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Get Hired

Your first job is the hardest to land. Once you have proof that you can build things, the rest is showing it clearly and applying consistently.

1Build a portfolio that converts

Lead with proof. Employers want to click 2–4 live projects that each show a different skill. Put the links where they can't be missed.

Clickable links to deployed projects (not just screenshots)
A clean GitHub with README files and real commit history
Each project shows a distinct skill (API, auth, database…)
Everything works on mobile

2Write a one-page resume

Focus on skills and projects, not unrelated job history. For each project, say what you built, the stack, and the result.

A strong project bullet

Recipe Keeper — React, Node, PostgreSQL
• Built a full-stack app with auth and search (live: recipes.example.com)
• Reduced page load to <1s with server-side rendering
• 40+ users in the first month

Show impact. Numbers stand out. Even small metrics ("40 users", "<1s load") make a bullet feel real and measured.

3Practise coding interviews

Junior interviews often include live coding, debugging, and explaining your projects. The process matters as much as the answer.

Before you write any code, say this

1. Restate the problem in your own words
2. Ask about inputs, outputs, and edge cases
3. Describe your approach out loud
4. Then code — narrating as you go
5. Test with a simple example

Stuck? Be honest. "I haven't used that, but here's how I'd investigate it" beats bluffing every time. It shows maturity and real problem-solving.

4Apply strategically & network

Referrals convert far better than cold applications. Tailor each application and build in public so people discover your work.

Target startups, agencies, and junior/apprentice programs
Mention something specific about the company
Post projects on LinkedIn, X, and dev communities
Ask for referrals — most first jobs come through people

5Set realistic expectations

The job search is a numbers-and-iteration game. It usually takes many applications and a few rounds of improving your resume and portfolio. Treat every rejection as feedback and keep going.

Where to find junior roles

LinkedIn job postings and recruiter outreach
Wellfound (AngelList) for startup jobs
We Work Remotely and RemoteOK for remote roles
Local tech meetups and hackathons
Upwork and Contra to build early paid experience

Next: free learning resources

Knowledge Check

Test what you learned. Each correct answer earns XP. up to 65 XP

1. What's the strongest thing to put at the top of a junior dev resume?

2. During a coding interview, what should you do BEFORE writing code?

3. What is the best-known way to get a first interview?

4. How should you handle a technical question you don't know?

5. What's a realistic expectation for landing a first dev job?