I still remember refreshing my CVs, tailoring it to every job application. Looking back, I learned a lot (mostly the hard way). If you’re getting ready to apply for your first dev job, here’s what I wish someone had told me.
1. Your portfolio doesn’t need to be perfect — it needs to be clear
I spent way too much time trying to “wow” people with animations and clever layouts. What actually matters?
That your projects are easy to understand, run smoothly, and show how you think as a developer. A clean README and a working live demo will take you further than a fancy UI.
2. Tailor your resume, even just a little
Early on, I was just blasting the same resume to every company. Don’t do that. You don’t need to rewrite everything — just highlight the skills or projects that match the job. If it’s a React job, bring that React weather app to the top.
3. You don’t need to know everything — just be able to learn
I kept holding off on applying because I thought, “I need to master ... first” or “I haven’t learned ... yet.” Truth is, no one expects you to know it all. Show that you’re curious, reliable, and can learn fast — that’s what most teams want.
4. It’s okay if you don’t get replies right away
Most of my early applications went into a void. No reply. Nothing. It’s not you — a lot of companies just don’t respond, especially to junior devs. Keep going. Follow up if you can.
5. Interviews aren’t tests — they’re conversations
I went into my first interview thinking I had to be perfect. I over-prepared answers, stressed over every word.
Final thought:
Getting that first dev job is hard. But it’s also where you’ll learn the most — not just about code, but about how to work with people, communicate, and solve real-world problems.
If you’re in that stage now, hang in there. Keep building, keep applying, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Experienced devs, how did you apply? Would be interesting to read! By the way, visit our website here, we have many interesting articles in our blog section. Welcome!
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