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How to Get a Developer Job – Even in This Economy [Full Course]

freeCodeCamp.org・2 minutes read

Lane Wagner's course for self-taught developers focuses on job search strategies, resumes, networking, and project portfolios to increase chances of landing a programming job. This comprehensive course offers tactics to maximize securing a first programming job and emphasizes the importance of showcasing skills effectively to potential employers.

Insights

  • Lane Wagner, a popular course creator, emphasizes the importance of a strong resume, GitHub, LinkedIn, and personal projects to increase chances of landing a programming job.
  • The course tailored for self-taught developers offers tactics and strategies to maximize the likelihood of securing a first programming job, covering job search strategies, resumes, networking, and interviewing.
  • Building a standout portfolio project is crucial for job seekers, especially those without prior work experience, as it serves as evidence of coding skills and competence.
  • Open source projects accelerate learning, create connections, and provide tangible evidence of coding skills on a resume.
  • Pity-based job-seeking strategies, like sharing sob stories, are ineffective and may harm one's chances by conveying negative social proof to hiring managers.
  • Building a library is recommended to stand out in applications, especially for backend developers, showcasing unique skills and design abilities effectively.
  • Soft skills, like remembering names and good communication, are essential in interviews and professional settings, as employers prioritize a candidate's ability to learn, work with a team, and deliver results over formal education or technical skills.

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Recent questions

  • How can I increase my chances of landing a programming job?

    By focusing on a strong resume, GitHub, LinkedIn, and personal projects, you can stand out in a competitive job market. It's essential to have a standout portfolio project that showcases your skills and achievements, especially if you lack prior work experience. Choose unique and interesting project ideas that solve real problems and spark interest in potential employers. Balancing your time between learning, building projects, and applying/networking can enhance your employability. Additionally, consider building a library or a command line tool to showcase your coding skills effectively.

  • What are the key components of a successful resume for a programming job?

    A successful resume for a programming job should mirror the specificity and detail of your LinkedIn profile. It should emphasize achievements and specific contributions in previous roles, focusing on showcasing strengths rather than weaknesses. Structure your resume like a landing page, with key information at the top, including contact info, an about me section, skills, and portfolio projects. Ensure your contact info includes phone number, email, GitHub, and LinkedIn links. Tailor the skills and technologies section to match job requirements, emphasizing keywords for automated resume scanning. Project descriptions should include project name, link, short description, tech stack, and technologies used, limiting to two projects for clarity.

  • How can I effectively network within the tech industry for job opportunities?

    Effective networking within the tech industry involves engaging genuinely with people online, offering help, and attending meetups consistently. Building relationships through learning and attending events can lead to unexpected job opportunities. Attend local meetups regularly to expand your network and engage with industry professionals. Consider participating in hackathons, mapping out upcoming tech events, and attending tech events in larger cities for career advancement. Networking in official tech community communities and local Slack or Discord communities can be more beneficial for job networking than social media. Remember to focus on building genuine relationships through warm interactions and providing value in developer communities for long-term job opportunities.

  • What are some strategies for successful job interviews in the tech industry?

    To succeed in job interviews in the tech industry, prepare by practicing different types of interviews through multiple sessions. Companies like Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Google, Netflix (FAANG) focus on live coding exercises and algorithmic challenges, while smaller companies prioritize practical problem-solving skills. Collaboration during technical interviews is crucial, with candidates encouraged to ask follow-up questions and seek feedback. Communicate your thought process during coding interviews to enhance communication and showcase problem-solving skills. Demonstrating consideration of edge cases and effective communication skills, including asking questions and using inclusive language, are vital for success as a developer. Remember to research the company, understand the technologies mentioned in the job description, and practice interviewing for improved communication skills.

  • How can I enhance my GitHub and LinkedIn profiles for better job prospects?

    Enhancing your GitHub and LinkedIn profiles for better job prospects involves updating your full name on GitHub to match your resume and choosing a tame username. Add a quick bio on GitHub to showcase your personality and interests in development. Utilize the Profile README feature on GitHub to create a unique and engaging introduction. Pin repositories on GitHub, focusing on quality over quantity and showcasing projects you're proud of. Ensure your LinkedIn profile has a good profile picture, a banner image, and accurate location information. The about section on LinkedIn should be concise, highlighting your main programming languages and interests. Include non-programming work experience, self-taught courses, and projects from GitHub in the project section on LinkedIn. Remember to avoid cold connecting with people on LinkedIn and focus on building a meaningful network for job opportunities.

