Some Tips for Getting a WebDev Job

I was a teacher for three years right out of college and made a career switch to web development just over two years ago. Some of the stuff in this post I did prior to getting my first web dev job and some of these are based on a reflection of my experience while working over the past couple years.

Please note - these are just some tips I think might be helpful for someone curious about making a career switch and aren't meant to be a step-by-step "guide" to getting a web gig. There's a lot of stuff not in here, too, that I could probably ramble about for a while in another post.

This is really just a post to share some more practical steps to learning more about the web and getting a job. Thanks for reading!

Consider Learning SEO and Basic Marketing

There are a lot of agency jobs where someone is needed who is both technical and able to understand the jargon and purpose of good SEO. Learning SEO will teach you how to make data-driven decisions for the web and to learn more about how Google ranks content. As a new developer, it can be a good way to get in the door and is exactly what I did. Agencies frequently look for people who can wear many hats - SEO, development, project management, talking with clients.

Technical SEO involves things like page speed optimization, accessibility implementations, and can also include installing marketing tools like Google Tag Manager, Google Analytics, Yotpo reviews, and the list goes on of random stuff you might be asked to add... More on the devlopment side of things, it can also include implementing user experience enhancements, building new pages, customizing existing features, and more.

More on the marketing side of things, I suggest signing up for an Ahrefs weeklong trial. It’s a great way to learn about keyword research and understand how the web ranks things. Read through some of their tutorials (which are awesome) before signing up so you can maximize your time using the tool rather than having to learn what it is.

Show What You Know on GitHub

Other than knowing a bit about Git and GitHub, aren't many barriers to show off your learning progress immediately. No matter how simple it is - a cool linear gradient in CSS, a simple React project, or a tricky JavaScript problem - there are loads of ways to show employers that you know how to use Git while also showing how you're learning. I think that even the simplest things when you're starting out should be documented in a repo and shown to potential employers.

For example, I do little JavaScript challenges on Codewars a couple times a month and push my answers to a Git repository called "programming challenges." It doesn't have to be super complicated or advanced - just show how you're learning! If you have stuff on CodePen or Codesandbox, push that to a repo, too! Show your potential employer that you’re a real life human being and how you think! Curiousity about the web goes a long way.

Consider using Netlify or Vercel to publish your projects. If a project is on GitHub, it's only a few clicks away to get it on a domain and show off.

Have a Portfolio Site

This is where I think new developers can get kind of intimidated into thinking they have to have some flashy site with parallax scrolling to get hired. You don’t. It doesn’t matter. I’m pretty sure that most developers don’t have a personal site so if you have anything at all, you’re doing great. With all the Gatsby starter templates out there, you can get something up and running in a weekend. There's also those fancy GitHub about me pages.

As you learn more about SEO, audit your site along the way. Add analytics to your site to check out your page views as you apply to new jobs. Hopefully they're going up!

Complete Every Optional Part of Job Applications

This is where we get a bit more general to regular old job advice. This one is pretty straightforward: fill out the application, complete the cover letter that's specific to the role, and tweak your resume. Leave no stone unturned when looking for a job. There could be an entire post about each one of these things but hopefully you get the idea.

Go to Meetups

This one is tough because not everyone is very social. Many of us are learning independently and going to a meetup along can be a big to-do. Just go regularly. Find one (or more) that you like and keep going.

I learned about web development alone at home through videos and articles. Hearing the word "svg" said out loud and talking about web development in person is invaluable and I wish I had started going to meetups sooner than I did.

Join a Local Slack Group

There are lots of local Slack channels for developers throughout regions and cities. Google your city's name + "developer Slack" and join up. Introduce yourself and check around to see if there is a Slack Channel for job postings. Getting involved in a local Slack group is easy and a great way to network, get your name out there, and learn more about the local dev scene. Also loads of tech companies use Slack so it's a great way to get familiar with it.

Check out Wes Bos' Slack channel. People there have always been really friendly and helpful in my experience.

Don’t Let a Bootcamp be Your Default

Bootcamps usually take a portion of your salary or cost a lot of money up front. It's also very hit-or-miss with bootcamps. Depending on your situation, a bootcamp might be a great idea. If you have a bit of web knowledge already or a bunch of time to learn, though, consider just digging in and start applying to see what sticks.

The bootcamp scene also varies by city so make sure to check that out, too. If you're really considering it, try to ask around in a developer Slack or at a meetup to get more info.

Consider Talking to a Recruiter

There could be an entire post about this. Recruiters vary widely in quality but can also be a great way to start a career. There are so many things that could be said here but research it for yourself in your area. Personally, I would complete a bunch of direct applications for a while before going with a recruiter. That's not to say you should dismiss them entirely. While many are spammy and will get your hopes up since you've added React to your LinkedIn, there are loads of legitimate ones that might be a great option.

Get LinkedIn Premium

I think it’s cool to see who’s viewing your profile when applying for jobs. It also provides a bit of extra visibility into job posting statistics. It's kinda pricey, but I think there's a month long free trial out there somewhere.

These are all I can think of right now. I'll probably add to this when I think of some more. Please remember this is just my opinion. Thanks for reading!