You might wonder how difficult it is to enter the field of software development and become a programmer in light of the reported high-paying, flexible positions in technology (side note: many of these tech professions don’t require a computer science degree). Is it difficult to find work as an entry-level web developer jobs? And what can I do to land a job as a web developer?
Junior web developer jobs are among the most sought-after roles for tech newbies (sometimes listed as entry-level front-end developers). If you’re wondering whether it’s difficult to find a job as a junior developer, the answer is yes. If you’re new to technology, it won’t be a complete stroll in the park, but if you’re ready to put in the effort, it’s absolutely achievable if you follow the steps below.
You don’t have to return to school to obtain a bachelor’s degree and begin designing websites as an entry-level web developer for major employers if you’re wondering how to become a junior web developer or how much you can earn from a junior web developer pay.
Why? Considering that you may acquire web development abilities and work as an entry-level web developer without ever setting foot inside another college classroom. We’ve compiled a list of 12 crucial actions you must take in order to alter your career path and find employment as a junior web developer.
In addition, you’ll learn more about other frequently asked topics (such as “how much does an entry-level web developer make?”) and some of the prerequisite abilities for web developer positions so you can begin developing your CV.
What is a Good Salary for an entry-level Web Developer?
While full-stack developers earn the most, entry-level web development positions are still a good place to start.
Do you want to know how much a junior web developer makes?
According to Indeed, the average entry-level junior developer jobs salary for front-end web developers in the United States is $63,890 per year working full-time (a figure that eventually rises to more than $104,670 per year) for web developers with more than three years of experience). Check out our Pay Series post, “How Much Does a Web Developer Make?” for a more in-depth look at what to anticipate from a junior web developer’s salary.
You can begin applying for entry-level web developer jobs as a junior web developer if you have a working knowledge of the programming languages HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery, and you can find any number of online coding schools or in-person programs and dev boot camps to learn these skills, depending on how much time and money you have to spend.
Skills Required to be an entry-level web developer
Aside from coding abilities, there are certainly more elements you can add to resumes for entry-level web developer jobs, but it’s perfectly OK to start looking for entry-level web developer jobs while you’re still gathering these extra talents. Extras that are frequently requested for junior developer roles include:
- Web design/UX design/Photoshop
- Git/GitHub version control
- Compatibility across browsers
- Web design that is responsive
If you already know the essential programming languages and are working on expanding your tech toolkit, you’ve completed the most difficult aspect of the pre-application process for entry-level web developer positions.
How to Become an Entry Level Web Developer in 12 Steps
1. CREATE A WEBSITE PORTFOLIO FULL OF IMPORTANT WORK
When evaluating you for a junior web developer position, potential employers will first look at your portfolio. If you’re interested in front-end development, in particular, your website should be a true expression of your abilities and personal brand.
However, before you can upload your portfolio, you must develop it, publish it, and make sure it stands out from other websites. A website may be created using HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript.
It’s time to include some essential portfolio projects for IT novices in your newly constructed portfolio website.
Include any work you’ve done for companies or clients (with their permission) that you’re especially proud of, and remember to include projects that demonstrate your versatility as a designer and developer.
What matters here is that you post powerful, clean work that reflects your skill level and brand.
2. WORK ON FREELANCE PROJECTS
Searching out freelancing clients is a fantastic method to supplement your new junior web developer portfolio if you feel it is lacking. Taking on projects as a freelancer can help you improve business skills such as bargaining, demonstrate your credibility as a developer, and provide you with current recommendations to offer future employers.
It will also allow you to obtain experience for full-time entry-level web development positions (if that is your objective) while increasing your financial balance.
The projects don’t have to be large; for example, you may offer to redesign the navigation for a local restaurant’s website or to publish a newsletter for a charitable group (using HTML5). Both are excellent additions to your gleaming portfolio.
You might also try performing some charitable work yourself through pro bono projects. You won’t be bringing home any bacon from them, but they will help you build your portfolio, provide a method for you to network, and you can really make unpaid projects pay off for you in a variety of ways that will help your job hunt and career.
3. ASSIGN YOUR CODE TO GITHUB
The industry standard for version control is GitHub, and before making you an offer, many businesses want to see that you have actual experience with it. By having your own GitHub account and utilizing it as a repository for your projects and web apps, you can demonstrate this and showcase your best code.
Make frequent contributions to GitHub after creating an account. This demonstrates to potential employers that you are continuously honing your abilities as a junior web developer, even if it’s just for hypothetical projects. Employers want to know that you can get right in and collaborate on coding on their teams, so keep your code tidy and clean, and provide a clear README.
4. Check & Follow Tech Industry News
Keep up with what’s going on in technology – this is important for both your first web developer job interview and all the small chat you’ll be making with new tech buddies. You don’t have to be an expert on every issue or topic out there; simply learn what’s popular and what’s going on. You may browse blogs or tech news sites while eating breakfast, listen to podcasts while walking your dog, or peruse Twitter lists while standing in line.
5. Build Your Resume
Despite the fact that your portfolio is where you will demonstrate your talents as a junior web developer, most firms still ask for resumes and use them to screen applicants. That implies it should be as polished and professional as your portfolio. Make sure to emphasize your main abilities, emphasize any tech-related expertise, and include precise information to demonstrate your accomplishments and strengths.
Additionally, choose a clean, simple design (or create your own!) to use as a resume. There are various free resume templates accessible on the internet, and your prospective employer would enjoy having all of your knowledge expressed in a straightforward, visually attractive manner. Keep in mind that you want a job just as much as your employer does.
