How I Would Get My First Job If I Started Over

“I’ve been learning to code for a few months, but I don’t feel ready to apply for jobs.”

This is one of the most common DMs I get. And honestly, it’s one of the biggest lies beginners tell themselves.

The idea that you need to feel ready before applying is just false. The truth is: you’re never going to feel fully ready.

That sense of confidence you're waiting for? It only comes after you take action. If I had to start over today from absolute zero, here’s exactly how I’d get hired as fast as possible—step by step.

Pick the Stack That Gets You Hired

When starting out, it’s tempting to chase the coolest or newest tech. But that’s not what gets you in the door.

If I were starting from scratch, I’d focus on learning the foundational tools that are actually in demand.

That means building web pages with HTML and CSS, adding interactivity with JavaScript, handling some backend logic with Node.js, and knowing how to deploy the project live on the internet so others can see it.

These are the skills that companies consistently look for in junior developers. You don’t need to worry about advanced tools like Rust or blockchain.

Those can come later once you’ve landed a job and gained stability. Right now, your focus should be on learning how to be useful to a team as quickly as possible.

Build Without Tutorials

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is over-consuming tutorials without ever building anything original.

Watching videos or following step-by-step guides might make you feel like you’re making progress—but unless you’re creating your own projects from scratch, you’re not actually learning how to solve problems.

So I’d commit to building two or three complete projects on my own. They don’t have to be revolutionary—what matters is that I come up with the idea, figure out how to build it, and see it through to completion.

When you build something that works and is live on the internet, you develop real-world problem-solving skills. More importantly, you start to believe in your own ability to figure things out—and that belief is more valuable than any piece of code.

Start Interviewing Before You Feel Ready

This is where most people hesitate, but it’s crucial. I’d start applying to jobs long before I feel “ready.” Why? Because interviewing is a skill, and just like coding, it can’t be mastered by reading or watching videos—you have to actually do it.

I’d apply to roles I’m not emotionally invested in, ones where I don’t mind failing. I’d stumble through answers, get rejected, and take notes on what I need to improve.

Every failed interview gives you something valuable: experience and feedback. The more reps you get, the better you become.

Then, when the job you really want comes around, you’re not a nervous wreck—you’re prepared, confident, and sharp.

Use Job Posts as Training Guides

Instead of being intimidated by job listings with endless bullet points, I’d treat each one like a cheat sheet.

Most companies are listing their dream candidate, not expecting someone to match every requirement.

So I’d pick a few things from the list that I don’t yet know, and take the time to learn just enough to talk about them intelligently.

I don’t need to become an expert in every tool mentioned. What matters more is showing that I can learn fast, understand new concepts, and hold a meaningful conversation about them.

This alone will put me ahead of a lot of other junior applicants who either give up or try to fake it.

Get Hired First, Specialize Later

It’s totally fine to dream about working on AI, compilers, or VR—but I wouldn’t let that stop me from taking the job I can get today.

The truth is, most advanced or niche roles don’t hire juniors. So my goal would be to get my foot in the door with a role that pays the bills.

Once I’m earning, I can use my free time to explore the areas I’m genuinely passionate about.

That way, I’m not learning in survival mode—I’m learning from a position of security. Getting hired quickly gives you time, money, and clarity, all of which you need to eventually pivot into the field you love.

You Don’t Know What You Actually Like Yet

Here’s a hard truth most beginners never hear: you probably don’t even know what you really enjoy in tech.

You might think you love frontend development until you try backend and realize how satisfying it is.

Or you might assume DevOps is boring—until you get good at it and realize it fits your brain perfectly.

The point is, your current preferences are based on limited experience. So I’d take the job, do the work, and stay open to new challenges.

The more I explore, the more surprises I’ll find. You’re not picking a lifelong path right now—you’re collecting data on what actually fits you.

The Brutal Roadmap That Works

So to sum it all up, here’s what I’d do if I had to go from zero to a dev job, starting today: I’d learn the stack that companies are hiring for.

I’d build real projects from scratch—no tutorials. I’d start applying before I feel ready, treating interviews as practice. I’d use job posts as learning guides, not gatekeepers.

I’d get hired fast and specialize later. And I’d stay open to discovering what I really love. There’s no secret, no hack. Just a practical roadmap that works if you’re willing to commit.

Stop Reading. Start Building.

If this blog hit home, good. But more importantly—don’t just sit with it. Take action. The longer you wait to start, the longer you’ll be stuck. So close this tab, open your editor, and go build something. The road to your first dev job starts now.