5 Tips for Getting Hired as a Junior Developer (from someone who's been through it all)

Hey everyone! I’m a Senior Frontend Engineer with 20+ years of experience, and I’ve seen my fair share of hiring processes (both as a candidate and on the hiring side). Breaking into tech as a junior dev can be tough, but trust me, it’s totally doable if you approach it right. Here are my top 5 tips for landing that first gig:

1?? Show Your Work (Even If It’s Small)

It doesn’t matter if you’re building simple stuff—show it off! Whether it’s a weather app, a to-do list, or a little side project you’re proud of, stick it on GitHub or your personal site. Employers love to see code, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. Think of it like a portfolio—let them see what you can do, even if it’s just the basics.

2?? Network, Network, Network

I know, I know… networking feels like a buzzword, but it works. Get active on LinkedIn, join dev communities (Discord, Twitter, Reddit, wherever you hang out), and don’t be shy about connecting with other devs. A lot of opportunities come through people you know, not just job boards. And seriously, don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek advice—folks in tech are usually happy to help.

3?? Don’t Sweat the “Requirements”

Ever see a junior role with like 3+ years of experience required and think “Wait…what?” Yeah, we’ve all been there. But here’s the thing: apply anyway. Most of the time, those requirements are more like a wishlist than a hard rule. If you’ve got the passion and can show you’re eager to learn, you’ve got a shot. Don’t let the job description scare you off.

4?? Be Ready to Talk About What You Know (and What You Don’t)

Interviews can be intimidating, but be honest. If they ask you something you don’t know, don’t panic! Say, “I’m not familiar with that, but here’s how I’d approach learning it.” What they’re looking for is someone who can figure things out, not someone who knows it all (spoiler: no one knows it all). Also, be ready to talk about the projects you’ve worked on and the tech you’ve used, even if it’s basic. Confidence is key.

5?? Keep Learning (and Have Fun with It)

Tech moves fast, and there’s always more to learn. The good news? Learning never stops, even for seasoned devs like me. So stay curious, play around with new languages or frameworks, and keep improving your skills. When you're passionate about learning, that energy shows—and it’s something that potential employers will notice.

At the end of the day, it’s all about showing that you’ve got the skills, the curiosity, and the willingness to learn and grow. Don’t let the job descriptions or the competition psych you out—you’ve got this. Good luck, and happy coding!