Choosing Your First Software Development Job: Factors to Consider

Getting into the field of software development is a smart career move. Many employers are looking for developers and often struggle to fill these roles. Not only that but salaries and benefits are extremely competitive in our tech-centric world. Once you’ve got the training and education you need to succeed, though, where should you start? Your first software development job will set the stage for your career and allow you to improve your skillset while getting paid. A careful choice will help set you up for success.

So, what should you consider as you look for your first job
in the field? Here are some tips.

Don’t Be Intimidated By Job Requirements

When you’re choosing where to apply, it makes sense to only look at jobs where you meet all the qualifications, right? Wrong. Those qualifications are usually flexible. Job descriptions are written with the perfect candidate in mind. A company might want 5 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree, but that doesn’t mean anyone with those qualifications will apply.

With that said, it’s best to apply for positions asking for less than 2 years of
experience, according to one hiring manager.

Look for Companies That Hire Recent Grads

Some companies have no problem hiring people who are fresh out of school or coding bootcamp. Others won’t take a second look at your
resume without a few years of experience.

Set yourself up for success by targeting companies that have a history of hiring recent grads with software development degrees so that you know you’re not going to waste your time.The starting salaries at these companies might be a bit lower, but you’ll get your foot in the door and access some excellent learning opportunities. Companies that hire recent grads also know that they’ll have to do a bit more coaching for their new hires, so they’re prepared for the normal bumps that will come up.

Follow Your Interests

As a software developer, there are so many industries you can work in. Markets like autonomous vehicles, fintech, and healthcare are growing, meaning that you’ll have lots of options when looking for jobs both now and in the future. It’s important to follow your interests and choose an industry you could see working in for years to come. Once you gain some experience as a developer in an industry, you’ll start to grow your skills in that sector and become more attractive to potential future employers.

Look at Company Culture 

When looking at job postings, you should start to get a feel for the different company cultures you come across. The culture at your first job should be so that you have a good experience as a developer. Finding the right culture fit will also help you to feel comfortable as you grow your skills. Finding the right culture fit isn’t always easy. You might go into an interview excited about the company but find that the managers aren’t what you expected. Or, a company might advertise a certain type of culture but the reality turns out to be quite different. Finding a job where you feel comfortable is both important and challenging!

Evaluate Learning Opportunities

When you’re deciding where to apply for a job, don’t just think about what you’re qualified to do. Consider the potential learning opportunities that might be available in different roles. For example, if there’s a new language you want to learn, keep an eye out for jobs that might offer you some exposure to that language. Or, if you want to try lots of different projects, think about joining a startup where everyone has to wear many hats.

Prioritize Communication

The field of software development involves a lot of communication, no matter how long you’ve been in the business. For your first job, it’s even more critical to work with people who are good communicators.When you’re finding your footing and figuring things out, you will need to ask lots of questions and you don’t want to feel too intimidated to seek out help!

Consider the Benefits

When you’re looking for your first job it can be tempting to apply for only the jobs that pay the most. But it’s important to look at the total compensation package and work/life balance as well. What kind of vacation policy does a company offer? How do they view taking time off? It’s easy to get burned out as a software developer if you feel obligated to work long hours. Sometimes, it’s better to take lower pay if the company is generous with time off. Other benefits are important too, and you need to think about what’s most valuable to you. Some benefits might include: ·      Health insurance ·      Dental and vision insurance ·      Retirement contributions·      Pet insurance·      Time off ·      Flexible hours ·      Remote work options ·      Perks like gym memberships Some companies offer incentives like free snacks in the break room, which can be nice but isn’t a substitute for fair pay and quality benefits. Look beyond the flashy incentives and seek out a job with benefits that will enhance your life.

Be Picky, But Stop Worrying About Forever

The hardest job to get as a software developer is your first job. Once you have some experience, it should be much easier to land a gig. For that reason, it’s important not to be too worried about “forever” during your job search. The longer you search, the more disheartening it can be not to land the perfect gig. Sometimes, you need to take a job “for now” to set you up for something better in a year or two. It might not be ideal, but “good enough” isn’t a bad thing for your first development job. Yes, some people stay at the same company for years and years, but that’s getting much less common these days. You’re likely to hop from job to job every once in a while, so don’t worry too much about finding your dream job right away. Just get to work and be ready to jump when the next right job opportunity comes along.