As someone who was once in your shoes, searching for that first big break as an entry level web developer in the US, I know how daunting the job hunt can feel. The tech industry is competitive, especially for those just starting out. But don’t be discouraged – with the right approach, skills, and mindset, you can absolutely land an amazing entry level web dev role.
Let me share some personal tips and insights that helped me secure my first developer job right after graduating with a computer science degree.
✨ Develop Those Core Skills
Employers want to see practical skills, not just theoretical knowledge. As Sarah from San Francisco shared, “The projects I built using HTML, CSS and JavaScript were total game-changers during interviews. Companies could see I was ready to code on day one.”
Build a portfolio of websites, apps, or code contributions to open source projects. Don’t just follow tutorials – experiment and create something unique that solves a real problem creatively.
⭐ Rating: 5/5 – Skills and a portfolio are everything!
✅ Make Your Experience Count
Even if you haven’t had a formal developer job or internship yet, highlight any relevant experience. When I was applying, I made sure to discuss the website I built for my friend’s small business and my contributions to my university’s coding club.
As Ben from Boston advised, “Sell the experiences that show you have passion and resolve. Those qualities are just as valuable as technical skills for an entry level role.”
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 – Demonstrating motivation is key
➡️ Fine-Tune Your Resume & Portfolio
Your resume and portfolio are your marketing materials – make them shine! For my portfolio, I included detailed project descriptions, screenshots, code samples, and live demo links.
One recruiter noted, “His portfolio showed he could break down complex projects in a clear, impactful way – a skill every junior dev needs.”
Study job descriptions to tailoring your resume, highlighting the most relevant skills and coursework.
⭐ Rating: 4/5 – Not having an impressive portfolio is a dealbreaker
✅ Network, Network, Network
Going to local meetups, hackathons and conferences was a game-changer for me. As Emily from Austin emphasized, “I met developers who critiqued my projects, offered job referrals, and provided crucial advice for someone new to tech.”
Don’t just go for the free food and swag (although those are decent perks!). Connect with people, ask questions, and put yourself out there. The web dev community is incredibly supportive of enthusiastic learners.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 – It’s truly who you know
🌐 Be Open to Remote Opportunities
With many US companies embracing remote work, taking an entry level remote role can be an amazing option. As Jonathan, who landed a remote dev job in Dallas shared, “I had way more opportunities opening myself up to remote roles. Plus I could start getting experience right away without relocating.”
Check job boards like RemoteOK and We Work Remotely, and browse start-up hiring pages – many list remote junior dev openings.
⭐ Rating: 3.5/5 – More options, more flexibility
Top Resources for Finding Entry Level Web Developer Jobs:
| Resource | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job Boards (LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, AngelList) | Aggregated listings for open roles across many companies | Wide range of opportunities, ability to filter searches | Overcrowded, higher competition |
| Company Career Pages | Browse openings directly on target companies’ sites | Tailor applications, explore company culture | Time-consuming to search many sites |
| Coding Bootcamp Career Services | Job placement assistance from your bootcamp | Coaching, referrals, employer pipelines | Limited to specific hiring partners |
| Networking Events | In-person meetups, hackathons, conferences | Make valuable connections, learn insights | Can be intimidating for beginners |
| Remote Job Boards (RemoteOK, WeWorkRemotely) | Job listings specifically for remote roles | Expand location options, flexibility | Increased competition globally |
🚀 Persevere and Keep Growing
My very first role was as a coding boot camp teaching assistant – not quite the dream, but it kept me immersed in code while allowing me to save money and gain key skills like communication and debugging.
There will be rejections and bumps in the road, but as my mentor Jason said, “Successful developers never stop being students. Embracing that mindset of continuous learning is what separates the good from the great.”
Keep applying to roles, contributing to personal projects, and discovering new technologies and trends. With commitment and grit, you’ll get there!
⭐ Rating: 5/5 – A must for long-term career growth
Success is within your reach aspiring web developer! Leverage all the incredible resources out there, continue developing your abilities, put yourself out there…and that dream entry level role WILL come your way.
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