Tips & Suggestions that might help you land a web developer job as a fresher.
A couple of weeks ago I got my first job as a fresher. I got employed as a junior Python developer (Django). Now that I started working there, I think I can give some advice or suggestions about things to learn or master that will help you get the job or excel at it if you recently got one as well.
1. Master the language first according to your framework of use or the technology stack you are using.
For me, I work with the Django framework so I specialize in Python language. Now it was really important for me to be good with the fundamentals of this language as most of the questions I got asked in the interview were regarding Python only. I am guessing this because I was applying as a fresher and not as an experienced candidate, so they just wanted to check my knowledge about the language mainly. There were a few questions about the Django framework but nothing worth writing here (basics such as post, get requests, and architecture of the framework).
So, if you work with node.js or are applying for a node.js job then be good at javascript, if you are applying for .net positions then be good with c/c++ or whichever language you are using.
2. Learn some Frontend stuff even if you are applying as a backend developer.
This is something I never thought about. I do have good frontend knowledge as I have created personal projects with React.js but never did I dive deep enough into merging the front and back of a website, and that is why I had to learn some new things at work.
Using modern libraries and frameworks that make our lives easier is great, but if you only do everything using them then when the client has a different requirement or the company you joined doesn't use that framework then it becomes a serious problem.
In my case, it is jQuery. Most of the tasks my colleague told me we had to do could be easily done by React in a few minutes. But since we aren’t supposed to use any extra frameworks, just pure Django, I had some problems. I had to consult with my colleagues about how this could be done? Shall I use vanilla js? The answer from them was jQuery.
Now me being a fresher, following courses online that focus on all the “buzz words” like Node, MongoDB, React js, Redux, and more . . . I had no experience with jQuery. It felt like a real hurdle. I had to search stuff online, consult my colleagues, and what not just because I had only focused on learning the “buzz words” and totally overlooked some of the most basic and fundamental techniques.
Hence, I would really like to advise you to get familiar with the frontend. And don’t forget the fundamentals first and then learn the “buzz words”.
3. Make multiple projects, mention them on your resume and make sure they are related to the position or requirement of the job.
Before applying for jobs I created a number of projects, ranging from a basic Tkinter GUI app to an actual usable blogging website using django and a todo-app using React and Django. The projects were for me to solidify my knowledge and get more practice with the frameworks and libraries but also for showing off my skills and creativity to potential employers.
Now there is no problem if you haven’t done any useful or big projects for your technology stack, you might still be accepted if you are great in the language fundamentals as i mentioned in point 1. But when the employer receives another application that mentioned 3 projects and tons of framework exposure, then it would be impossibe for you to even be coinsidered anymore for that position.
So make sure you build a couple of good and useful projects (atleast 1) that showoff your experience and skill and also they should showoff your working ability in the technology the company demands, not in some other technology.
That is all, getting my first job really feels great tho !🖤 *cries*
I always try to share my experiences and help others who are sturggling as well if I can. I will surely post more if I find some useful information at work.
Thanks for the time.🖤🖤`
