Alright, so you’ve just finished  the academic jungle or wrapped up your bootcamp journey. You’re armed with your shiny new degree or certificate and you’re ready to tackle the professional world. You start blasting out your CV left, right, and center, but all you hear is crickets. Seriously, How can it be? How come no one’s knocking down your door with job offers and confetti cannons?

If you’re nodding along like, “Yep, been there,” then you’re in the right place. This post might just be your new best friend, here to drop some experience  from my time as an R&D team leader over the past 8+ years.

First things first, let’s talk numbers:

– For every “Dev” job out there, you’re up against a bunch of other eager beavers. We’re talking a whole squad.

– And if you’re eyeing up a Junior position, well, now we’re talking about a whole army of hopefuls.

– Oh, and your CV? It’s getting glanced at quicker than you can say “hire me!” Somewhere between a heartbeat and a TikTok video.

Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s dive into some tips to make sure you’re the one standing out from the crowd:

1. Experience  – So, you might be thinking, “But I’m a newbie, what experience do I have?” Don’t sweat it. Sure, you might not have years of industry hands on experience , but you’ve got something even better: passion and potential. Talk up any projects you tackled during your studies or bootcamp adventures. Your goal here? Show ’em that spark! And don’t forget to show those GitHub muscles! Start tossing up your own projects and stick a link on your CV for all to see.
2. Be prepared – Before you stroll into that interview, do a little recon. Google the company, brush up on your tech lingo, and maybe even do some stealthy research on what questions other candidates have faced. Remember, knowledge is power (and also the key to not accidentally quoting your favorite movie when asked about your strengths).
3. People – It’s all about the people, right? So, whether you’re chatting with HR, recruiters, or the office dog, slap on a smile. You never know who’s gonna be the one to push your CV to the top of the pile.
4. Be You, Be Bold – Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine. Sometimes, it’s not just about having the perfect answer; it’s about showing how you think. So, toss in a joke or two and let ’em see the real you. Embrace those quirks!
5. Embrace the Unknown – Look, nobody’s got all the answers. Sometimes, it’s not about being a walking encyclopedia; it’s about showing how you tackle the unknown. Let ’em see that brain in action!
6. Dream Job vs. Real Job – Look, we all wanna hit the jackpot with our first job., but let’s be real – sometimes you gotta start at the bottom and work your way up. Embrace the grind, soak up the knowledge, and remember, every job is a stepping stone.
7. Brush Off the Rejection – Yeah, rejection stings, but don’t let it knock you down. Use it as fuel to level up your skills. Ask for feedback, dust yourself off, and keep on hustling. Every “no” gets you one step closer to that sweet “yes.”

Remember, sometimes a sprinkle of luck can go a long way. There are a million factors at play in the hiring game, many of which are completely out of your hands. So keep your chin up, keep grinding, and who knows? Your lucky break might just be around the corner. Sometime it will even be in the same place, just different time.