The TRUTH About Not Being Able To Find A Software Job

There is a lot of misleading information on how easy or difficult it is to get a software engineer job. In this video, I explain the truth about the job process by giving my personal experience on what it took for me to get my first job.
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[@JohnnySalami-jo4jh]

I got laid off at the beginning of this year and still have yet to find a new job. I have a couple of years of experience under my belt as a front end developer but the competition is so intense for any junior or intermediate software developer positions. It seems like opportunities for anything other than senior developers are few and far between. Often times, I won't even get a rejection email for jobs that I applied for. All this is after I carefully created my resume with the help of an HR professional. This downturn in tech is probably warranted after the irrational optimism of the pandemic years but it sure is hard not to feel hopeless. In the meantime, I'm dedicating myself to focusing all my energy on levelling up my front end skills so that when that eventual opportunity does come along, I'll be ready for it.

[@DodoLP]

you can easily get a job at frontend if you have 3years of experience... that is, unless your experience is some javascript + php and thats it.. but if you know react/angular/nodejs with SQL you can get jobs easily...

[@momawhothat]

ya that what i was thinking but experience dont = jobs i been coding for around 2 years, so ig i have mutiple years of experience 😂 but after mastering html,css,js i went on the job market and seen how out classed i was even for junior opportunities i seen as a front end developer, dont get me wrong u can still find full time jobs that only require the basics(html,css,js) but only 0.5% get lucky enough for the job and if your stlll looking for your first job knock that chance to 0%, you have to know a lil bit of everything or specialize in 2-4 things, but when u know that many things u might as well be a fullstack 😂, but to be fair tho atter u learn the basic (js,html,python,css,etc) learning the additional frameworks or w.e will be a breeze compared from where u started. but technology has been advancing so seems like people that are learning now gotta kind of catch of from years prior, but i imagine if it this hard to get your first junior job now, how would it be in 10 years when there is more technology and more competition @@DodoLP

[@ehr1188]

When you're going for interviews, you need to prioritize what the company needs. What problems are they dealing with, or what issues might pop up down the road? Show them how you can be the solution they need (or didn't know they needed). Remember, it's not just about you, it's about how you can make THEIR life easier (and your boss look good). Whenever I've gone into interviews with this mindset, things have usually gone pretty well. Sure, you might have to check your ego at the door, especially if you're not in a place to call the shots (some day you will be)

[@brian-cache]

100% right! Have to convince them you can help solve their pain points.

[@Cutsii]

Can u give an example on how u r going to do it in the interview? Like any idea around it? Lets say for example i know i can help them but they are asking me quetions like data structures and algorithm. How should i go abt convincing them that i can help them if lets say i was not able to answer the questions correctly.

[@IronEarthDesigns]

Thank you for this, A lot of people have no experience or knowledge on how to do a job search today, That alone is a huge barrier,

[@techcoa]

Been through some interviews but no offers Feeling ready to give up but Ik I can’t but it’s tough out here hopelessness creeping up but Ima keep going !

[@brian-cache]

I won't lie and say it's not tough. I got very close to quitting myself but I'm very grateful that I didn't. You will be too.

[@AndrewBrownballroomdru]

Great video. Thank you for the advice.

[@brian-cache]

Anytime!

[@rosym0501]

I really enjoyed the real life story. Makes sharing your experience way more valuable!

[@brian-cache]

Thank you 😃

[@welldiscerned7540]

This testifies to me so much , because some stuff you dealt with before you go into tech is literally what I’m dealing with. I’m working the the construction industry, got laid off and cant get work because it’s slow , then I have bills and in also trying to get into software engineering. It’s so stressful right now as a man of color

[@brian-cache]

Gotta keep pushing! Just don’t give up on yourself.

[@welldiscerned7540]

@@brian-cache I’m at the part where I have a couple of projects on my portfolio site , and right now I’m learning react , I’m on the impatient side I wanna get into the field like you did

[@TheMightyWalk]

16 years in tech , it doesn’t matter what you look like , you need to put in the work . This video is much more valuable than you think. Even in a bad economy you still have to do the work. My only mention is that you can also start your own business or freelance . There are books about it , read them - then do the work

[@brian-cache]

Exactly! We can only focus on the things we can control. Complaining about the economy helps no one

[@mostofamojlish8255]

@@brian-cachecan you suggest me some book about freelanc. Anyways I m a data engineer can I find any free lance job

[@emilyau8023]

Some people need to put in more work than others.

