Landing Your First Role
This section will walk you through the all-important cover letter, how to build a strong online presence, networking, interviewing and onboarding.
Applying for jobs is *always* a time-consuming process, even if you’ve narrowed down your list of dream organizations to two or three. It’s important not to get discouraged.
But now you can apply to jobs with one click, right? Technically, yes, but anyone who’s been through a job search recently knows that bombing the industry with hundreds of applications and résumés is an exercise in futility. Instead, think about the skills and roles that excite you, then head to a career marketplace like Dice.com to see what’s available, and to match with the exact roles and organizations you're more interested in.
When you’re ready to apply, always tailor your application materials to fit the role. Your cover letter is especially vital in this instance, as it’s your best opportunity to explain what attracts you to that specific job, so always remember to write one.
Building a Strong Presence: Websites, Profiles and Résumés
Organizations have never been more keenly interested in technologists’ skillsets. One of the best ways to demonstrate those skills is to create an online presence (a profile or set of profiles) that emphasizes your knowledge and previous projects. Not only can it help you land a new job; it could also help boost your starting salary, as it will highlight your must-have skills to prospective employers. Here a few of the best ways to start building your presence:
Personal Websites
Many technologists have spun up a website devoted to their past work and current interests, often with appropriate links to code repositories like GitHub. Make sure that your website includes an easy way to contact you, along with a short bio (or even your résumé, work samples and a description of your results/impact).
Social Media
Even if you don’t build out a personal website, you can use your social media handles to link to previous projects, list your skills and demonstrate that you have an intense interest in tech. If you’re pursuing an opportunity, you may want to edit your profiles and social media to emphasize the specific skills that employer wants. For example, Dice’s profiles allow you to show how many years of experience you have with a skill or tool, which underscores your value.
Your Résumé
Virtually every job application demands a résumé. As mentioned, the key is to edit your résumé to fit each individual job. Every line in your experience and skills sections must show how you’d benefit your potential employer. If you’re applying for your first full-time job and you don’t have any formal experience, don’t worry. It’s acceptable (and even encouraged) to list your relevant classwork, extracurricular activities (such as a programming or robotics club), personal programming projects and other educational experiences that are pertinent to the position.
Personal Websites
Many technologists have spun up a website devoted to their past work and current interests, often with appropriate links to code repositories like GitHub. Make sure that your website includes an easy way to contact you, along with a short bio (or even your résumé, work samples and a description of your results/impact).
Social Media
Even if you don’t build out a personal website, you can use your social media handles to link to previous projects, list your skills and demonstrate that you have an intense interest in tech. If you’re pursuing an opportunity, you may want to edit your profiles and social media to emphasize the specific skills that employer wants. For example, Dice’s profiles allow you to show how many years of experience you have with a skill or tool, which underscores your value.
Your Résumé
Virtually every job application demands a résumé. As mentioned, the key is to edit your résumé to fit each individual job. Every line in your experience and skills sections must show how you’d benefit your potential employer. If you’re applying for your first full-time job and you don’t have any formal experience, don’t worry. It’s acceptable (and even encouraged) to list your relevant classwork, extracurricular activities (such as a programming or robotics club), personal programming projects and other educational experiences that are pertinent to the position.
PRO TIP: Marketplaces like Dice.com (exclusive to tech) and other job boards are another worthwhile place to build and maintain a presence, even if you’re not looking for a new job at the moment. Having a presence and communicating with employers and recruiters gives you a leg up when it is time to look for your next role.
Whether it’s virtual or in-person, networking remains critical.
Whether it’s virtual or in-person, networking remains critical.
Level Up Your Networking Skills
Whether it’s virtual or in-person, networking remains a critical component in not only landing your first job, but also for nearly every job after. Like anything else, networking is a skill that can be learned and perfected over time; in career growth opportunities alone, few skills can serve you more effectively in the long term. Here are a few tips on how to level up your networking abilities:
Get Involved Online
This goes for everyone, but especially those seeking their first job: build a presence in the areas you’re most interested in (through the lens of your target jobs).
