Introduction
We have arrived at an age where there is a lot of competition when it comes to employment. The more the universities, the more the churning of qualified graduates there is into the market. When it comes to programmer jobs, there are a couple of tips that can help push you to the head of the herd in terms of looking for and landing programmer jobs.
Step 1
Be good at what you do
Unlike most other professions or majors, programmers or people studying computer science have the opportunity of getting experience even before they finish school. This is because they deal with computers and are at a position where they are exposed to computers which are their working tools, to experiment with and build programmes. In a job market where employers often ask for people who have experience, this can really be an added advantage for programmers who always have an opportunity to start early. Other professions, like say engineering, makes this a little difficult; there is no way they can build a bridge before they finish school. Therefore, it is paramount that in order to get programmer jobs, one has to start early and be really good at it. Programmers should associate themselves with projects and make sure their names are on them. This adds up to the resume.
Step 2
Portfolio for programmer jobs
This point is in relation to the first one. When it comes to programmer jobs, the trend in the market is that people are hired according to talent and not really years of experience. So, it does not matter how old you are in the market, it is how much you have done. It is good to start early. Having a portfolio of at least 2 projects that you have done shows that you are innovative, proactive and creative; all attributes that a serious employer would look for. This is therefore a trick when it comes to looking for programmer jobs; have a portfolio. Let there be more to talk about with your interviewers. It does not pay looking like a rookie in this industry and in this economy. Most employers are not in the business of spending resources on training the clueless.
Step 3
Search the internet
Make sure to get your resume in order equipped with your knowledge and experience of programming languages, as well as the positions you have played during your experience. After this is in order, you can start your search on the internet. The world is connected to the internet in today’s world, so it should be the first place to look. It would also pay to consider other possibilities and opportunities that may be outside your career. You can decide on this once you search for the open positions; this will give you a better picture of the opportunities that are available as well as those that are likely to open up in future.
Tips
Call an IT recruiter
It would be prudent for you to call an IT recruiter. This might be able to shed light on what programming jobs may be in the pipeline. Also, look for a recruiter who is specialized in the area that you are interested in.
Network and network some more
Always talk to right people about your interest in programming jobs. If you have been in programming, this would be more advantageous for you because you stand a higher chance of knowing the right people. Also, there are companies that reward their employees for bringing in fresh new talent. This is often under the referral programme. Do not shy away from asking your friends if they have this in their companies. Also, do not be afraid to network out of your comfort zone; find more leads. Get connected to useful social networks such as linkedin.com.
Source
http://codefury.net/2010/06/how-to-get-a-job-as-a-programmer/