Entering the job market as a new Software Engineer can be challenging. Here are some job search tips for new software engineers.
Take LinkedIn Seriously
Fill out your LinkedIn profile as best you can.
I have applied directly to many jobs outside of LinkedIn. However, all the jobs I have received and accepted so far, except one, originated from my LinkedIn profile.
Avoid Consulting Companies
For your first job, avoid consulting companies if you can. Get a job at a company that is building and selling its own software products.
Many consulting companies move people between customer projects frequently. This project instability often creates an unfavorable environment for mentorship and skill/career growth.
Consider Lesser-Known Companies
Do not limit your job search to well-known multinational companies.
Many lesser-known software companies do great software engineering work and provide fair compensation. Be on the lookout for these hidden gems.
Learn Python
Learn Python, particularly for coding interviews.
Many interviewers understand Python’s relatively simple syntax. With Python, you can get more done in less time and with fewer keystrokes compared to programming languages like Java and C/C++. The time savings add up quickly in a coding interview.
There are many more useful tips that may improve your job search experience. However, the four tips in this post are some important things to consider as you begin your job search.
Top comments (3)
Should you produce content on LinkedIn? Or is applying and perfecting your profil enough?
Filling out your LinkedIn profile in a way that amplifies your skills and best qualities is most important. This should be the focus for people who are new to the field, or people with only a couple of years of experience.
Producing content on LinkedIn and other platforms becomes important and useful once you have established some credibility in the field. Some markers of credibility include completed or active projects (open source or otherwise), years of experience, and/or a track record of working with or building reputable companies.
Applying should more than suffice but I think you would have more success if you were posting content on there. My job profile and work opportunities increased when I started to cross post my content on Twitter and LinkedIn so there is value in doing it.