I decided recently that it was about time to get a job, however I don’t really know what I should be doing to achieve it. Right now I’m looking some job websites that I was recommended. I thought that I should ask here since I’m sure you all are more experienced than me.

Fortunately I’m in a position where getting a job is not urgent, I just don’t want to leech from my family.

I have noticed that most jobs require experience, but I can’t get experience if I don’t get a job. If I make some program and put it on GitHub or something, does that count as having experience, or at the very least would it give me better chances of getting hired? (I studied computer science stuff and I’m aiming for a programmer job)

Also, if a company wants to hire me, how is the process like? I mean, do I get a call or something?

Any help is appreciated.

  • SovereignState
    17•2 years ago

    Build a resume using https://resumebuilder.indeed.com/. Include at the top your name, email, phone number and the city you live. Underneath is work experience, and you can and should bend the truth here a little bit if at all possible, if you don’t have much “legitimate” work experience. Did you help your family doing manual labor or with taking care of an elderly family member? Did you help out at a restaurant or family business when you were younger? Have you ever volunteered anywhere? Include that kind of stuff. A GitHub project is a perfect example, and include the months or years you spent working on it. After that, put your education, including the computer science and if you have a high school degree/GED, and where you studied. For skills, dig deep. If your typing speed is good, include it. If you know how to properly operate your way around Microsoft Office or apps like it, include it, even better to include it like:

    • Microsoft Word
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft Powerpoint

    etc etc. Put what languages you are fluent in, including any programming languages. If you have any certifications or licenses, include those, even if they’re not necessarily related to the job. It makes you look more hireable. Creating a resume is tedious, but if you’re applying to many jobs en masse it’s super important to build one so you can just send it out without having to remake it every time. If you apply somewhere in person, bring a printed copy of it with you. Applying in person is also usually better, as it shows initiative and bypasses the algorithmic hiring systems in place that often pass up people based on silly stuff. If there’s a local programming company you’re really interested in working at, I’d highly recommend going there in person and asking how you might apply for a job.

    The process usually will be a call, text or email – they should tell you how they will contact you. These petty tyrants tend to love taking their sweet time getting back to you, so don’t necessarily write it off if you don’t hear back immediately. I’m getting job offers from places I applied to months ago, it’s ridiculous, but this is an extreme example. Most will call/text/email within a week. If your family is pressuring you to get a job, I would recommend telling them that you have applied and are waiting to hear back when you get a chance, as at least they’ll know you’re trying. Good luck comrade.