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Summary

00:00

"Programming Job Success: Lane Wagner's Course"

  • Lane Wagner, a popular course creator, is teaching a course tailored for self-taught developers on finding programming jobs.
  • The course covers job search strategies, resumes, networking, interviewing, and more to help stand out in a competitive job market.
  • It emphasizes the importance of having a strong resume, GitHub, LinkedIn, and personal projects to increase chances of landing a programming job.
  • The course offers tactics and strategies to maximize the likelihood of securing a first programming job.
  • Lane Wagner, the course instructor, has over 10 years of software development experience and has worked as a hiring manager for three years.
  • The course includes insights from industry experts and references Quincy Larson's book "How to Learn to Code and Get a Developer Job."
  • The course is hands-on, focusing on updating resumes, social profiles, and project documentation without actual coding.
  • Learners are advised to pace themselves through the course, with resources available on boot.dev for additional support.
  • The course is part of a backend developer career path on boot.dev, offering a comprehensive learning journey.
  • Learners are encouraged to balance their time between learning and building projects and applying and networking to enhance employability.

14:26

"Standout Projects: Key to Job Success"

  • The doctor focuses on identifying individual heartbeats in a graph, distinguishing between the signal (clear heartbeats) and noise (small fluctuations).
  • Analogously, job seekers should aim to provide clear signals of their skills and achievements to potential employers amidst the noise of numerous applications.
  • Open source projects accelerate learning and create connections, serving as tangible evidence of coding skills on a resume.
  • Pity-based job-seeking strategies, like sharing sob stories, are ineffective and may even harm one's chances by conveying negative social proof to hiring managers.
  • Confidence and a strong portfolio project are crucial for job applications, as employers seek candidates who exude value and competence.
  • A standout portfolio project is essential for job seekers without prior work experience, as it acts as a substitute for professional background.
  • Choosing a unique and interesting project idea is vital, avoiding common projects like clones or basic applications.
  • Projects that solve real problems, are unique, and spark interest are more likely to catch the attention of potential employers.
  • The project should be substantial enough to require solving technical challenges, fostering engaging conversations during interviews.
  • Different types of projects, such as libraries for backend developers, can showcase coding skills and design abilities effectively to potential employers.

28:07

Memory-efficient Go library enhances project portfolios.

  • The library discussed offers a memory-efficient alternative to the standard time.time type in Go, using only four bytes of memory compared to the standard 24 bytes.
  • This library can represent timestamps from 1970 up to 21.06, providing a significant reduction in memory usage.
  • Despite the memory-saving benefits, the library maintains compatibility with the standard time.time API, offering the same functions and methods.
  • Building a library is recommended as a way to stand out in applications, especially since many applicants focus solely on building applications.
  • For those interested in backend or data-related positions, creating a command line tool is suggested to avoid the complexities of web development and showcase unique skills.
  • Emphasizing the importance of project selection, it's advised to choose projects that stand out and have interesting titles for portfolio enhancement.
  • Project-based learning is highlighted as a crucial method for personal growth and networking within the industry, emphasizing the importance of setting specific and achievable goals.
  • The significance of documenting projects through a detailed readme is stressed, outlining key sections such as title, description, motivation, installation instructions, usage guide, and contribution guidelines.
  • The importance of confidence in presenting one's work is discussed, with a focus on avoiding downplaying projects with words like "just" or "toy" in titles and descriptions.
  • Confidence in discussing one's achievements is encouraged, especially in the context of transitioning to a new field or starting from scratch, with an emphasis on practicing self-assured communication.

41:15

"Boosting Developer Confidence Through Effective Projects"

  • Running a discord community called Learn, Build, Teach, focusing on learning, building, and teaching in the developer community.
  • Hosting an event called Wends of the Week every Friday to celebrate personal wins and reflect on achievements.
  • Emphasizing the importance of appreciating one's learning, building, and teaching efforts to boost self-confidence and interview performance.
  • Highlighting the significance of creating compelling titles and descriptions for portfolio projects to maintain hiring manager interest.
  • Advocating for a strong "why" section in project descriptions to explain the project's purpose and inspiration.
  • Providing examples of effective motivation sections from projects like HTMX and Python WebSockets.
  • Stressing the importance of a concise and informative quick start section in project readmes for easy usage demonstration.
  • Suggesting hosting web apps online for simpler quick start sections, with examples from projects like Discord Go.
  • Differentiating the usage section from the quick start by showcasing advanced features and options of the project.
  • Discussing the contributing section's role in encouraging contributions and guiding readers on how to engage with the project technically.