Polish your online profiles and interact with online groups and subreddits devoted to your interests. Blogging and posting on social media about technologies that interest you will help pull in like-minded folks while also raising your visibility. When you are posting, don’t forget to respond to comments, publicly thank people for their engagement and connect with those who show interest in your content.
Hackathons are likewise a good place to create tight bonds with other technologists — and show off your specialized skills to employers: learn more about that in this recent episode of Tech Connects (featuring HackerEarth CEO Sachin Gupta).
Even in Doubt, Reach Out
It can be intimidating to reach out and request to connect with experienced technologists and leaders in the organizations and industries you’re most interested in. Do. It. Anyway. Many of these experts are only too happy to help, as they had the same leg up on their way to their current roles.
Explain that you’re just starting out and could use some information. Never follow up an introduction with a request for a job; the goal here is simply to learn as much as possible. Worst case, you get rejected or don’t hear back — the risk is worth the reward.
Connect With Recruiters
Recruiters can be invaluable resources in your job search, as they can give you solid insights into the state of the industry and which companies are hiring.
Show your interest and aptitude to learn, and chances are good that the recruiter will keep you in mind for future opportunities. Again, many recruiters will tell you to connect with them, even if you don’t know them directly; don’t let fear of being a nuisance stop you from reaching out.
Lean Into Remote Networking
You might be concerned that the rise of remote and hybrid work will have a negative impact on networking; after all, how can you meet people when they’re working from home?
Utilize your social networks for what they were initially created for, as they all have strong networking features. Join groups that align with your interests (such as a particular programming language or technology discipline) and contribute to the discussion. Follow hashtags and terms on LinkedIn, and comment on and share posts with your ideas and opinions highlighted.
Get Involved Online
This goes for everyone, but especially those seeking their first job: build a presence in the areas you’re most interested in (through the lens of your target jobs). Polish your online profiles and interact with online groups and subreddits devoted to your interests. Blogging and posting on social media about technologies that interest you will help pull in like-minded folks while also raising your visibility. When you are posting, don’t forget to respond to comments, publicly thank people for their engagement and connect with those who show interest in your content.
Hackathons are likewise a good place to create tight bonds with other technologists — and show off your specialized skills to employers: learn more about that in this recent episode of Tech Connects (featuring HackerEarth CEO Sachin Gupta).
Even in Doubt, Reach Out
It can be intimidating to reach out and request to connect with experienced technologists and leaders in the organizations and industries you’re most interested in. Do. It. Anyway. Many of these experts are only too happy to help, as they had the same leg up on their way to their current roles.
Explain that you’re just starting out and could use some information. Never follow up an introduction with a request for a job; the goal here is simply to learn as much as possible. Worst case, you get rejected or don’t hear back — the risk is worth the reward.
Connect With Recruiters
Recruiters can be invaluable resources in your job search, as they can give you solid insights into the state of the industry and which companies are hiring.
Show your interest and aptitude to learn, and chances are good that the recruiter will keep you in mind for future opportunities. Again, many recruiters will tell you to connect with them, even if you don’t know them directly; don’t let fear of being a nuisance stop you from reaching out.
Lean Into Remote Networking
You might be concerned that the rise of remote and hybrid work will have a negative impact on networking; after all, how can you meet people when they’re working from home?
Utilize your social networks for what they were initially created for, as they all have strong networking features. Join groups that align with your interests (such as a particular programming language or technology discipline) and contribute to the discussion. Follow hashtags and terms on LinkedIn, and comment on and share posts with your ideas and opinions highlighted.
Great interviewing skills can take you far.
Great interviewing skills can take you far.
Acing the Interview
Interviewing for your first job is intimidating, and that’s okay! Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do ahead of time to prepare for your job interview. Check out each section below for more details:
Research, Research and… Research
Dig as deep as you can in the time you have. Start with the organization’s official website, particularly the “About Us” page, and its corporate blog. You’ll also want to check out any mentions of the company on Google News, Apple News or your aggregator of choice, which will provide valuable insight into the company’s strategy, latest maneuvers and technology stack.
