Techv: Web development blog

Check out TECHV,A popular web development blog in 2019 that will help you stay informed and become a better web developer.

How to make yourself stand out when it comes to applying for junior dev jobs?

Question:

I feel as if, and maybe this is just me, there isn't really much junior developer jobs out there. I would assume this is due to the fact that code camps have became pretty popular. This causes the supply to go up, therefore, decreasing the demand.

Now, I do believe I have a better advantage over camp graduates as I'm about to graduate with an associates degree in web development. But, to go back to my question. How could I stand out more and better my chances to land my first real developer job?

I've started using GitHub seriously. I've tailored my resume to fit job requirements, while being honest as to what I know at the same time. I also have a lot of projects, like websites and even a custom CMS I've built. Along with a few others like a simple chat app using socket.io and other projects.

The only thing I can think of that isn't helping me all that much is that I haven't completed my portfolio website. It's close, but not complete. And I know how stupid that sounds, because I know just how important it is. I've already figured that out and actually stopped applying to places until that's finished.

So, what are some useful tips and suggestions that could land me that first real job?

tldr: What are some ways to stand out as a junior dev when applying for a job?

 

Answer:

Not really, no. At least not compared to an actually good bootcamp: A three month intensive bootcamp drilling in the latest standards, tech and opening up industry connections is nothing to sniff at.

 

My tips:

  1. Portfolio website is super useful and understated by a number of devs I've encountered. It's good that you've figured this out on your own as it will definitely help you once yours is completed. Make sure it is clear, clean and responsive. I would forego too much visual complexity: long-winded animations designed to dazzle, extra features like canvases people can draw on - and focus instead on something consistent and to the point. Make sure, also, that the site is responsive. It's the first and easiest thing to test.
  2. Get someone else to read your CV, or read your CV out loud to yourself in front of the mirror. Not because a CV is meant to be read aloud, but because with any piece of writing it's easier to catch breaks in the flow/ weird diction that might make absorbing the information tricky.
  3. Ham up your projects over irrelevant experience.
  4. Make sure your projects are live and able to be interacted with. The difference between a github profile and a readme for the project vs a functioning example on heroku is night and day.
  5. Simple, functional projects are best because they quickly demonstrate what you can do. That said, if you have a particularly cool idea - especially one that helps people - then prioritise. It's up to you to balance your time.
  6. If you get an interview, research the hell out of the company/team. It will come up because it's such an easy way for the company to gauge a candidate's interest. Even something as simple as: what do you think we do here?