Learn to Code - Free Interactive Tutorials
Home » Articles » How to Land Your First Developer Job

How to Land Your First Developer Job

By Taysen Academy Team • November 12, 2025 • Career
A comprehensive guide to getting hired as a junior developer

Introduction

Landing your first developer job can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach and preparation, you can stand out from other candidates and start your tech career.

Build a Strong Foundation

Master the Fundamentals

Don’t rush to learn every framework. Focus on:

  • HTML, CSS, and JavaScript fundamentals
  • One backend language (Python, JavaScript/Node.js, or similar)
  • Git and version control
  • Basic command line skills
  • Problem-solving and algorithms

Create a Portfolio

Your portfolio should showcase:

  • 3-5 quality projects (not just tutorials)
  • Clean, well-documented code
  • Responsive designs
  • Deployed, working applications
  • README files explaining each project

Build Your Online Presence

GitHub Profile

  • Commit regularly (green squares matter!)
  • Write clear commit messages
  • Include comprehensive README files
  • Contribute to open source when possible

LinkedIn

  • Professional photo and headline
  • Detailed experience section
  • Skills endorsements
  • Engage with tech content
  • Connect with developers and recruiters

Personal Website

Create a simple portfolio site with:

  • About section
  • Project showcase
  • Skills list
  • Contact information
  • Blog (optional but valuable)

Gain Experience

Freelance Projects

  • Start with friends and family
  • Use platforms like Upwork or Fiverr
  • Build real-world experience
  • Get testimonials

Open Source Contributions

  • Fix bugs in projects you use
  • Improve documentation
  • Add features
  • Learn from code reviews

Internships

  • Apply to startup internships
  • Consider unpaid internships if financially viable
  • Remote internships expand opportunities

Prepare for Interviews

Technical Skills

  • Practice coding challenges (LeetCode, HackerRank)
  • Understand data structures and algorithms
  • Be ready to explain your projects
  • Know your chosen language deeply

Behavioral Questions

Prepare answers for:

  • “Tell me about yourself”
  • “Why do you want to be a developer?”
  • “Describe a challenging project”
  • “How do you handle feedback?”
  • “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

The STAR Method

Structure answers using:

  • Situation: Set the context
  • Task: Describe the challenge
  • Action: Explain what you did
  • Result: Share the outcome

Job Search Strategy

Where to Look

  • LinkedIn Jobs
  • Indeed
  • AngelList (for startups)
  • Company career pages
  • Tech job boards (Stack Overflow, GitHub Jobs)
  • Local tech meetups and events

Application Tips

  1. Customize your resume for each job
  2. Write personalized cover letters
  3. Apply to 5-10 jobs daily
  4. Follow up after 1 week
  5. Track applications in a spreadsheet

Resume Best Practices

  • Keep it to 1 page
  • Lead with projects and skills
  • Use action verbs
  • Quantify achievements when possible
  • Proofread carefully
  • Use a clean, professional format

Networking

Attend Events

  • Local meetups
  • Tech conferences
  • Hackathons
  • Online webinars

Connect with People

  • Reach out to developers on LinkedIn
  • Ask for informational interviews
  • Join tech communities (Discord, Slack)
  • Engage on Twitter/X

Build Relationships

  • Offer value before asking for help
  • Stay in touch with connections
  • Share interesting content
  • Be genuine and authentic

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Waiting until you’re “ready”: You’ll never feel 100% ready
  2. Only applying to “perfect” jobs: Apply even if you meet 60% of requirements
  3. Neglecting soft skills: Communication is crucial
  4. Giving up too soon: Job hunting takes time
  5. Not asking for feedback: Learn from rejections

Dealing with Rejection

  • It’s normal and happens to everyone
  • Ask for feedback when possible
  • Learn from each interview
  • Keep improving your skills
  • Stay persistent and positive

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of jobs that:

  • Require extensive unpaid work
  • Have unclear job descriptions
  • Offer significantly below-market pay
  • Show high turnover rates
  • Have poor online reviews

Salary Negotiation

Research First

  • Use Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, PayScale
  • Consider location and company size
  • Know your minimum acceptable salary

Negotiation Tips

  • Let them make the first offer
  • Express enthusiasm for the role
  • Provide data to support your ask
  • Consider total compensation (benefits, equity)
  • Be prepared to walk away

Your First 90 Days

Once hired:

  1. Ask lots of questions
  2. Document everything you learn
  3. Seek feedback regularly
  4. Build relationships with teammates
  5. Deliver on commitments
  6. Show initiative

Continuous Learning

The learning never stops:

  • Stay current with industry trends
  • Learn new technologies
  • Read technical blogs
  • Take online courses
  • Attend conferences

Conclusion

Landing your first developer job requires persistence, continuous learning, and strategic effort. Focus on building real skills, creating a strong portfolio, and networking effectively. Remember, every experienced developer was once in your shoes.

Stay patient, keep learning, and don’t give up. Your first developer job is closer than you think!

Resources

Good luck on your journey! 🚀