54:49

Optimize GitHub and LinkedIn Profiles for Success

  • Take time to get a good photo for your GitHub and LinkedIn profiles, ensuring it's high quality and shows you smiling.
  • Avoid using favorite anime characters or unprofessional photos; opt for a picture of yourself.
  • Update your full name on GitHub to match your resume, ensuring it's professional and not a joke or gamer tag.
  • Choose a tame username for GitHub, ideally your first name followed by your last name.
  • Add a quick bio on GitHub, showcasing your personality and interests in development.
  • Link your organization and location on GitHub, especially if you're from a tech hub, to highlight your location.
  • Utilize the Profile README feature on GitHub by creating a repository with the same name as your username to showcase an introduction.
  • Craft a unique and engaging introduction on GitHub, sharing your story and opinions in a non-generic manner.
  • Pin repositories on GitHub, prioritizing quality over quantity and showcasing projects you're proud of.
  • Consider your GitHub heat map and stars, but remember they are not crucial for job success; focus on quality contributions and projects.

01:07:50

Optimizing LinkedIn and GitHub for Job Search

  • Hiring managers and engineers in the later stages of the application process are likely to check out your GitHub more than your LinkedIn profile.
  • LinkedIn profile should have a good profile picture, a banner image, and accurate location information.
  • The about section on LinkedIn should be concise, highlighting your main programming languages and interests.
  • Including non-programming work experience on LinkedIn can demonstrate professionalism and work ethic.
  • The education section on LinkedIn can include self-taught courses like Free Code Camp or boot camps.
  • Projects from GitHub can be added to the project section on LinkedIn for non-developers to view.
  • Avoid cold connecting with people on LinkedIn and focus on building a meaningful network.
  • Emphasize tech-adjacent experience on LinkedIn by highlighting any coding or technical tasks performed.
  • Be specific and detailed in describing your experience on LinkedIn, focusing on specific technologies and achievements.
  • Resumes should mirror the specificity and detail of LinkedIn profiles, emphasizing achievements and specific contributions in previous roles.

01:21:02

"Optimize LinkedIn and resume for job search"

  • LinkedIn profile updates should mirror resume updates
  • LinkedIn profile is a web form version of a resume
  • LinkedIn is parsed by LinkedIn and can surface candidates for jobs
  • Use Google Docs for resume editing and sharing for easy feedback
  • Send resumes to employers as PDFs for better compatibility
  • Make resumes visually appealing to stand out
  • Use unique templates to make resumes visually distinct
  • Structure resumes like a landing page, with key info at the top
  • Include contact info, about me section, skills, and portfolio projects
  • Ensure contact info includes phone number, email, GitHub, and LinkedIn links

01:34:12

Transitioning to Back-End Web Development with Go

  • Writing code can lead to better career opportunities, especially when mentioning automating daily tasks.
  • Having completed rigorous online CS courses and built several large projects, transitioning to back-end web development is the next step.
  • Initially coding as a hobby for D&D campaigns, a shift to a career path occurred after realizing talent post-waiter experience.
  • Enjoyment in web development sparked after creating a notable capstone project, signaling readiness for a full-time software engineering career.
  • Transitioning from React/Next.js to Go due to a consolidated tool chain preference, showcasing tech opinions and experience.
  • Seeking a back-end web development role, particularly in Go, with a preference for startup environments for quick impact.
  • Skills and technologies section should focus on relevant technologies used in development, avoiding basic web app mentions like Microsoft Word.
  • Avoid quantifying skills and technologies, instead listing them straightforwardly without comparisons or ratings.
  • Tailoring skills and technologies section to match job requirements, emphasizing keywords for automated resume scanning.
  • Project descriptions on the resume should include project name, link, short description, tech stack, and technologies used, with a limit of two projects for clarity.