For extra credit, follow the organization on its social platforms to glean insights (i.e., culture, volunteering, staff spotlights, etc.) you may not be able to find elsewhere. If you’re working with a recruiter, ask them what you can expect during the company’s interviewing process. You can also use your research to come up with some good questions to ask the hiring manager during the interview, which will underscore your curiosity and interest in the company’s work.
What’s Your Story?
Instead of a canned answer to “walk me through your résumé,” take the time to sit down and shape your narrative.
How did everything on your résumé lead you to being prepared and perfect for this job? What have you learned from your experiences (school, side projects, etc.)? What technologies intrigue and excite you, and why?
Interviewers are trying to get a sense of your character as much or more than your skillset, so draw them in with a cohesive journey that helps them get to know the real you.
Prepare for the Coding Test
Certain kinds of job interviews will come with a coding and/or logic test. Sometimes these tests are take-home; sometimes you’ll do them on a screen with an instructor watching; and sometimes you’ll need to whiteboard a coding or logic problem.
Whatever the testing methodology, it’s more important to work the problem and show your thought process than provide the right solution (although right answers are always appreciated).
Always Follow Up
Sending a personalized thank you note to your interviewer is critical; if you don’t have their full name and contact info, request it during the interview. Don’t be afraid to follow up your interview by emailing a few additional questions; that just reinforces that you’re interested in the role.
Research, Research and… Research
Dig as deep as you can in the time you have. Start with the organization’s official website, particularly the “About Us” page, and its corporate blog. You’ll also want to check out any mentions of the company on Google News, Apple News or your aggregator of choice, which will provide valuable insight into the company’s strategy, latest maneuvers and technology stack.
For extra credit, follow the organization on its social platforms to glean insights (i.e., culture, volunteering, staff spotlights, etc.) you may not be able to find elsewhere. If you’re working with a recruiter, ask them what you can expect during the company’s interviewing process. You can also use your research to come up with some good questions to ask the hiring manager during the interview, which will underscore your curiosity and interest in the company’s work.
What’s Your Story?
Instead of a canned answer to “walk me through your résumé,” take the time to sit down and shape your narrative.
How did everything on your résumé lead you to being prepared and perfect for this job? What have you learned from your experiences (school, side projects, etc.)? What technologies intrigue and excite you, and why?
Interviewers are trying to get a sense of your character as much or more than your skillset, so draw them in with a cohesive journey that helps them get to know the real you.
Prepare for the Coding Test
Certain kinds of job interviews will come with a coding and/or logic test. Sometimes these tests are take-home; sometimes you’ll do them on a screen with an instructor watching; and sometimes you’ll need to whiteboard a coding or logic problem.
Whatever the testing methodology, it’s more important to work the problem and show your thought process than provide the right solution (although right answers are always appreciated).
Always Follow Up
Sending a personalized thank you note to your interviewer is critical; if you don’t have their full name and contact info, request it during the interview. Don’t be afraid to follow up your interview by emailing a few additional questions; that just reinforces that you’re interested in the role.
If you want the job, show passion and interest in your responses. What about this company and its current projects interest you the most? The hiring manager needs to know you view the job as a unique opportunity, not just a paycheck.
Onboard Like a Pro
If you’re hired, you’ll spend the first few weeks figuring out the particulars of your new job. You’ll meet your new colleagues and get a better sense of the team’s workflow, projects and challenges. Make a point of introducing yourself to everyone you meet, as you never know who can be a future friend or mentor (or onboarding buddy).
If your role is remote, a video chat can help cover similar ground. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as possible: you need information, which means you need to ask things. It can help to find an onboarding buddy who can act as a clearinghouse for information.
During your first weeks and months in the job, it’ll be important to show your boss and colleagues that you’re a dependable team member. To that end, make a point of getting to know the company’s products (and your core projects) inside and out; if possible, you may want to put in the extra effort to exceed expectations. You’ll stand out while deepening your connections with the rest of your team.
