systems that might be screening for specific technologies. Can you help ensure it’s properly structured, readable, and highlights the right skills for the job market?”
Important: While optimizing for AI is crucial, remember that your CV must also be 100% readable by humans. After all, the final decision is usually made by a person. Your CV needs to be clear and attractive to both AI and recruiters.
6. Keep Your LinkedIn Profile Up to Date
If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile yet, I highly recommend creating one! And if you already have one, make sure it’s always updated with your latest achievements and skills. Here are a few tips:
- Craft a precise “About” section: Write a clear, concise description of the role you’re targeting and highlight your top five tech skills. This helps recruiters quickly understand your expertise.
- Use the “Open to Work” feature: You can choose to make this visible to the public or only to recruiters. It’s a great way to signal that you’re actively seeking job opportunities.
- Showcase your certificates: Upload certificates or diplomas from completed courses to demonstrate your continued learning and officially validate your skills.
- Share your GitHub projects: Don’t forget to showcase your work! You can post about your GitHub projects or link them in your profile, giving potential employers direct access to your code and contributions.
7. Consider Starting a Blog
When I started my blog, I had already been working in the field for a while. However, I can confidently say that creating a blog is an excellent way to showcase your knowledge. In addition to technical skills, companies highly value communication skills. The ability to explain complex or technical concepts in a simple way reflects positively on your overall abilities.
You might be thinking, “I don’t have anything valuable to contribute, I’m just starting out.” But that’s not true! What you’ve learned during your studies can absolutely help others who are in the same position as you are now. Sharing your experiences and insights, no matter how small they may seem to you, can be incredibly valuable to someone else.
If you decide to start a blog, my advice is to set clear goals, be disciplined and, most importantly, stay consistent.
I’d like to share an article I wrote a while back: “Why Becoming a Blogger Helps You Grow in Your Career: My Personal Experience as a Xamarin Blogger.”
8. Join a Community
If you have the chance to join a ocmmunity, do it! Communities are amazing spaces where you can share knowledge, help others and connect with people who are on the same journey as you. Being part of a community will make you feel supported and give you a sense of belonging.
Don’t have a community in your area? Create one! This is your chance to inspire others and build something meaningful that brings people together.
9. Keep Learning and Upskilling
Keep your knowledge fresh and up to date. The tech world is constantly evolving, so don’t rely solely on that course you took a few weeks ago or that project you finished to practice. Always seek new learning opportunities—enroll in more courses, attend talks, join workshops and explore new tools and technologies. This continuous learning will help you strengthen your profile even more.
And remember, it’s not just about the technical skills. Soft skills are equally important and often overlooked. Being able to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively and build strong relationships with your team are crucial for long-term success in any job. Don’t make the mistake of neglecting them—work on improving both your technical and soft skills.
Wrapping Up
It’s been a pleasure to share my personal tips to help you make your job search more focused, organized and intentional. I truly hope you put them into practice and that they help you land that dream first job! ✨
Wishing you the best of luck in your journey—now go out there and make it happen!
See you soon!
This content originally appeared on Telerik Blogs and was authored by Leomaris Reyes
Leomaris Reyes | Sciencx (2024-12-19T16:03:45+00:00) Tips to Find Your First Job in Tech. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2024/12/19/tips-to-find-your-first-job-in-tech/
Please log in to upload a file.
There are no updates yet.
Click the Upload button above to add an update.