[@gordonramsdale]

Bruv I’ve literally done a masters in cs, programming since 16, software engineering 12 weeks experience commercial, and yet can’t a job. New working on my own startup 14 hours a day because what else can I do

[@rootstechnology]

Good advice, Brian!

[@brian-cache]

Thanks man!

[@psnisy1234]

I'd recommend anyone trying to get an entry level software engineer job to start off in customer success first and then later transition into the being a software engineer. Right now with AI everyone is looking for a software engineer with 3+ years of on the job experience so you are pretty much out of luck from that perspective. On the other hand, in most customer success positions (outside of sales) you will be doing a mix of technical work and customer facing work. Use the that as an in to gain the on-the-job technical skills and experience. Then you can make a case in any future jobs on your experience there and how/why you want to transition into being a software engineer if that's still what you want to do at that point.

[@EdwardOrnelas]

Man I love this video! It’s exactly how I got my first job. I’m not the most Technically advanced but because I have strong understanding of marketing, Content and sales, I was hired 👍 Currently working for a Saas company and I’m kind of the Jack of all trades. It’s my highest paying job yet and it makes me feel valued for my different skill sets! You really nailed it with this vid 🙏

[@brian-cache]

Nice!! The soft skills help so much because a lot of people don't have them or focus on them.

[@Cutsii]

What do u mean? Did u go to a technical interview or data structures and algorithm? How did u relate ur content or marketing skills to an interview? Any examples?

[@EdwardOrnelas]

@@Cutsii Nope, I have a portfolio with a lot of projects that showcase my ability. I showcased Software development, Content Creation and marketing on my portfolio and resume. I got on one phone call and got the job.

[@Cutsii]

@@EdwardOrnelas Wow, congrats to u man. It's good to hear that and I appreciate ur response. Well, I've seen some of those pips as well that has a youtube or blogs or making content regarding their journey and it turns out that it become an advantage applying for a company. I guess this might be the secret sauce to make as a portfolio as well.

[@pustulio007]

Your video is spot on. For anyone who is struggling landing your first tech job, you are not alone. Every failure should be taken as a lesson to learn from. The key is making yourself marketable. If you lack experience, work on projects that are relative to the type of job you are trying to land. Find a mentor...apply for internships. If you suck at interviews, go on youtube and learn how to - properly prepare for an interview - write a proper resume - learn what tech recruiters are looking for and ways you can stand out - Network - lots and lots of leetcode Sorry for the long comment. Hopefully this helps someone out there and best of luck 🤞

[@brian-cache]

Thanks for your input!

[@TheRelentlessKnight]

I went through a similar path and I'm currently taking the entry level job with low pay. Also, you're great at storytelling what are your tips on getting better at storytelling

[@brian-cache]

Yea take that job! It sucks right now but many times it's the best move for the future. As far as storytelling, I just like to share my experiences and try to explain it in a way that flows as much as possible. Hopefully that helps but I'm not sure if did lol

[@RHales-vu2ie]

Not sure if this applyies today todays market? Am i wrong?

[@officialridwan_]

your videos are always helpful, im always learning something new in each one, im a beginner in programming, and i really have a lot of questions to ask you. i do hope you consider it😅

[@brian-cache]

What questions do you have?

[@officialridwan_]

@@brian-cache first of all it really is an honor to get a reply from you, i have watched some of your videos and i always get inspired by them. so i practice alot but im not really getting it. i dont really know what im doing wrong, or may be im just not smart enough. you really are my role model when it comes to tech, cause i always understand your videos more than i do others, do you please have any tips for me, that could help me. and also sir its been an honor.😅

[@knowledgehub1956]

Thank You for sharing , bro is you hear my story you will be crying I can`t even imagine it would have happened

[@DodoLP]

some people apparently literally send 1000applications and dont get a job.. perhaps dont apply for 6figure salaries, but try an internship ?

[@brian-cache]

If someone is applying to that many jobs and getting nowhere I’d guess their resume is the first big issue.

