Reality vs Expectations: The Difficulties of Finding a First Job for Juniors

Welcome to the world of IT! A place where we swim in an ocean of binary code, and coffee becomes our primary source of sustenance. However, not everything is as rosy as it may seem at first glance. In this article, we will address the issues of finding the first job for Junior IT specialists. It will cover everything: myths and reality, the struggle for a place in the sun, and, of course, survival tips.

Expectations of Job Hunting in the IT Sphere

“If you know how to turn on a computer, you can already work in IT!” Well, friends, this is one of those myths that, unfortunately, do not reflect reality. Yes, IT is one of the most attractive fields, but the requirements here are quite high.

And even after successful employment, disappointments occur. If you think that working in IT is always like in the movies: hackers, donuts, and parties every Friday, then, I'm afraid, you are in for a lot of disappointments. Although parties probably do happen, but alas, not every Friday.

Reality of Job Hunting for Junior IT Specialists

According to LinkedIn data, the number of vacancies for Junior specialists is growing slower than for Middle and Senior. It seems that every newcomer will have not one personal competitor on the way to the vacancy, but dozens or even hundreds.

Myth: “You only need to know one programming language to start working.”

Reality, according to a Glassdoor study: knowledge of several programming languages, experience working on real projects, and, oh yes, knowledge of English.

According to a StackOverflow report, the number of Junior IT specialists in the market is simply off the charts. It's like a “every man for himself” battle where everyone is trying to claim their place in the sun. And the vacancies for them? Well, let's just say they are like a rare artifact in the world of fantasy games. Everyone hunts for them, and the chance to find them is vanishingly small.

Number of Applications and Tips for Successful Employment

Consider that searching for your first job in IT is like facing the boss in the final battle of a video game. You will have to make many moves to advance to the next level and earn the deserved reward. Let's figure out how many applications you'll have to send to finally pass this level and give you a few tips on how to do it successfully.

Application Statistics

So, according to statistics, to get an invitation for an interview, you may need to send somewhere between 50 and 500 job applications. Then, to get the coveted offer, you'll have to go through 5 to 20 interviews. The numbers can vary a bit, but the main thing is to be prepared for a number of battles along the way.

Advice Based on Statistics Don't give up on the battlefield:

1. If you've received a couple (dozens, hundreds) of rejections, don't despair! Keep sending your resume and responding to job postings. Be as persistent as the mean boss you're trying to defeat.
2. Analyze the battlefield: Carefully study the jobs you're applying for. Don't shoot randomly, like in a sandbox game. Learn what skills and experience are required, and make sure you can meet these demands.
3. Personalize your weapon: Don't slap the same generic paper on all employers. Adapt your resume and cover letter to each specific vacancy. Highlight your best skills and achievements to hit the enemy right in the bullseye.
4. Build your own clan: Create your profile on professional platforms (LinkedIn, GitHub, GeekLink). Showcase your cool projects and achievements, make acquaintances with other players in this industry.
5. Use the magical networking effect: Participate in various events, meetups, and conferences where you can meet bosses and other players. After all, sometimes luck can be on your side when you're in the right place at the right time.

And 5 More Tips

1. Prepare personally for each interview and learn to answer questions like “Tell us about yourself” without hesitation.
2. Create a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your ability to solve real-life tasks. This will be your defense in the job hunting battle.
3. Learn new programming languages, technologies, and tools to become a more valuable candidate.
4. Remember, reality does not always meet expectations: Be ready for difficulties and disappointments. It's part of the path to success.
5. Find your own success story: Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone goes through their unique journey. Identify your strengths and use them to your advantage.

Conclusion

Dear friends, the path to finding your first job in IT can be challenging and full of surprises. Reality may differ from our expectations, and that's perfectly normal. It's important to remain flexible, persistent, and open to learning. Don't forget that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and development.

So, go ahead, challenge the IT market, job seekers, and employer requirements! Follow our advice, smile at the quirks of reality, and never stop developing. In the end, your hard work and persistence will lead you to your dream of a successful career in IT!