I'm currently taking a 3 month bootcamp learning to become a full stack ruby on rails web developer. Completed the first month and need advice on what I need to do to become an attractive candidate for hire.
Answers
Just thought I would chime in and say that I think Diane's answer is excellent. Especially the part about doing some side projects (or one project) in your spare time, since you will be an entry level candidate and will want to differentiate yourself from your competition. Those side projects could be your own ideas or you could contribute to existing open source projects already on github. Also, learn some front end JavaScript and CSS frameworks, such as bootstrap, angular and meteor. On the server side, More ngoDB is very hot. Learn these and make sure their names are on your resume for keyword searches to find. Good luck!
Hi Mathew,
To be an attractive candidate, you certainly want to have a resume, a strong portfolio (take a look at Github.com as a repository), and an on-line presence beyond Linked in. Start Tweeting and start following people who tweet at firms you are interested in. Follow industry leaders as well. This will be one form of the "evidence" that you are serious about this kind of career and will be an important part of being perceived as a strong candidate. Interviewers/hiring managers will also want to know what kind of "pet projects" you are working on outside of class. If you don't have one, start one as this is another indication of your seriousness about the WD field,. You will need a solid answer to the question why do you want to be a web developer, and in the best of circumstances what kind of web things you want to create. Be ready to talk about what you love about what you are learning at the bootcamp and why you love it. It will be important to demonstrate focus and forethought. I know its easy for me to say, when it is you in the situation of just wanting to work, but I feel a strategic approach, rather than an opportunistic one, could be helpful. Does your bootcamp offer any career advice? Meet and Greets?, Networking events? Hackathons? I do some work for a Boston WD bootcamp and they are very strong in facilitating opportunities like this in Boston. Take advantage of everything you can when it comes to this type of networking. If not, can any of your instructors help you work up a target list of places that could be a good fit and then perhaps help with introductions? Your instructors may also be willing to coach you on what to expect in a technical WD interview particularly the white boarding part of an interview. The white boarding part demonstrates your thought process, problem solving techniques, comfort level thinking on your feet and your ability to work on something collaboratively, Again important indications of what kind of a candidate you are. Please let me know if you have more questions -maybe we can arrange to talk off line
Diane
Hi Eryn,
Thank you very much for taking the time to respond to my question. I am currently working on my electronic portfolio of my completed projects. I have also signed up for a couple of local Meetup groups to meet more people in my desired field. Setting up a LinkedIn account is something I know I have to do in general if I am looking for any sort of job now a days. I hope to have most of your excellent suggestions completed by the end of the week!
Matthew,
Please give me a call to discuss what you are doing and what direction you are interested in going.
Al Marco
CEO
VetsBridge.com
608-620-6062
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