2024 is tough for junior frontend developers.
I know because I get DMs daily from devs who can't find a job.
Even when they're trying hard, most are making costly mistakes that make their chances of getting hired close to zero.
Let's change that.
In this post, I'll share 7 mistakes junior devs make—and exactly what to do instead.
Mistake 1: You're Applying Without a Plan
Sending out hundreds of generic applications everywhere and hoping one of them sticks? That's not a strategy—it's burnout waiting to happen.
Here's why it doesn't work:
Generic applications don't stand out. Recruiters can tell.
Rejections crush confidence. And desperation shows.
You're wasting time. Time spent applying could be used to sharpen your interview skills.
What to do instead:
Target companies. Choose ones that excite you and align with your skills.
Do your homework. Check the LinkedIn profiles of employees to see where you fit.
Tailor your resume. Customize it for every job description.
Network smartly. Connect with people at your target companies on LinkedIn.
Ask for referrals or advice. Many people are happy to help, but you need to ask.
Real-Life Example:
In 2018, I got a job offer from Pinterest by simply messaging an employee on LinkedIn.
Mistake 2: Your LinkedIn Profile is a Mess (or Nonexistent)
If you don't have a LinkedIn profile, you're invisible to recruiters.
Why LinkedIn matters:
It's where recruiters search for candidates.
It's a goldmine for researching roles and employees.
How to fix it 🛠️:
Make sure your profile includes:
Location. Be specific.
Education. Where you studied and what you studied.
Experience. Projects, internships, and accomplishments.
Summary. A compelling pitch about why you're the perfect hire.
Pro Tip: Not sure where to start? Watch this video from an ex-Google recruiter for practical tips.
Mistake 3: You're Not Networking Enough
"It's not what you know; it's who you know."
This isn't just a cliché—it's how the hiring world works.
Job portals are crowded, and standing out there is almost impossible 😬.
What to do instead:
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Tap into your alumni network. If you went to college, connect with alumni for referrals or advice.
Example: In 2017, I contacted a Google alum from my school. His guidance helped me get job offers from Palantir and Pinterest.
Leverage social media. Use LinkedIn, Reddit, or even Twitter. Be polite and direct—skip the "Hi" messages and get straight to your ask.
Mistake 4: Your Profile is Generic
Most junior dev profiles look like this:
MERN Developer. Next.js fan. I love building websites.
It's forgettable. Recruiters spend only 6-8 seconds on a resume (source).
How to stand out:
Highlight your unique qualities. For instance, I'm a Black woman with strong tech experience, which makes me stand out in a sea of male programmers.
Showcase challenges you've overcome. It shows resilience.
Prove why you're the best fit. Use concrete examples instead of buzzwords like "hard-working" or "passionate."
Mistake 5: You Have Unrealistic Expectations
Here's the truth:
If you have zero experience, holding out for a high-paying, fully remote job with perfect 9-to-5 hours is unrealistic.
What to do instead:
Get any relevant experience first.
Highlight that experience on your resume.
Look for better roles once you have a solid foundation.
It's easier to negotiate when you're not worried about paying rent.
Mistake 6: You're Not Technically Prepared
This one's obvious but often overlooked.
Don't spend weeks landing an interview just to fail it because you weren't ready.
Before interviewing, ensure you:
Know the basics. Depending on the job, this could mean DSA (data structures and algorithms) or core technologies (JavaScript, HTML, CSS, libraries like React).
Practice interviews. Try mock interviews with friends, online platforms like Prepfully, or AI tools.
How to handle rejection:
Even with preparation, you might fail. I've failed Google and Goldman Sachs interviews but still landed two great offers.
What matters is learning from failure and improving for the next round.
Mistake 7: You Lack Soft Skills
Even the most technically brilliant devs struggle to get hired if they lack soft skills.
Key soft skills to master:
Communication. Use the STAR framework to explain your achievements clearly.
Likability. Be someone people want to work with. Don't badmouth past employers or experiences.
Curiosity. Always ask thoughtful questions during interviews—it shows genuine interest.
Summary
Breaking into tech is tough, but it's possible.
If you avoid these 7 mistakes, you'll rise above the competition and get closer to landing your dream job.
Stay focused, stay consistent, and most importantly—don't give up.
💡 My tip of the week
💡 Food for thought
That's a wrap 🎉.
Leave a comment 📩 to share a mistake you made (and how you overcame it).
And don't forget to drop a "💖🦄🔥".
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