Job Seeker Entry-Level Apprehensions Nervousness Anxiety
Having previously engaged in recruitment activities, specifically in vetting Curriculum Vitae (CV) and conducting initial interviews for entry-level and experienced sales roles, I can relate to the concerns encountered by newcomers striving to establish themselves in the tech industry, particularly in software development. This includes myself, amusingly enough.
As a novice, there exists an ongoing concern: Do certifications carry weight? Am I effectively presenting my documents and professional profile? What details should be included in my biodata? Is it preferable to create a portfolio website or rely on GitHub and LinkedIn? How many projects are adequate, and what types are essential? Is my profile picture appropriate? Are my language and framework skills sufficient? Do I genuinely comprehend these languages and frameworks? How proficient am I in "LeetCode" (DSA - Data Structures and Algorithms)? It often feels like an endless pursuit of validation, resembling the quest of women seeking a life partner—an unending "Pick-me" ritual.
However, once an initial job is secured and a year's worth of substantial experience with tangible accomplishments is gained, the dynamics shift. I've observed seasoned developers labeled as "senior" or "experienced" often disregarding conventions that junior developers hold dear. Strangely enough, these irregularities seem inconsequential as senior developers receive substantial recruiter interest. During my tenure in recruitment, relevant work experience accounted for approximately 70% of my decision-making process. Subsequent considerations then encompassed factors such as tenure and stability in previous roles, impactful achievements, utilized skills and technologies, career progression, education, and certifications.
In conclusion, I recall advice from one of my esteemed tech mentors, Ekpa Ntan, which continues to resonate with me: “Never stop learning, never stop practicing, never stop improving. It’s better to be prepared and not have opportunities yet than to spot opportunities and not be sufficiently qualified for them.” This motivational statement serves as a constant encouragement. Based on my own tested experiences, I would further add: “Those who consistently invest hours at the gym inevitably witness long-term gains.” Applying this principle to the tech realm can similarly yield fruitful results.
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