How to find a software developer job
Strategies for Landing Your Dream Job
Álvaro José Agámez Licha
Be Ready to Talk About You
It’s important because it’s your chance to make a strong first impression, and showcase your skills, experiences, and personality.
Benefits of having a strong introductory speech
Grab the interviewer's attention.
1
Ideation
Communicate your skills and experience effectively.
2
Build
Set you apart from other candidates.
3
Launch
Philosophy
Once all unnecessary steps are removed, the clearest path to landing a job remains. Simplicity comes from focusing on what truly matters: sharpening your skills, showcasing your work, and connecting with the right people.
Self-Presentation Techniques
Body Language
Speech Delivery
Practice and Refinement
- Building the Right Skills
- Crafting a Strong Resume and Portfolio
- Networking and Building Connections
- Preparing for the Interview Process
- Upskilling and Staying Competitive
- Negotiating Job Offers
Focus
Avoid
- Neglecting Soft Skills
- Applying to Jobs You're Not Qualified For
- Undervaluing Cultural Fit
- Lack of Persistence
- Failing to Ask Questions
1
Build a Strong Foundation.
3
Craft a Tailored Resume & LinkedIn Profile.
5
Prepare for Interviews & Code Assessments.
2
Create a Standout Portfolio and introductory speech.
4
Network Effectively.
The Summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters.
– Conrad Anker
Landing the software developer job (the summit) is the ultimate goal, but it's the journey of learning, building skills, and growing through challenges (the climb) that truly shapes and prepares you for success. The process is as valuable as the result.
Photo by Raimond Klavins
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Why do you want to work here?
- Why should we hire you?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Do you have any questions for us?
- Why are you changing jobs?
- What is your salary expectation?
Interview Preparation Strategies
People often fail job interviews due to a lack of preparation.
Interview Preparation Strategies
Talking about asking questions:
- Why is this role open?
- What skills are the HM looking for?
- What can you tell me about the HM in general?
- How does the HM define success in this role?
- Can you tell me a little about the hiring process?
- What other departments will I have to collaborate with?
Resume and cover letter tips
- Who do you help?
- What do you help them do?
- How do you help them do it?
- What was my Challenge?
- What Actions did I take?
- What were the results?
- Quantifiable results matter.
Always keep your resume up to date, use an online tool to maintain it.
- Leverage online platforms (LinkedIn, engage in relevant GitHub projects)
- Attend industry events
- Build a personal brand
- Utilize alumni networks
- Contribute to open-source projects
- Cultivate relationships (Follow up with contacts regularly, Offer help and value)
Networking advice
Portfolio
It's important to have a portfolio, but this is a double edge sword.
Your portfolio MUST to be great, if it's a web application, need to work perfectly, responsive, and needs to have an amazing design.
Your portfolio MUST NOT be your main project, but rather a place to showcase your projects.
Portfolio
Your GitHub projects MUST be complete and MUST work; include a detailed README on how to use it.
Create an online demo and add the URL to the README so recruiters or technical reviewers can use it quickly without having to run the code.
- Don't waste your time with LeetCode or HackerRank
- Learn by doing beyond YouTube tutorials
- Learn the important basics of the programming languages you use
- Learn the basics of Big O notation
- Learn about Design Patterns
- Learn the basics and non-basics of System Design
- Learn about good practices