How Many Job Applications Did You Submit Before Landing Your First Web Developer Role?
Asked by
SkillfulSeeker44
I'm in the process of switching careers from a role in martech to web development. I've been coding for over three years and am near finishing my portfolio, which features a few projects I've worked on to sharpen my skills. I'm beginning to wonder if my portfolio, compared to some others I've seen here with ten or more projects, is sufficient for securing my first web dev job. Unfortunately, managing a full-time job and family responsibilities means getting to ten live projects will take me quite a while. I'm especially interested in front-end roles but have full-stack knowledge as well. How can I make my applications stand out?
Answers
It took me a whopping 300 applications after finishing my studies! It was a challenge, but I eventually secured a position based on a couple of high-quality projects I got on GitHub. The job market can be tough, so stay positive and keep improving—luck often plays a role too!
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I had over 200 applications out before I finally got a job. It's tough out there! My portfolio was pretty basic, but I had ten years of work history in unrelated fields, which helped. Just aim for quality projects on your resume that'll catch recruiters' eyes, and don't get discouraged—it’s all about persistence!
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Honestly, I submitted around 50 applications before landing my first web dev job. I think a solid portfolio with just 2-3 quality projects can really shine if you present them well. It's about demonstrating your real-world skills more than the sheer quantity of projects. Focus on making your portfolio impressive and tailored to the type of role you're going for.
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I think I submitted around 100 applications before I got a bite. These days, networking can be just as important. A few projects showcasing your skills and good connections often lead to opportunities over a lengthy job application process. Keep building those networks!
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I was lucky and landed my first job after submitting just one application! I was a co-op student at a previous place, and they suggested I apply at a nearby company. It can happen unexpectedly, so don’t lose hope with those apps—something might pop up when you least expect it!
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RealTalkUser: That sounds rough! What kind of projects did you use to attract attention?