Follow the five simple steps in this blueprint, and you’ll be a standout candidate for programming jobs all over the world.
Want to start applying for programming jobs?
You must be pretty smart.
Not only do programmers boast an amazing, in-demand skill set, but they’re also some of the most highly sought after employees.
Snag a remote programming job, and you’ll get to work wherever and whenever you want.
The annual salary doesn’t hurt either.
Starting programmers earn around $40,000 per year. But it’s not uncommon for seasoned veterans to earn over $150k.
So now that you know all the perks of being a programmer, let’s get your foot in the door ASAP.
How to Land Programming Jobs In 5 Easy Steps
Follow these five steps in order, and you’ll have an efficient plan for the win:
#1. Think About Your Ideal Career Path
There are many different, equally impressive career paths in the programming world.
What you choose to pursue should take into account your skill set, your work preferences, your goals, and how you want to make the world better with your code.
Here’s a rundown of the most popular programming jobs:
- Front-end developers write code that visitors see either on a website or app.
- Back-end developers craft the framework to keep websites, apps, etc. running smoothly behind the scenes.
- Software programmers turn an idea into a usable, functioning end product.
- Mobile app developers focus exclusively on programming applications for smartphones, tablets, etc.
Before you can pursue any of these programming careers, you’ll need to become well-versed in coding language.
#2. Learn the Lingo
You can’t be a programmer without learning at least one programming language — and ideally, two or three.
Once you learn the basic concepts, it’s easy to transfer your understanding from one language to the next. It’s kind of similar to taking Latin and then finding yourself on Easy Street if you learn Spanish, Italian, or French later.
Know which programming field you’re most interested in?
Find out which coding language those programmers mainly speak.
Front-end developers, for example, usually work in CSS and JavaScript; mobile app developers typically begin in Java or Swift.
Don’t know what you want to do yet?
You’ll need to start somewhere.
These are the most versatile coding languages for new programmers:
- JavaScript is versatile in both front- and back-end development for everything from websites, apps, robotics, games, and more.
- Java is super easy to learn because it reads like English. It’s also fun for beginners to play around with mobile apps, back-end web dev, etc.
- Python. It’s adaptable, widespread, and present in every field, from AI to software development.
What if you have a specific career goal in mind?
[One of these niche programming languages may be a better fit:
- CSS/HTML. These two separate languages are basically mandatory for front-end website developers.
- Ruby. Developed recently in Japan, Ruby is a full-stack web development language worth checking out if you’re interested in web and game dev.
- Swift. Apple released Swift to simplify iOS app development.
- Solidity. Plan to tackle blockchain and cryptocurrency? Get Solidity under your belt before the demand for it increases exponentially very soon.
Start learning and focusing on one language before moving on to the next.
While you can certainly spend the time and money earning a university degree, a majority of successful coders teach themselves.
You can buy a book on programming and coding languages, take an online coding course, watch programming videos, and so much more.
Get creative and be resourceful.
Those are the marks of a real programmer.
#3. Write Practice Code & Share It With the Community
It may seem obvious, but you can’t call yourself a full-fledged programmer — and expect to land a programming job — without actually earning coding experience.
Practice is the secret to becoming a programming hero, after all.
So practice everything you learn as soon as you learn it. There’s no reason to keep all these new ideas to yourself.
Download a code editor to write your own programs.
Try solving an online programming quiz on Project Euler to hone your skills. You’ll find a description of a problem and an open question for programmers to solve.
Or join an open-source project and contribute to the programming community at watering holes like GitHub, SourceForge, and Stack Overflow.
Though no one likes having their work torn apart, feedback from veterans only strengthens your coding skills.
If you’re looking for a mentor, look no further than Codementor to connect with fellow developers and stay on top of the latest programming and coding tutorials.
Just practice, practice, practice.
Soon you’ll be fluent in your chosen language and ready to take on real projects.
#4. Build an Online Portfolio of Your Programming Achievements
Before you’re ready to start applying for programming jobs, you should complete small projects and share them on your website.
Bonus points if you create this stunning website yourself.
Your website and online portfolio help you:
- Attract the right job offers and projects. A collection of your accomplishments is the best way to show off your coding skills to prospective employers, clients, and others in your professional network.
- Stand out from your competition. When you’re applying as an entry-level programmer, most candidates won’t have much experience. A solid online portfolio inspires confidence and gives you a leg up.
Show off your coding accomplishments, and you’ll come off as experienced, self-motivated, and completely capable.
To do this, start taking on freelance programming jobs or online programming jobs you can complete at home if you’re working a 9 to 5. Then post your finished project on your site.
You can also publish dev notes on your blog to explain your inspiration/motivation, ideas, etc. for the world to marvel at.
Don’t forget to add a link to your portfolio in your resume and cover letter anytime you apply for programming jobs.
#5. Apply for Programming Jobs (woo!)
When you meet the minimum requirements for an entry-level programming job, apply to as many as you can. You have the option to work in-house or work remotely almost everywhere.
Don’t get the first programming job you applied for? No worries!
Keep taking on freelance projects to beef up your online portfolio, strengthen your skills, and boost your experience meter.
You’ll get offered a role worthy of your calibre of coding soon enough.
Just don’t get comfortable.
Programming these days is nothing like it was ten or even just five years ago. You’ll need to continually keep up with new advances in this rapidly developing field for potential employers to find you an attractive candidate.
See What Actual Programming Jobs Require
Programming is one of the most popular remote job categories, and people possessing these skills are very much in-demand in the job market right now.
If you’re willing to learn several programming languages, continually practice new code, and hone your portfolio, you’ll be a contender for any programming job.
The hardest part about becoming a programmer is just getting started. But now you have everything you need to rocket into the stratosphere of success.