How I Found My First Job as a Developer (and 5 More Ways)

Hey there! It's Alessio, and today, I want to talk about something many budding developers find daunting: landing that first job. Starting out in the tech world can feel like diving into the deep end, but fear not! I've been there, and I'm here to share my journey and some handy tips to help you along the way. So let's dive in! Why Become a Developer? Before we jump into job-hunting strategies, let's quickly revisit why becoming a developer is such a great choice: 1. Creativity: Building something from scratch, contributing to projects, and solving challenges—being a developer is like being a digital creator. Whether you are frontend backend or mobile, you have to find a creative way of solving your next task! 2. Good Pay: Sure, the starting salary might not be top-notch, but once you gain experience, sky's the limit. And job-hopping is great to get a better salary (but don't say anyone! 🤐). I know it's a sad thing, but it's the reality. Companies prefer to let you go and find another (expensive) developer. Because hiring great developers like you is very expensive. More than keeping your current employee onboard and happy. 3. Remote Opportunities: Remote work is the new norm, offering flexibility to work from anywhere, even from that cozy café down the street. I worked from Italy, Spain, the UK, Thailand, and Bali... How exciting it is? 4. High Demand: In today's digital age, every company needs a digital presence, and that's where you come in! Whether it's a landing page or a complex product, companies need developers to implement them. So, be prepared to be in the best industry! Job-Hunting Strategies Now, let's get down to business. Here are six ways to land your first gig: 1. Respond to Job Postings Scour job boards for openings that match your skills and interests. It worked for me—I landed my first job at a consultancy through a job listing! I was lucky. I arrived in Spain without speaking Spanish. I could find a job a couple of months later demonstrating my skills. I started to work for a big enterprise that understood my real value. And it's where I stayed for my first two years. 2. Network, Network, Network Don't underestimate the power of your network. Start tapping into your friends and family. For sure there is someone who works in this industry. If not, try LinkedIn connections, and even local developer groups. Referrals are golden! Don't be shy, ask and ask! 3. Explore Bootcamps Consider enrolling in a bootcamp to sharpen your skills and expand your network. Just make sure to choose one aligned with your career goals. Evaluate: - price (more expensive doesn't mean better) - technologies - and especially networking and connections! Ask around and check their reputation online. You will find the right one for you. 4. Showcase Your Portfolio Build a strong portfolio showcasing your projects and contributions. It's your digital resume and speaks volumes about your capabilities. How to do so? Contribute to open-source projects! There are so many on Github or just google them. And if you can't find the right one for you... what about creating one from scratch? 5. Attend Tech Events Attend tech events, hackathons, and meetups to connect with industry professionals and explore job opportunities. Plus, it's a great way to stay updated on industry trends. Asking around during these events will open new doors. And many developers earn referral fees for introductions. So, it's a win-win situation! 6. Cold Outreach Don't hesitate to reach out directly to companies you admire. Sometimes, a well-crafted email expressing your interest can open doors. Or even better: investigate if one company needs a piece of code (for example a plugin for a particular platform), develop it, and send it to them for free. They will be impressed! Final Thoughts Finding your first job as a developer may seem daunting, but with the right strategies and perseverance, you'll get there. Remember, every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. So keep coding, keep networking, and most importantly, keep believing in yourself. Your dream job is just around the corner! --- If you want to read more like this, join my newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newslet...