Landing a Developer Job As a Chinese Foreigner

Finding a job as a junior developer can feel like a paradox: no experience, no job; no job, no experience. It’s a frustrating cycle that many beginners face. But from my personal journey, I’ve learned a few things about breaking into the industry, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

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The Beginning: Building My Portfolio

After completing FreeCodeCamp, I spent time building my portfolio website. I included several applications that I felt proud of and showcased my skills. When I finally hit the point where I thought I was ready to apply for jobs, I didn’t aim for anything unrealistic. I wasn’t chasing senior-level roles—I focused on junior positions more suited to my experience.

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The First Rejection

My first interview didn’t go as planned. The feedback was disheartening: “We need someone with more experience, even for a junior developer role. We don’t have the resources to train someone from scratch.”

That rejection hit hard, but I quickly realized it wasn’t the end of the road. Instead of dwelling on it, I asked myself, What can I do to improve my chances?

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Starting Small: The Value of Internships

If you’re struggling to land your first job, internships are a fantastic way to gain real-world experience. It doesn’t matter whether it’s at a big company, a small startup, or even an informal role—the goal is to get hands-on practice and build up your skills in a professional setting.

For me, internships weren’t just about learning technical skills. They taught me how to work in a team, meet deadlines, and understand the expectations of the workplace. These experiences were invaluable when I started applying for full-time roles again.

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Focusing on What You Can Control

It’s easy to get frustrated by the lack of opportunities for beginners or to feel stuck when companies expect experience you don’t have yet. But complaining won’t change the situation. Instead, focus on what you can do:

• Keep improving your skills by working on personal projects.
• Seek out internships or freelance opportunities to build your portfolio.
• Network with others in the industry who can provide guidance or referrals.

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Facing Additional Challenges as a Foreigner

As a Chinese person living in the Netherlands, I had additional hurdles to overcome. I didn’t speak Dutch, and I was competing for jobs in a foreign country where many candidates already had an advantage. But instead of letting those challenges hold me back, I leaned into what I could offer: my skills, my determination, and my willingness to learn.

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If I Can Do It, So Can You

This isn’t a story about how great I am or how easy the journey was. It’s about perseverance. If I could find a developer job in a foreign country, with language barriers and stiff competition, then you can absolutely land a role in your own country.

Don’t let rejection stop you. Keep learning, keep applying, and most importantly, believe in yourself. Your first opportunity might not come easily, but it will come if you stay focused and determined.