The Cold Application Approach Is DEAD For Developers

06/03/24 • 25 min

I answered an aspiring developer's question:
"In late 2022, I decided to get into SE to become a front end dev and decided to join an in-person bootcamp in 2023 to accelerate my learning. Choosing the bootcamp route over traditional schooling seemed like a quicker path into the field, especially since I'd already been self-studying beforehand. While the bootcamp experience was great, it left me feeling underprepared in key areas like Javascript, with the curriculum heavily focused on React. I earned a certificate and made my portfolio site to host my projects, but landing my first job has proven to be an uphill battle. I've been applying weekly for about 8 months now, even to listings I wasn’t ‘qualified’ for due to needing “”x amount of years of experience”” for entry level positions. I’ve spent the past half year studying Javascript to make up for the lack of JS in my bootcamp, and am still submitting applications almost daily. The 8 months and counting pursuit of an entry-level position across various job titles—front end dev, graphic design, UI engineer etc—has resulted in less than a dozen rejections, which at this point, I'm looking forward to since it’s better than hearing nothing at all. Soon, I won't be able to hold out financially, and I’ll have to find a full time job and inevitably run out of time in my personal life to code at all which is frustrating and heartbreaking, since I’ve grown to love coding, especially designing and building components and sites. TLDR; I’m just trying to get into my first position. I don't care if it’s writing HTML or CSS, hell at this point, I’ll do coffee runs for developers if it means I can actually get into a company. It has probably never been a worse time to get into software engineering, and I find myself actively telling younger family members who ask about it to go for something ‘more stable’ when ironically, was the sentiment I received when inquiring about software engineering.. This WAS the ‘stable’ career, until it wasn’t. I’m desperate for any advice on what to do at this point, maybe even going back to school if it betters my chances!"

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Previous Episode

"I've applied For 400 Developer Jobs and Only Got 1 Phone Interview. What Do I Do?"

I answered an aspiring developer's question:
"Biggest roadblock is just getting people to talk to me. Almost straight out of bootcamp I landed a junior software engineering role at a small digital product studio. Worked there for 9 months before getting laid off. But now amidst all the layoffs I’m small, tiny fish in an enormous pond. Despite applying to 400+ places (almost anything I’m remotely qualified for) over the past 8 months. I’ve had one, a single, 10 minute phone interview. So the biggest hurdle is how to find and land that next role or even get someone to talk to!! Despite all this I continue to work on “pet” projects, continue to grow my learning and have managed to land a freelance development gig! Keep on keepin’ on. It’ll happen!!"

Next Episode

We Need To Bring "Gatekeeping" Back To Web Development

Ready to bridge the developer skill gap and set yourself up for success in the tech industry? Join me and my guest, Derek Wood, better known as Sheriff Derek, as we dissect the growing disparity between what employers expect and the current skill levels of many budding developers. We dive into why foundational skills are critical and how bootcamps sometimes fall short in preparing students for real-world challenges.
Curious about the role of gatekeeping in tech and how it affects newcomers? We explore the evolving concept and its impact on aspiring developers. Sheriff Derek shares candid advice on avoiding the common pitfalls of coding bootcamps and stresses the importance of strategic self-branding. By focusing on developing core proficiencies and understanding industry expectations, you'll be better equipped to navigate your tech career without falling into financial strain or feeling unprepared.
But it’s not all about the grind—discover how to find joy in your programming journey and build meaningful, impactful projects. Sheriff Derek and I discuss the importance of celebrating small wins, integrating creativity into your work, and engaging with the tech community. Learn practical tips for continuous learning, networking, and creating projects that showcase your problem-solving skills. Whether you’re new or junior in the field, this episode is packed with actionable advice aimed at helping you thrive and find fulfillment in your tech career.
Sheriff Derek (guest):
Website - https://perpetual.education