Why is it So Hard to Break into Tech Right Now?

If you’re a junior developer struggling to land your first role in tech, you’re not alone. Over the past year, I’ve had countless conversations with bright, aspiring software engineers who feel stuck at the starting line, and I’m here to tell you—you’re not imagining it. The job market for juniors has become especially tough, and there are a few reasons why. I’m hoping this blog will provide you with a glimmer of hope for your future in Tech!

The first step to empowering yourself in your job search is to try and gain an understanding of what's actually going on right now. Based on my experience in the market over the last 12 months, I’ve noticed a bell curve forming in the tech industry: juniors at one tail end, senior developers in the middle, and leadership at the other end (visual aid available below for those like myself who can’t visualise while reading words). In the current market, the middle of that curve (seniors) are being favoured, leaving fewer opportunities for those trying to break in.?

Let’s unpack why this is happening.

The Changing Job Market for Juniors

The surge in tech hiring during the COVID pandemic placed immense emphasis on delivering critical tech projects. Companies scrambled to build new digital products, leading to a boom in tech jobs that seemed to happen overnight. However, the financial ripple effects of the pandemic have since caught up with us. At the end of 2022/mid-2023, layoffs became widespread as businesses were forced to tighten their budgets.

This economic shift has resulted in companies prioritising senior-level hires who can deliver immediate results. Unfortunately, juniors, who often require more time and mentoring, have been sidelined. And with the rapid advancements in AI, many businesses have started to rely on automated tools for coding tasks that a junior might have typically handled. While it might seem daunting, understanding these challenges is your first step to overcoming them.

But now for the part you really came here for… some tips and insights into how you can improve your job search and up your chances at breaking into the industry!

Building a Strong Foundation: Focus Beyond Technical Skills

Here’s the good news: A great software engineer isn’t defined by their proficiency in any single programming language. With AI getting better at writing code, companies are starting to value skills beyond just technical abilities. What will set you apart are your soft skills—your ability to see the bigger picture, understand how technology can solve business problems, and communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders.

My advice? Focus on demonstrating a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and an ability to innovate. Show your dedication through your GitHub—keep committing, even if the code isn’t perfect. Employers will appreciate your eagerness and growth mindset far more than flawless syntax.

Creating a Standout Portfolio

A strong portfolio can make all the difference. Showcase your real-world projects, side hustles, and any open-source contributions you’ve made. Use GitHub and personal websites to effectively display your work. Don’t be afraid to highlight projects where you solved a unique problem or learned a new skill—that’s what potential employers want to see.

Networking and Community Involvement

Getting involved in the tech community is crucial. Attend meetups, join online forums, and seek out mentors who can guide you. The Melbourne tech scene is vibrant, and there are plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals. Not sure where to start...?

Keep an eye on my monthly event round-up posts for suggestions on where to network and make connections. Here’s an example of one of my event round-up posts that you will see monthly if you follow me on LinkedIn:?

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Preparing for Job Applications and Interviews

When applying for junior engineer roles, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your eagerness to learn and your problem-solving capabilities. For interview prep, check out my YouTube series Landing a Job 101 for detailed tips and tricks: Landing a Job 101 .

The Role of Volunteering and Internships

Volunteering and internships are fantastic ways to gain practical experience and build your network. Here are some great resources to help you get started:

• Graduated.io (Founded and run by my dear friend Natalia Tapia )
• Stint Community (Co-founded by another friend of mine, ?? Nathan Lee , perfect for international students!)
• Job boards like Prosple and GradConnection by SEEK

Please share in the comments if you know of any other great programs I should keep in mind when speaking to juniors looking for new roles in the industry!

Continuous Learning and Upskilling

Stay curious and keep improving your skills, the best way to show them off is by completing some certs & short courses. This showcases your desire to learn & always learning attitude, as well as shows your passion and drive for this industry...

Here are some great resources to help you learn:

• LinkedIn Learning
• Udemy
• Holberton School Australia (They teach you how to learn, not just what to learn!! Co-founded by more friends of mine Jed Roberts & Adam Martuccio - Holberton School Australia - here's their LinkedIn)

All in all…

Breaking into tech is hard, but it’s not impossible. It takes persistence, creativity, and the right strategies. The landscape is shifting and changing all of the time so it’s really important that you stand out from the crowd, start innovating new ways to reach out to people, get creative with how you apply for new roles and get out of your comfort zone a bit, and hopefully you’ll see some magic happen!

While it’s tough for agencies like mine to place juniors at the moment (since clients typically don’t need help filling these roles), I encourage you to follow my content for more tips and tricks. I also post a monthly event round-up that can give you some great ideas on where to meet people and build your network.

And please, share your experiences or any questions you have in the comments—I’d love to hear from you and spark a collaborative chat in the comments where we can all help one another. ??

Let me know if there's a pressing topic you'd like me to explore in the next blog!????