How to land a Coding job

Are you feeling anxious about the recent news regarding AI potentially taking over job roles, along with the significant layoffs happening in various large tech companies? Some influencers are even suggesting that the so-called Golden Age of tech has come to an end. They claim that with the increasing use of AI and ongoing layoffs, there won't be any tech jobs left, making learning to code seem pointless.

Let me offer some reassurance: the tech sector is, in fact, expanding rather than contracting, and AI is unlikely to replace developers in the foreseeable future. Your decision to pursue a career in coding is a wise one, as the core principles of the tech industry remain as relevant today as ever.

In fact, the job outlook for development positions over the next decade is exceptionally strong. The United States is projected to create an additional 370,000 software jobs in the next ten years, making software development the top job category in the country. So, instead of asking whether you should become a software developer, focus on how to become one.

The first step toward landing a developer job is learning how to code, which is fundamental. However, before you start learning to code, it's crucial to narrow down the specific developer job you want. Ask yourself what type of projects you'd like to work on—mobile apps, data science, games, desktop applications, or web development. If you're unsure, web development is a great starting point, as it is currently the most in-demand field.

Once you've chosen your desired job path, focus on learning the relevant skills. A common mistake is trying to learn too many programming languages without honing the skills necessary for a particular job. It's essential to select a "tech stack" that aligns with your chosen job. For web development, you should master five core languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, and a server-side language like C#. ASP.NET, a web framework from Microsoft, is a suitable choice for web development.

After acquiring your tech stack knowledge, the next step is to build showcase projects that utilize these skills effectively. Unlike what some influencers may suggest, building any project won't suffice. Your projects should resonate with potential employers rather than being personal or "fun" projects. Building a Pokedex, Tic-tac-toe, or a simple snake game, for example, are not ideal showcase projects.

The projects you create must meet certain criteria to impress potential employers:

• Stylish and Intuitive: Your projects should be visually appealing and user-friendly.

• Solve a Recognizable Business Problem: Your project should address a common business problem or need, making its purpose immediately clear to hiring managers.

• Incorporate Database and Security: Your projects should include authentication, authorization, and database functionality, demonstrating your ability to handle these critical aspects.

We recommend building a bug tracker project. This instantly recognizable application showcases your skills effectively during interviews.

To succeed in job interviews, prepare for technical questions related to your chosen tech stack. Practice answering the top 30 interview questions and relate them to your showcase project. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also your ability to implement it.

Additionally, be ready for coding challenges during interviews. Practice solving coding challenges from platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. While these challenges are essential, allocate most of your time to studying technical questions and practicing demoing your showcase project.

Despite the alarming headlines, rest assured that coding skills will remain in demand for the foreseeable future. Don't be swayed by pessimistic predictions. There are abundant opportunities in the tech industry for those willing to learn and adapt. Keep coding and good luck on your journey!