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Become a Web Developer in 7 Simple Steps

So, you want to be a web developer. The one problem? … You have no experience working in the technology industry. Transitioning to a new area is never simple. You wonder if you are ready. You wonder whether you’re able to get work.

Trust me do not let those doubts get on your way. In truth, it’s not that hard — so long as you make sure you’re adequately prepared before making the leap. These seven guiding steps will help you make a seamless transition into web development. Well, Hi, I am working as a full-time freelance Website developer in Kolkata, India. I am a Professional Blogger and I write, speak, and consult mostly about How to blog tips, Website design, and development and SEO, Startups etc.

 

  1. Get clear about what you want to do.

The clearer you are, the more specialized a plan you’ll be able to develop. Do not cast too wide a net: narrow down your choices. Front end or rear end development?

Even though there is some value in being a jack of all trades, most firms (and clients, in case you’re a freelancer) are employing for a particular function, with particular skill sets.

How can you get clear about what it is you want to specialize in? Trial and error, research, and skills assessment tests are a fantastic place to start. Do you prefer designing interfaces? Figure it out.

  1. Research jobs and businesses that you want to work for.

This may be as straightforward as scouring job ads. Do any particular titles stand out for you?

When it comes to businesses, this is easier than ever with websites like Glassdoor which make it simple to spy on businesses. By Glassdoor, you can’t only get a ballpark idea of wages, but also read reviews from former and current employees. Another tactic is to take a look at people on LinkedIn who actually work in the positions you desire.

Compile a list/spreadsheet of dream job titles, at fantasy businesses.

  1. Identify skills/experience you want to work in those roles and in these places.

Now that you have this list of jobs at companies you are interested in, it’s time to figure out what skills and experience they look for — and in which there are overlaps.

An overlap is a skills or expertise point that keeps reappearing in these listings. Be sure to note these in your spreadsheet. Are you currently using React or Angular? MEAN heap or Ruby on Rails?

Another way you may observe the technology being used on a company’s website is by employing a tool such as BuiltWith. This shows you the frameworks, languages, and more that the website relies on. For instance, we could observe that Airbnb uses Ruby on Rails.

  1. Fill in the abilities you’re missing.

You finally have a spreadsheet of dream jobs, at dream companies, and skills/tools that keep reappearing in the listings for all those positions.

Now, identify which abilities are easier to conquer than others.

You may have related experience already in certain areas. Like in your current function, even if it is not technical, then you could use some comparable applications that is necessary in both places — like Microsoft Excel.

A few of those skills, plain and simple, are less difficult to learn — such as learning Google Analytics, as opposed to, say, a JS library like React whenever you have little past JS experience.

Take classes online and/or in person. Read novels and/or blog posts. Work on every skill in bite-sized balls in your free time; trying to learn all at once is far more likely to overwhelm you.

  1. Build proof to back up your case.

Next, you want to create some compelling examples of your job.

It can be challenging when first starting out, but here are a few ways you can build up your experience:

  • Can pro-bono work for friends/family
  • Build your own projects
  • Volunteer in a nonprofit

When working for free or cheap, make sure to request recommendations or testimonials on LinkedIn in return for your time and energy. Also be sure that you add any code GitHub.

  1. Put yourself out there by media and building an online presence.

Many open positions are filled by being recruited or known. The conventional application method is virtually dead. And people are not only going to stumble upon you hiding in your bedroom browsing Monster.com. You have to put yourself out there.

Here are a Couple of ways to Do Precisely That:

Strategy #1: Network in real life with business people.

Go to meetups, events and conferences. Afterward, join with people you met on LinkedIn or even Twitter. If you met a person with the job that you want (or someone who hires for the job that you want!) , ask them to get coffee for 15 minutes.

Relationship building is critical — particularly for newbies. By forging links with individuals who have the job or expertise you need, you are creating inroads to companies you might choose to work for.

I already hear some groaning: But I reside in the middle of nowhere! And I really don’t have the money to fly to SF or NYC for the hottest conferences.

Strategy #2: Network online.

You don’t need to literally be face-to-face to community. It is possible to start a site, join Facebook and LinkedIn classes, attend virtual conventions, join with people through email, do Skype calls, contribute to open-source projects, and much more.

Be aware that even in a digital world, it’s a little bit harder when people just know you by a display. However, these online strategies are still workable methods to start building name recognition.

  1. Restructure your resume/LinkedIn/portfolio.

As you’ve been brushing up on your skills and networking with industry people, it is time to spruce up that resume/LinkedIn/portfolio.

Certain traits are desired in just about any role. These can include presentation skills, communication, leadership, time management, problem-solving ability, etc..

Next, emphasize your achievements. Technical or not, highlight accomplishments which make you seem like an A-player. Even if it’s more of a hobby than an expert achievement. (Just like how your Paleo food blog won X award.) The tech industry is quirky, anyways. They want a diversity of backgrounds, passions, etc. . their own employees.

Finally, make a data-backed case which you can triumph in a technician function. AKA, reveal signs. This could be a portfolio site with real samples, a GitHub profile using impressive job repositories and gifts, a blog in which you’ve written about everything you do, stellar LinkedIn recommendations, or a combination of these.