[@DodoLP]

@@brian-cache if they have their only experience "hello world program" then yeah... People are sending shitty looking resumes all the time its not most important factor... it surely plays a role, but if you have good experience, you should get a job, beacuse it is read by computer in many cases

[@AD-wg8ik]

Is there a way to connect with you?

[@kiaraa1505]

Would you be able to provide advice on how you remember all the technical information? As I learn new information, I tend to forget the previous information.

[@brian-cache]

It's more about remember patterns as you end up with more interviews/phone screens. You tend to get similar questions from most interviews like things related to OOP, functions, and things like that.

[@kiaraa1505]

@brian-cache OK, thank. What about outside interviews? How do you retain the technical knowledge you learn from self-learning? I find that as I learn new things, I keep forgetting the previous concepts. For example, fundamental cs concepts (e.g. networks, databases etc.), software engineering principles (e.g. design patterns) and tools (e.g. git)

[@brian-cache]

There’s really no shortcut around it outside of repetition. But honestly that happens to me also even in my current work. Kind of like you lose it if you don’t use it. So I found myself having to go back and look up JavaScript docs for something that I could do from memory before but because I haven’t done it in a while I forget lol. So don’t be hard on yourself. It’s really normal. Just focus on knowing enough to get the job and go from there. You won’t remember everything but I found visual representations of these concepts helped me way more than just trying to memorize docs.

[@kiaraa1505]

@brian-cache Thank you! What about more theoretical concepts e.g. how the internet works, the http protocol, etc. Also, where do you find these visual representations of concepts?

[@boxdenfresh]

@@kiaraa1505 in that’s case KZbin will be your best friend. If you search for any of those terms you will find videos that break the concepts down visually. That’s all you need really imo

[@mrbeanbest4886]

Good vid

[@brian-cache]

Thanks for watching!

[@tankm5712]

No CS degree, 6 months from zero to software developer here💘

[@maliksoft3675]

What's the need of background music?

[@Cutsii]

Hey Brian thankz for this video. Do u have any idea if full stack web development will still be in demand in 2024 , 2025 going forward? Or will it be that other skills like machine learning , ai, cyber sec will be the new era? I have this weird feeling that the standards will go up if u wanted to break into tech for the upcoming years unlike before. I just want to know ur insights. Thanks

[@brian-cache]

I feel all kinds of developers will still be in demand but there are always shifts in the market. Like I’ve seen a big increase in demand for people that develop in platforms like Servicenow or salesforce. Data science is also going through an increase in demand. For full stack there will always be demand imo but id say just be mindful that many full stack devs are overworked because companies want to pay the least amount of money to get the same output. That’s why I would say to specialize in something whether front or backend before trying to learn all parts of the stack as entry level.

[@Cutsii]

@@brian-cache Thanks Brian for the reply. I really appreciate it. That's what I'm thinking right now. Bcoz of the changes that is going on right now vs before I am thinking it is much harder to be a web dev for the upcoming years but we never know right. That's just what I am thinking of. For the data science and cloud I am hearing this will be the great choice or great career to have in the future. I will be watching ur vid to see what is ur insights regarding this. I hope you can make content abt this topic so that those aspiring to break into tech or wants to become SWe someday can prepare for the worst or can get a realistic advice or situation that's going on right now..

[@hectorhernandez7389]

can you get more specific? 1. what type of questions were difficult for you on phone screens / also for in person interviews? 2. what parts of your personality do you believe helped you the most to obtain a position? 3. how did you rework your resume after having worked the SQL job? 4. how and where did you look for work? Appreciate your vids my man! If youve made a vid that covers any of this i would appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

[@brian-cache]

The main questions revolved around coding concepts like OOP, web standards and stuff like that. So I honestly just was friendly as simple as it sounds lol be personable and make them comfortable with you by showing confidence and getting them to smile/laugh. So after the SQL job I updated my resume with my next job and just explained that I didn’t like the path of data science which gave the reason for the hard turn into JavaScript. For jobs I use Glassdoor jobs, LinkedIn and indeed. I only use these boards to see what’s out there but I ALWAYS apply directly to the company after seeing their posting on one of these boards.

[@hectorhernandez7389]

@@brian-cache 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 thanks that deff clears things up. Love the content and will keep supporting 💯. You taking the time to answer means alot. 😁