01:47:18

"Maximize resume strengths, apply strategically for jobs"

  • To enhance your resume, focus on showcasing strengths rather than weaknesses to potential employers.
  • Prioritize transparency in your resume to present yourself in the best light without lying.
  • Prepare for job applications by setting a weekly goal of applying to 20-25 jobs, spending no more than 1-2 hours daily.
  • Avoid procrastination and imposter syndrome by starting the job application process promptly.
  • Consider applying to various platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and AngelList, but be aware of high competition.
  • Explore local job opportunities to reduce competition and potentially meet company employees in person.
  • Utilize company websites to apply directly, potentially fast-tracking your application process.
  • Explore niche job boards like Remote OK, Golang Cafe, and WeWork Remotely for lower competition.
  • Engage with Hacker News' monthly "who's hiring" thread for unique job opportunities.
  • Remember that non-tech companies also hire developers, offering valuable entry-level opportunities.

02:00:22

Navigating Tech Job Market: Networking Tips

  • Companies in local areas may not advertise job opportunities in the same flashy manner as venture capital-backed startups.
  • Danny Thompson's success at AutoZone showcases that non-traditional tech companies can offer rewarding opportunities.
  • Recruiters earn commissions by helping companies find candidates, making them less beneficial for entry-level developers.
  • Exceptions exist for entry-level developers seeking positions at big tech companies with internal recruiters scouting talent.
  • Recruiters from third-party agencies may not be as helpful due to limited financial gain from entry-level placements.
  • Networking is a valuable long-term strategy for job seekers, starting early to build relationships within the tech community.
  • Effective networking involves engaging genuinely with people online, offering help, and attending meetups consistently.
  • Meetups provide a platform to connect with industry professionals, potentially leading to job opportunities through referrals.
  • Quincy Larson's book "How to Learn to Code and Get a Developer Job" offers valuable insights and is available for free online.
  • Attending local meetups regularly can significantly expand one's network within the tech industry, aiding in long-term job searches.

02:13:38

Networking and Learning Key to Tech Success

  • Hackathons are great for practice and networking, even if you're not a student, and winning them can boost your resume.
  • Regularly mapping out upcoming tech events in your area can provide valuable networking opportunities and learning experiences.
  • Attending tech events, even in smaller towns, can expand your network and knowledge significantly.
  • Meetups often offer direct access to influential people in the tech industry, making them crucial for career growth.
  • Commuting to tech events in larger cities, even if infrequent, can be beneficial for career advancement.
  • Building a strong network and reputation through learning and attending events can lead to unexpected job opportunities.
  • Soft skills, like remembering names and good communication, are essential in interviews and professional settings.
  • Employers often prioritize a candidate's ability to learn, work with a team, and deliver results over formal education or technical skills.
  • Confidence and active listening can make a positive impression during job interviews.
  • Landing a developer job may not follow traditional paths, emphasizing the importance of networking, reputation building, and continuous learning.

02:26:13

"Networking in Online Developer Communities for Jobs"

  • Online communities like Boot Dev Discord, Free Code Camp Discord, Golang Slack, and Python Discord are valuable for networking.
  • Networking in these communities should involve consistent participation and building relationships rather than asking for immediate favors.
  • Regular engagement in these communities can lead to job opportunities as people may recommend you for positions.
  • Sharing your job search journey in a storytelling manner within these communities can be more effective than direct advertisements.
  • Seeking feedback on projects, resumes, or LinkedIn profiles can subtly indicate your job search to community members.
  • Spending time in learning-focused communities like Boot Dev Discord or Free Code Camp Discord is beneficial for skill development, not job networking.
  • Official tech community communities like Python Discord or Go Discord and local Slack or Discord communities are more suitable for job networking.
  • Social media can be effective for job search if you have a significant following, but smaller followings may not yield job opportunities.
  • Engaging in online meetups, communities, and niche job boards can provide better job search results than social media.
  • Building genuine relationships through warm interactions and providing value in developer communities can lead to job opportunities in the long run.

02:40:48

"Job Application Success: Practice, Confidence, Improvement"

  • On average, from 100 job applications, one might receive one offer, although this ratio can vary.
  • Initially, after sending out 40 applications, one may only hear back from a few.
  • The first 20 applications are typically the weakest, as improvement comes with practice and experience.
  • Continuous improvement in programming skills and job application techniques is essential over time.
  • Interviews, even if unsuccessful, provide valuable practice and learning opportunities.
  • Relaxing during interviews is crucial, as the likelihood of securing a job offer is not guaranteed.
  • Each interview, even if unsuccessful, offers valuable experience and insights for improvement.
  • Confidence in interviews is vital, and showcasing one's problem-solving abilities is key.
  • Companies hire individuals, not entities, and focusing on solving the interviewer's problems is crucial.
  • Being enjoyable to work with and showcasing a positive attitude can significantly impact job prospects.

