Hiya!
To whom may read this, I would really love to have your advice.
I am constantly working on honing my development skills in everyway I can. I believe in learning as much as I can and always tried to find out how things work from toddler days to now...the reason I fell for software engineering. Creating is in my heart.
I took some time away from school and decided while I’m out I would just build out applications and learn as much as I can. While in school I worked various part time jobs across different fields in order to work with different people across different backgrounds as well as to stay financially afloat as I live in NYC [Which Is Expensive AF!].
But even with a background that contains knowledge of business, college experience, community support, and high communication skills in writing, speaking and most of all listening, I do not meet the needs of any job I apply to.
I have a portfolio (https://kappalucky.github.io),
and a resume, which is the same information listed on my LinkedIn (https://linkedin.com/in/kappalucky), but still denied from jobs that ask for 0 years of experience.
What do you guys think would help in making me more favorable to hiring managers?
Or should I focus on my own developments and just reconsider attempting to work within this field?
Top comments (8)
If you live in NY city, you are going to have more competition for the jobs you want. I have many friends here in Canada who moved to one of our biggest cities - Toronto - and have the same problem. People move to big cities chasing their dream career, and end up working just any job to make ends meet.
High-density 'popular' cities with high cost of living.... there is just so much competition for the good jobs.
You might want to consider being willing to move to a smaller city for the right job. Especially if a few years out of school you are still in the same situation.
⬆ This!
Many (or some) company owners would love to relocate to cheaper cities but they face the problem of the lack of talent. Trying to find a job in a city that is not a "technology hub" may not be a bad idea. Specialy if you value quality of life over gross salary.
:)
It doesn't always mean making less - often the drop in cost of living balances out. Ex a $300k home in my city is 1.5 million in Toronto. Yikes.
I appreciate the words guys, I’m actually looking into that. If it comes down to it I may move back to Barbados where I’m originally from. Or give another city/town in the East coast a try. Thank you.
Hi Shaquille,
I looked at your portfolio site and it looks great.
The only comment I can give you is to keep it up. Definitely finish school. I was never able to get a CS degree and there are days I wish I had it. If anything, the letters of your degree give you credibility.
Somehow, having a BFA in studio art does little to convince anyone of my skill set.
Like you, I'm largely self taught, driven and love to learn. Those are the requirements for success. Being open to possibilities also plays a role as well.
I wish you the best of luck in your career.
Regards.
Jason
Hi Jason,
I appreciate your words of encouragement, definitely needed for this catch 22 I’m currently in. I’m going to keep fighting through and will push to go back to school as soon as i can.
Thank you,
Shaquille
Hi Shaquille,
Your portfolio looks really great! I'm not a developer, so I won't elaborate upon the importance of a CS degree. But I took a peek at your LinkedIn profile, and I want to give you a piece of resume advice. When writing about your previous experience, don't concentrate on describing duties: use active words instead. For example, 'created a photo album of the [EVENT TITLE] for the [WEBSITE TITLE AND LINK]', 'improved UI of the [WEBSITE], which resulted in an x% conversion increase'. Trust me: that will make your resume stand out.
If needed, you can upload your resume here to check its general score (that's free). Then you will know how does your resume impress on recruiters. Good luck!
Thank you Andrew,
I’ll be sure to make use of your recommendations. I truly appreciate the response and input.