First month recap here
Just to give an update on how my job searching is going, since the last blog entry, I have applied for an additional 8 jobs. So that makes it a total of 16 jobs thus far.
So far no other interviews, and I have been rejected from 4 other companies that I applied to. The jobs that are highlighted with gray, are jobs I have not heard back from in over 2 weeks.
I have been attending meetups and networking with people who are in a similar situation as I am. Either transitioning careers or looking for their first tech job as well. Nice to know there are other people on the same journey as me.
I know getting your first tech job isn't easy. And there will be lots of No's before I get that one YES!. But what I am noticing, not many junior positions available. Even the jobs that are considered 'junior' or entry level require 3-4 years professional experience, and knowledge of about 10 frameworks and/or libraries! Another thing I am noticing, TypeScript is starting to become a common requirement now. And looks like jQuery is making a comeback at some companies as well. jQuery is pretty easy to pick up since it's basically like using JavaScript DOM. So after learning about React, it will be time to move on to learning TypeScript!
To those who read this, any advice is greatly appreciated! ☺️
Top comments (8)
Hello Chantae,
I totally feel you. I've been in the tech field for about two years, but I still get stressed out about thinking about applying to a new job in the tech field. My background was a little different, but my lack of 'tech' experience put me in the same position as you. I was a teacher for about 8 years and just got burnt out. I enrolled in a Coding Bootcamp, which at the time was incredibly refreshing, and I don't think I would be in the position I am without it, but you can learn all the stuff that I learned for a fraction of the cost by using resources like Udemy and other learning programs. Once my program was over I applied to hundreds of jobs, most of the time not hearing anything back. Unfortunately, a lot of employers overlook applications without any true tech experience, which makes sense, but it's incredibly discouraging to be on the receiving end of that. I reached a point where I didn't about the job requirements when applying to a job. If it was an entry level job that required 5 years of experience I applied to it. I went through that process for about 9 months. It sucked. Then out of no where I got a job offer, and then the following day I got another one. It was weird. Sorry for the long winded response, hear is my advice.
If someone offers you a job and it doesn't feel right, don't accept it. I accepted the job from the second offer, the first one didn't seem legit. It was one of those scammy companies that require you to train, but you may not get work.
Do your best to fill your portfolio with applications that solve a real world problem. I looked over your resume and some of the things you have on there may be too rudimentary for an employer. I would think of a problem in your current line of work and try to make an application that solves it. This type of project will take planning, critical thinking, and research to make. Do your best to use multiple technologies, and even better if you focus more on a Full Stack approach that showcases multiple types of skills. I know I learned most from my own development projects than all of the "How to" tutorial videos I watched.
Practice Algorithm questions. There are a lot of awesome coding principles that you learn through coding problems. I really like Advent of Code. The problems are complicated enough to test your skills, but you'll be able to find support if you need it.
Keep your head up. This phase is tough. Keep doing what you're doing here and networking. It'll pay off.
Hope this helps. Please feel free to ask questions if you have any.
Good luck.
Thank you so much Derek!
This is exactly why I have decided to blog about my job search so I can hear other points of view and receive advice.
Referring to point #2. Oh my! I never thought about my projects being rudimentary🙀. I honestly thought I was showcasing my JavaScript skills. And I was hoping that that was enough to at least get a junior developer job, since you can learn on the job. But I understand the point you're making. And that's the next thing, since I'm coming "late" to the game, seems like a lot of unique projects have been made already. That will be the toughest part, coming up with an idea.
Referring to point #3. I'm definitely going to practice algorithms. I know I need to do that now. That is why I am going back to Free Code Camp and reviewing the JavaScript curriculum since they prepare you to solve algorithms anyway. Because I tried solving algorithms on LeetCode and it was really hard for me. Even the easy ones!
Thank you so much for your feedback! All being said and done, I'll be wrapping up this last project I'm working on from The Odin Project, make a really nice portfolio( because I really want to make one lol) and THEN, figure out what my "show stopping" project will be. Or maybe even a game. But I'll figure out something.
Hi Chantae!
Thank you for sharing your journey. When I started looking for my first experience I applied even if I didn't meet all the things they were requiring. Most of the times they put a lot of things that are not actually 100% required and sadly sometimes they only change the title and don't notice that the description is not matching.
Another thing I did was use my portfolio as a way to display the things I knew. For example, if I had a Pokemon Project I added both the code link + the deployed site link and also a little explanation of the project.
The rest is a lot of patience. Keep on trying and sharing. Best of lucks
Thank you so much Silvia!
That's exactly what I plan on doing, creating a Portfolio. And you are absolutely right, everything is about having patience and never giving up!
Hi Chantae!
I feel you, I've been in your position before and it can be really frustrating being rejected so many times or not even being considered to at least try to prove our value. This industry can be really tough sometimes, and i really don't get some things nowadays, i've seen many companies requesting an insane skill set to hire someone or to at least being considered, it's kinda scary and intimidating.
As someone who has been around for 8 years in this industry and suffered rejection and even discrimination, here's my piece of advice to you:
Hoping this could be of help to you,
I wish you all the best.
Thank you, Yuli for tips!
I'm trying to keep up with the trends but there's so much! It's like when I start to learn one thing, something new has to pop up.
I'm trying my best not to have a burn out. When I'm feeling frustrated, I just take a day off but make sure I get right back to working on my project. And what also helps is working in smaller chunks.
I will definitely work on building a portfolio. Just wrapping up one small project right now. I'm also gonna have to learn algorithms. So I have a LOT to do right now.
And giving up is never an option! Yeah it will be hard, but someone will see my potential and give me a chance.
And thank again for the advice. Greatly appreciated!
Best of luck. And keep this great spirit 💪
Thank you! ☺️