02:56:14

"Team compatibility, skills, and humility in interviews"

  • Employers may reject candidates based on their perceived compatibility with the team.
  • Interviewers assess if candidates can work independently or need constant guidance.
  • Interviewers consider how quickly candidates can contribute to the team.
  • Candidates with unique skills or experiences may have an advantage.
  • Demonstrating a willingness and ability to learn new skills is crucial.
  • Employers expect some training for new hires to adapt to specific tools or technologies.
  • Demonstrating practical skills is more effective than just claiming to possess them.
  • Candidates should be confident in their ability to learn and in their project accomplishments.
  • Candidates should be humble about their overall industry knowledge.
  • The interview process typically includes a phone screen, a homework assignment, cultural and technical interviews.

03:10:15

Mastering Live Coding Interviews for Tech Jobs

  • Live coding exercises are popular for testing coding skills, involving writing, compiling, and running code under pressure.
  • Some individuals struggle with live coding due to typing pressure, while others excel at problem-solving under pressure.
  • Interview formats vary, and individuals may not choose the type of interview they face.
  • Different interview types include live coding, whiteboarding, architecture, design questions, and project walkthroughs.
  • Preparation for interviews involves practicing different types of interviews through multiple sessions.
  • Companies like Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Google, Netflix (FAANG) focus on live coding exercises and algorithmic challenges.
  • Smaller companies prioritize practical problem-solving skills over algorithmic challenges.
  • Strategies for interview preparation include dedicating time to lead coding and building projects using the latest technologies.
  • Collaboration during technical interviews is crucial, with candidates encouraged to ask follow-up questions and seek feedback.
  • Explaining coding steps in English during interviews can enhance communication and showcase problem-solving skills.

03:23:23

Effective Communication in Coding Interviews is Key

  • Communicating thought process during coding interviews is crucial for receiving feedback and guidance early on.
  • Asking clarifying questions helps in writing correct code and showcases problem-solving skills.
  • Communicating thought process allows interviewers to assist when stuck and provides insight into the candidate's thinking.
  • Demonstrating consideration of edge cases during coding interviews is essential for showcasing problem-solving skills required on the job.
  • Effective communication skills, including asking questions and using inclusive language, are vital for success as a developer.
  • Turning "I don't know" responses into conversations during interviews is preferable to faking knowledge.
  • Preparation for interviews should include researching the company and understanding the technologies mentioned in the job description.
  • Interviewing for practice can help improve communication skills and identify areas for improvement.
  • Surface-level knowledge of technologies mentioned in job postings is sufficient to avoid feeling lost during interviews.
  • Building projects with relevant technologies before interviews can enhance the candidate's profile and demonstrate practical skills.

03:37:09

Navigating Tech Job Market: Local vs Remote

  • To prepare for an interview, spin up RabbitMQ locally, build command line tools or a web app using it, showcasing initiative and experience.
  • Relocation in the tech industry has evolved, with many companies shifting back to on-site or hybrid work setups.
  • Entry-level developers may benefit more from on-site positions initially for faster learning and career growth.
  • Applying for remote jobs globally may seem advantageous due to a larger pool of opportunities, but it also means facing intense competition.
  • Local job applications often have fewer candidates, increasing the likelihood of success compared to global remote job applications.
  • Working in an office for the first job is recommended for easier job landing and enhanced learning opportunities.
  • If local job opportunities are scarce, consider unconventional tech roles in non-tech companies for valuable experience.
  • If local options are exhausted, the choice lies between going remote or relocating for job prospects.
  • Relocating before job hunting is a riskier but more direct approach, while searching for remote jobs offers lower risk but may be more challenging.
  • Hiring managers may prefer local candidates due to ease of communication and potential visa issues for remote or relocated candidates.

03:52:39

Relocating for Job Opportunities: Considerations and Strategies

  • Moving to a location with a better job market can make finding work easier, but it depends on your personal circumstances.
  • The speaker shares their experience of relocating after college when they were married with no kids, making it easier to move for job opportunities.
  • Relocating becomes more challenging when you have more responsibilities like a family and a home, making it a significant decision.
  • Depending on your situation, choosing between relocating for better job prospects, applying for remote positions, or improving local job search strategies is crucial.
  • Reflecting on your job search process, addressing potential issues like LinkedIn and GitHub profiles, project quality, and interview skills before making high-risk decisions like relocation is advised.
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