I'm a junior developer with experience mainly in desktop applications. Unfortunately, during my apprenticeship, I had little guidance from senior developers, which left me learning everything on my own. Once I became fully employed, I was critiqued for not being fast enough or missing key techniques, despite my seniors admitting they didn't really help me develop my skills. I was let go soon after.
Now, I'm looking for guidance as I search for a new job where I can learn on the job again. I recently found a position where the company knew I had no web development experience, but once again I was learning on the go with technologies like Vue.js and Vuetify. After completing my task, I was let go without any feedback. My resume isn't looking great now, and I need advice on what my next steps should be. Should I look for another junior role, pursue specific certifications, or consider switching to a different field entirely?
4 Answers
I’m curious, how did you even get hired without prior experience in web development? Was it just your apprenticeship? I’ve heard it’s tough to find roles without a full-stack portfolio. Maybe consider building your portfolio with projects from resources like The Odin Project. Employers want to see that you can build things independently, so show off what you've made to boost your chances!
I'd suggest sticking with coding. Try to build a few solid web projects, whether they're focused on Vue or backend development. When you apply for jobs, be selective and target companies that actively support junior developers. That makes a huge difference!
Yep, I've seen friends work on their portfolios and it really helped them land better roles! Definitely build something to showcase your skills.
It sounds like you’ve had a rough time, but honestly, it's a blessing to be out of those environments. Focus on your self-awareness – that will take you far! Prepare for your next interviews by identifying what you want to improve on. Build a couple of mini projects to fill in your knowledge gaps. Don't hesitate to keep applying for jobs; persistence is key. Certifications could help give you structure and boost your confidence.
Totally agree! Building those mini projects will definitely help fill your gaps, plus they give you something solid to discuss in interviews.
Exactly, and having tangible projects can impress potential employers much more than just saying you learned something in theory.
Oh man, the job market is tough right now! I've got friends starting small freelance gigs to keep their skills sharp and stay visible in the industry. Even tiny projects can help keep you in the game and sane during this search.
Great point! Having a solid portfolio can really set you apart and show you're proactive about your learning.