v. Introduction

If you’re a beginning developer who has just completed a bootcamp, earned a Computer Sciences degree or finished a course of self-taught study, entering the job market with your newly acquired skills might feel daunting. Where do you start? Which companies are right for you? What can you expect to earn?

You’re probably aware there’s a lot of competition for new developers. According to Statista, the number of software developers in the world is predicted to reach 28.7 million by 2024, an increase of over 4 million new developers since 2020. It’s not easy to grab an interviewer’s attention in a crowd that big.

Now, imagine that you have experienced mentors who understand exactly where you’re coming from, have a great overview of the development landscape and have experience from both sides of the table, as interviewer and interviewee. Best of all, they’re willing to take your hand and answer your most pressing questions. That’s exactly what this book offers.

Our two authors have a huge amount of experience guiding new developers just like you:

Jenn Bailey is a Kodeco bootcamp mentor and community college professor in the field of computer science. She has coached many students through the process of graduating and finding a job.

Tim Condon brings in the other side of the equation — he’s a world-class talent in his field who has recruited and hired a significant number of developers. He knows what it takes to stand out from the crowd and what companies are looking for today.

Together, Jenn and Tim will lead you through the process of landing your first interview. You’ll find actionable tips in every chapter so that by the end, you’ll have a concrete plan to decide which jobs to apply for and how to impress your interviewers.

Aside from expert tips and advice, each chapter also includes:

• An action plan with specific things to do with your new knowledge to advance your job search and to distinguish yourself from other applicants.
• A worksheet to help you put your new knowledge to work and track your progress.

How to Read This Book

This book aims to help you focus your job search, prepare all the materials you need and continuously strengthen your abilities and your professional network while you apply for positions. Each chapter of this book builds upon the previous one, especially in Section 1: Getting Tactical About Your Job Search. For this reason, we recommend, especially if you are just starting your search, to read the book straight through initially.

You’ll see each chapter concludes with an Action Plan. Build your confidence by challenging yourself to perform the listed actions. You can also find a link to a corresponding worksheet in each chapter. Work through this material to motivate yourself to take action and apply your newly acquired knowledge.

You might want to return to certain chapters, parts of chapters or worksheets as you go through the process, including after taking breaks to refocus.

What’s in Store

This book is split into two main sections:

Section I: Getting Tactical About Your Job Search

The first section of this book focuses on practical steps you can take to find the right software developer job for you. In this section, you’ll find chapters that cover a variety of topics to help you make informed decisions about your job search.

Chapter 1, “Evaluating Your Options”, covers key considerations for determining if you have the necessary skills and experience to start applying for software developer jobs.

Chapter 2, “Types of Jobs Available”, provides an overview of the different types of software developer roles and the skills and experience they typically require.

Chapter 3, “Decoding Job Listings to Find the Right Roles”, offers guidance on how to research the job market and identify companies and job opportunities that align with your values and needs.

Chapter 4, “Creating a Resume & Portfolio”, provides tips on how to create a standout resume and portfolio that will impress potential employers.

Chapter 5, “Traditional & Nontraditional Ways to Find Jobs,” explores a range of job search strategies, including networking, online job boards and job fairs.

Chapter 6, “Working With Recruiters,” discusses the pros and cons of working with a recruiter and provides tips for building a successful relationship with a recruiter.

“Getting Tactical About Your Job Search” is designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to confidently and effectively navigate the job search process and land your first software developer interview.

Section II: Standing Out From the Crowd

The second half of this book focuses on helping you differentiate yourself from other job candidates and make a strong impression on potential employers.

Chapter 7, “Growing Your Professional Network”, explores the importance of networking and provides tips for expanding your network of contacts in the tech industry.

Chapter 8, “Building in Public”, discusses the benefits of sharing your work and expertise publicly through blogs, social media and other platforms.

Chapter 9, “Learn & Share”, offers advice on how to continuously learn and improve your skills, as well as how to share your knowledge with others through mentoring, teaching and public speaking.

Chapter 10, “What to Do if You’re Still Not Landing Interviews”, provides guidance on what to do if you’re struggling to land interviews despite your best efforts. It covers common reasons why job seekers may not be getting interviews and offers strategies for addressing those challenges.

Overall, “Standing Out From the Crowd” is designed to help you stand out from other job candidates and increase your chances of success in the competitive world of tech job hunting.

We hope that you’ll enjoy this book and that it will help you land your dream job interview. If you have any questions or feedback, please visit our forum. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!