So you just graduated from college with a Computer Science degree and now you’re hitting the job market. What do you do next? Unless you live in one of the top 10 tech cities, finding a job as a software developer is going to be tricky. In fact, the demand for developers outstrips the supply by almost double. This article will give you an insider’s perspective on getting hired as a front end developer. We’ll talk about what makes someone great at their job as well as some tips on how to get that first front end developer job. The process isn’t easy, but it can be done with a little determination and grit.
What Makes a Great Front End Developer?
There’s no one-size-fits-all description of the best front end developer. Instead, you should strive to be the best version of yourself. To do this, you need to understand what differentiates a good developer from a great one. Here are some qualities that might help you get hired as a front end developer.
Passionate about technology – You should love solving problems relating to code. It’s a huge part of your life as a developer. You’ll need to be constantly learning and improving your skills in order to thrive in the job.
Problem-solver – A good developer is always aware of the end goal and works backwards to find the best way to get the job done.
Strong communication skills – You don’t just have to be able to code. You have to be able to work with your teammates and clients. That’s where your communication skills come in.
General computer knowledge – It’s important to know how the computer works as well as how all the different parts of your development environment fit together.
Networking is your key to finding a job as a developer
The best way to find a job as a developer is by networking. You might think that posting your resume online, submitting it to job boards, and waiting for an offer is the best way to go. But don’t forget how many students before you have gotten their jobs. Networking is the most effective way to find a job as a developer. There are 2 ways to go about networking: in person and online. In person networking is great for getting in touch with recruiters and hiring managers. You can attend meetups and conferences related to tech and find out how to make yourself more hireable. Online networking is a great way to get in touch with developers in your area that might have connections to companies that are hiring developers. You can use sites like LinkedIn and Meetup.com to find groups related to code and development.
Get Familiar with Recruiting Tools
One of the best ways to get hired as a developer is by leveraging online recruiting tools. There are a number of sites that connect employers with developers. Some of the more popular ones include – Indeed – Glassdoor – SimplyHired – Indeed Prime – Seniority – Indeed is the most popular job board out there. It’s a great place to find entry-level jobs and get your name out there. Glassdoor is a site that helps people find jobs and make more money in the process. It’s best for someone with 2 or 3 years of experience. SimplyHired is a good way to find high-paying jobs in your area. Prime is Amazon’s recruiting site that focuses on finding top-talent. Seniority is an up and coming recruiting platform.
Create a Portfolio Website
It’s important to have a portfolio website with examples of your work. It doesn’t have to be fancy. You can find open source projects and include them on your website. This is a great way to land your first job. You’ll probably have to apply to some low-paying jobs in your area. Again, you’ll have to be patient while you find that first job. Your portfolio website is the first step to finding your first job. Keep in mind that you’ll also have to build a resume that shows off your work and skills.
Build and Share Open-Source Software
The best way to show off your skills as a developer is by building open-source software. You can gain a lot of experience working on open-source projects. You get to learn new skills and show potential employers that you’re willing to put in the effort. Some of the best open-source projects to work on are – Babel – Gatsby – Meteor – Next.js – Preact – React – React Native – Vue.js – Webpack The best way to find an open-source project to work on is by going to websites like GitHub and finding a project you like. You can also find a project that needs some help and offer your services.
Develop Your Technical Skills
Nothing will help you get hired more than being proficient in the latest programming languages and tools. The best way to get better at programming is to keep learning. Learning new things helps you understand the old things better. There are a number of ways you can keep learning and improving your skills.
- Here are some ideas
- Join a local meetup related to code and development
- Attend hackathons
- Join a coding challenge
- Read blogs and books related to code and development
Get involved in open-source projects Learning isn’t easy, but it’s the best way to improve yourself as a developer and find that first job.
Conclusion
There are a number of ways you can find jobs as a developer. The best way is by networking. You can also connect with employers online through recruiting tools. The best way to show off your skills is by building and contributing to open-source software. Make sure you keep learning and improving your technical skills to stay ahead of the curve. If you follow these tips, you’ll find a job as a front end developer in no time.