DEV Community: Jim Tryon

Going after that first dev job

Jim Tryon — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 03:07:46 +0000

I have been dead set these last 6 months to a year to really focus my time on learning JavaScript, specifically knowing all I can about React and associated tools and technologies. I know in the Seattle job market and from looking at job postings, JavaScript jobs are in high demand. But recently I've taken an interest in C# programming and the Microsoft tech stack. I don't want to get in this habit where I constantly pivot from one language to another without getting a solid grasp on one language.

I'm on Career Karma and doing the 21-day Challenge. This has really helped in keeping me accountable and developing a plan. I have a lot of thoughts running through my head about how to jump in and market myself to companies that are looking for devs. I also am in the camp where I don't think you need to pay $500-$1000 for a mentor to teach you what you need to get a dev job.

I also don't want to fall into the camp of impostor syndrome. Should I keep on the path of JavaScript or is it ok to switch to C#? I'm thinking it might be easier to land a C# job. I don't have any stats to back that up, but I would love to hear what others think!

Difference between Junior and Senior Developer

Jim Tryon — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 06:36:29 +0000

I've been contacted in email at least once a day for mid-senior level positions. I know that recruiters generally just email their whole network trying to hire as many people as they can and I get it, they have a job to do. The problem with this approach is that I'm not interested in senior positions, but I'm interested in junior positions. How can I make it clear that I would like more of an entry-level role and not something that requires years of experience?

Have any tips to transition to a software developer?

Jim Tryon — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 09:44:22 +0000

I'm a college grad with a bachelor's degree in software development, but have not been able to land a job since 2016. I applied to a few companies only to get an email reply that the company has decided to pursue other candidates or that I do not have the skills they are looking for in the position. I get on average about 3-4 emails a day with job opportunities, however, most of them are for senior positions. I consider myself at the junior level never having held a professional software development job before. I feel that rejection is a part of trying to get on with a company and that I have not applied to enough places. But after having been turned down quite a few times, I eventually had to resort to a job outside of that field so that I can still afford to pay bills and take care of myself.