How to get your first developer job (Part One): Preparing Your Application

The first step to landing a developer job is ensuring your documentation is ready. Here’s how you can prepare effectively.

---

1. Your Resume

Make your resume easy to read. The key is ensuring that anyone reviewing it can quickly find the information they need for the specific position. For example:

• If you’re applying for a front-end developer role, highlight your skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React.
• For senior positions, ensure your resume demonstrates sufficient work experience in relevant roles.

If I included all my past experience as a medical doctor on my resume when applying for web developer positions, it would confuse employers. They’d probably think I wanted to continue in medicine rather than move into development. Tailor your resume to the job you want, focusing on the skills and experiences that align with the role.

---

2. Cover Letters

Many companies still ask for cover letters or motivational letters. My advice? Be honest and tell your true story. Use the opportunity to explain why you’re passionate about development and how your background makes you a great fit for the position.

---

3. LinkedIn Profile

Having a LinkedIn profile is crucial these days. Many companies check your LinkedIn to learn more about your education, work experience, and even your personality. It’s a space where you can go beyond what’s on your resume and show more of who you are.

• Include posts about your projects, interests, or even articles that resonate with you.
• Employers can follow your updates to see more of your skills and personality, giving them a clearer idea of who you are.

Just so you know, I was told to update my LinkedIn profile to match the job I was searching for. If I didn’t update my profile as a software developer, no one would be a medical researcher to do a software developer job.

---

4. Portfolio Website

If you’re serious about getting a developer job, create a personal portfolio website. It’s a space where you can showcase your work and highlight your skills. My own website features:

• My web applications, where visitors can click through and see how they work.
• Links to my GitHub repository, showing the code behind my projects.

I built my portfolio website with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It’s nothing fancy, just a static web page. So, you can be more serious about the professional level of your portfolio websit itself. I’m just making sure the two features are included.

Before applying for a job, you don’t need to complete every project on platforms like FreeCodeCamp. Pick a few, ensure they’re polished and complete, and include them in your portfolio. Never include incomplete or poorly executed projects—it’s better to have fewer high-quality examples.

---

5. Keep Your GitHub Updated

Your GitHub profile is another critical part of your application. It’s a record of your coding journey, and employers often check it to see your contributions and progress. Regularly update your repository and use it to demonstrate your activity in developing applications.

---

6. Quality Over Quantity

You don’t need dozens of projects to impress employers. Instead, focus on a few that are well-designed, fully functional, and showcase your capabilities. Writing a piece of code and stopping midway doesn’t reflect well on your abilities—ensure that everything you showcase is complete and of good quality.

---

By focusing on these steps and keeping your materials up to date, you’ll be well-prepared to land interviews and start your journey as a developer.