6 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was Pursuing My First Job As A Developer
By: Omer Rabi
Tags: Job Search, Job Interview, Game Development, Job Hunting, Development

I know from experience that finding your first job as a developer can be challenging for various reasons. You will get a lot of “no” s for an answer, some of them will relate to a lack of hands-on practice as a junior and other because they found someone with more experience. Here are a few things I wish people had told me when I was looking for my first position.

1. Follow your brain and not your heart.

Find a position that will allow you to practice essential job-market skills. My first job was as a Game Developer when they told me that I got the position I was shocked. I had two more job offers at that time, after six months of recurring job interviews. I remember my self-thinking, “OMG, this is a dream come true work as a game developer is every man wet dream.” The company that I worked for was using a Framework that is not common in the games/devs community and, in retrospect, was need to select a job that will give me more tools and knowledge that I can use for my next opportunity.

2. Try to feel the vibe of the company.

When you are going to the interview, try to feel the vibe there. Talk with the employees, and ask them how they think is the workplace. After a few minutes, you will get the place’s vibe, and whether the employees are satisfied with their work environment. The atmosphere at the office is crucial for your success, working in unsatisfied conditions or — with dissatisfied peers might undermine your progress after a few months.

3. Do not be afraid to ask questions.

It might be a bit stressful at first, but don’t be afraid to take an active approach in your job interview. Try to engage in a bilateral conversation. Ask your interviewers about the workflow, the atmosphere at the workplace, try gathering as much information as you can about the day-to-day work at the company. Prepare a list of questions to ask — google the name of the company (and your interviewer’s name), see what they do, what is the product, which markets are they targeting, with which companies they cooperate, etc.

4. Let the interviewer see the fire in your eyes.

Go to each interview like it is going to be your last opportunity. Interviewers need to see the fire in your eyes, that you want the position and believe in your ability to learn fast. Be confident in your self and your answers.

5. Ask why you did not pass the interview.

When you get a “no” for an answer, try to understand why you did not get the job — ask the interviewers for their honest evaluation and advice that will help you in the future. However, be careful not to be annoying. Ask once, and keep in mind that some companies will not tell you why you did not pass. You need to learn from your mistakes and get better for the next interview.

6. Do not give up.

Finding your first position might take some time. For me, it took six months. You must never give up and always learn from your failures. Use GitHub, LinkedIn, and Facebook to promote yourself.

Good Luck.

May the force be with you.

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