6. REGULARLY LEARN NEW, IMPORTANT SKILLS
You should keep up with new skills and tools of the profession in addition to keeping up with the news. Knowing these will make you more in demand as an entry-level web developer. Among the most often requested technologies are CSS preprocessors like Sass or Less, frameworks like Backbone.js, Angular.js, React, or Node.js, etc., or Ruby on Rails, and a CMS (Content Management System) like WordPress.
Through a number of tools, such as coding boot camps and tutorials, you may learn about the fascinating world of Ruby. You can also take Skillcrush’s WordPress Developer workshops, which are part of our Break Into Tech course package.
7. TAKE PART IN A HACKATHON
Nowadays, you can’t turn around without coming across a hackathon! They’re a fun and exciting opportunity to meet other computer enthusiasts, help solve real problems, put your coding abilities to the test, learn from others, and perhaps win rewards!
You’ll end up coding on a team during a hackathon, and demonstrating you can hack it (I’ll show myself out) with a team of hackers makes you a lot more desirable to recruiting managers at web development businesses.
Search sites like AngelHack, hackathon.io, and DevPost to locate hackathons near you or online (opens in a new tab). Also, keep a watch out for sponsors and recruiters at the event. Many web developer has been seen during a hackathon and immediately given a job!
8. PARTICIPATE IN AN OPEN SOURCE PROJECT
If you’ve mostly been coding for classes, fake projects, or solitary projects, you may boost your cooperation skills by participating in an open-source project.
Open source refers to source code that is freely available to the public and can be updated by anybody. There are several open source projects available, including well-known ones such as Ruby on Rails, Python, Linux, MySQL, and a plethora of JavaScript frameworks.
Participating in open source projects on your way to becoming a junior web developer can help you increase your front-end or back-end programming abilities, gain hands-on experience working on teams and projects, and meet and network with other developers. You’ll also have the extensive, industry-vetted experience to draw on.
Explore GitHub to find open source projects of various sizes and types (opens in a new tab). When you see a project that interests you, don’t be hesitant to step in and contribute! Some simple starting tasks include reporting problems, assisting with issue prioritization, beta testing, working on the project’s website, and enhancing documentation.
9. CONNECT WITH OTHER WEB DEVELOPERS ONLINE AND IN PERSON
While attending hackathons, you should make contacts, but don’t stop there. Continue to reach out to the individuals you meet and learn more about the web development profession through online and in-person conversations.
The most convenient method to accomplish this is through tech meetup groups. Almost every city has one, and if yours doesn’t, you can create one. Simply choose a topic, choose a location (even a coffee shop or a neighborhood park can suffice! ), and spread the news via social media, email, or in person.
If you’re truly not in a place where you can meet other techies, check for groups online. Answer queries on Stack Overflow (opens in a new tab), comment on development-related Twitter discussions, or assist on the WordPress.org forum (opens in a new tab).
Whether you meet in person or online, you’ll be broadening your horizons and meeting individuals who may be your future coworkers or superiors at those coveted junior web developer positions.
10. START LOOKING FOR ENTRY-LEVEL WEB DEVELOPER JOBS
Now that you’ve put in the time to network and hone your skills, it’s time to look for genuine entry-level web developer job ads. Begin by looking for a “junior web developer” on sites such as Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Indeed, without regard for the employer or region. The goal is for you to learn about what companies are searching for and what possibilities are available in general.
Keep in mind that job descriptions sometimes include more (sometimes WAY MORE!) criteria and technical expertise than are really required of candidates. Don’t be discouraged by this.
Many hiring managers base their judgment on your capacity to learn on the job – no one knows everything when they start a new job, and you’ll get some on-the-job training (even at startups!).
Once you’ve acquired a sense of what’s available, send your CV to the jobs that pique your interest. Be realistic, but not timid. Nobody is going to come knocking on your door looking for a web developer job. You must be willing to put yourself out there.
Not to mention the trusted word! Make sure everyone knows you’re looking, including your friends, family, neighbors, and, of course, hackathon, meet-up, and internet buddies. You never know who has a friend who has a friend who knows just the job for you.
11. PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW
There are a few things you should do to ensure a successful interview if you want to work as an entry-level web developer. Make sure you are first familiar with the foundations of web development. Familiarize yourself with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and be able to discuss common web development challenges.
Second, be prepared to answer questions about your experience coding and designing web applications. Be sure to discuss any projects you have worked on and how you approached solving the challenges involved.
Finally, be prepared to discuss your coding and design processes. Be sure to describe how you go about solving problems and designing web applications. By following these tips, you will be well-prepared for your next web developer interview.
12. RECOLLECT THE PROCESS
The beauty of junior web developer positions (and web developer jobs in general) is that your code speaks louder than your résumé. Continue your search if you do not receive a job offer after your interview. Work on tasks that will help you build your portfolio. The more you have on your portfolio, the more impressive your coding talents will appear and, more importantly, be. You’ll be an even better prospect by the next interview.
Conclusion: Let’s Wrap All Together
As an entry-level web developer, you should be able to put together a decent website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You should also be able to use a text editor to write code and a web browser to test your code.
If you want to get a job as a web developer, you’ll need to have a strong portfolio that showcases your skills. Start by building some small projects on your own and then look for opportunities to work on larger projects with a team.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you’re stuck. There are plenty of resources available online to help you learn web development. And, if you get stuck, you can always reach out to a more experienced developer that you know for help, or else If you have any queries ask me. If you find this post helpful then do share it with your friends.
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