Getting a Front-End Developer Job
Learning Paths:
Topics:
Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction
Jerome Hardaway walks through the course outline and talks about Vets Who Code which is an organization that helps veterans learn to code.
The Three Hiring Users
Jerome explains that frontend developers will encounter three types of users when applying for a job. The three users are bots or automated systems which scan a resume, the HR representative who may or may not have technical knowledge, and developers who have the technical expertise.
Technologies You Need to Know
Jerome emphasizes learning the fundamentals of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. While interviewers may not expect complete proficiency in these technologies, Jerome encourages building a core competency.
Technologies to Give You an Edge
Jerome describes the knowledge that give a junior frontend engineer a career jump-start, namely design systems, web accessibility, understanding at least one serverless technology and usage of APIS.
Building Your Resume
Building Your Resume
Jerome demonstrates why creating a strong introductory pitch that is well written and full of relevant keywords is a crucial first step when building a resume. Jerome provides some resources for improving writing skills and spends some time writing an introductory pitch from scratch.
Education
Jerome recommends including education and degree information after the introductory pitch if the education is relevant. If the education experience is not relevant it is best practice to mention it later on the resume or omit it completely.
Showing Experience
Jerome explains why experience is the most important component of a resume. Prioritize work experience that showcases skills and understanding in the most relevant technologies. Also highlight experience that involved critical soft skills which are transferable to the technology sector.
Volunteering
Jerome suggests using volunteer work as another way to add experience to a resume, and when including volunteer work on a resume, list the technologies used and the impact of the work.
Resume Q&A
Jerome answers questions from the audience. Questions include how to handle periods of unemployment, bad relationships with previous employers, how much experience to include on a resume, and whether or not to build an interactive resume.
Portfolio
Employer-Ready Github Profile
Jerome shares some tips and resources for making a Github profile look more polished and professional. There are plugins available which add statistics and visual interest. Pinning repositories can help showcase specific projects.
Building a Portfolio
Jerome recommends including a contact form on a portfolio website so potential employers have an easy way to connect. A portfolio website allows frontend developers to showcase their personality alongside their work experience.
Macro to Micro Content
Jerome introduces the hiring funnel, which is the cycle used for self-promotion and to get hired. The process starts with a strong presence on social media. Jerome showcases a few social media accounts of developers who are using their platforms wisely to get noticed.
Resume Practices
Introductory Pitch Practice
Jerome critiques introductory pitches submitted by students. Some common suggestion were to use "web developer" instead of "full-stack developer" and to omit years of experience or older technologies used if they aren't relevant to the current position.
Highlighting Experience Practice
Jerome asks students to submit one experience item that includes the job, tools used, and impact of the work. Jerome then critiques a few of the submissions.
