Junior in IT – how to search effectively and find your first job?

Although the IT industry is growing at a dizzying pace, juniors, i.e. people without commercial experience, often find it difficult to find their first job. Why is this the case when we are talking about an employee market? Is the problem that employers are too demanding, or is it the candidates themselves who have unrealistic expectations? Let’s find out how to increase your chances of finding your first IT job.

Junior financial expectations – are they really excessive?

For many people starting out in IT, one of the main reasons for their interest in the industry is the high salaries. The media often portray an image of experienced programmers earning several tens of thousands of zlotys per month, which may mislead younger candidates.

Yes, the IT industry offers attractive salaries, but you should not expect huge amounts at the beginning of this path. According to salary reports, juniors can expect salaries in the range of PLN 4-5 thousand gross, which is often lower than the expectations of many candidates. While finances are important, gaining first commercial experience should be a priority.

For this reason, it is important to be realistic about your first job offer. Even if the salary initially does not meet our expectations, it is worth paying attention to the possibility of development, work in new technologies and promotion prospects.

How do you build a stand-out CV?

One of the most important tools when looking for an IT job is a solid CV that clearly demonstrates your skills and commitment. If you’re just starting out, you don’t need to worry about a lack of work experience – there are plenty of other ways to make your CV stand out from other candidates.

Any non-commercial projects you have completed on your own initiative or during courses and bootcamps are invaluable. It is worth adding these to your portfolio and describing them in your CV, even if they are small applications or simple programmes.

Employers appreciate practical skills and a willingness to learn and develop. Each project shows that you are able to put your knowledge into practice.

Also, update your CV and LinkedIn profile regularly, especially in the context of new skills. For example, if you have learned how to work with a new technology, add this to your portfolio straight away. Even small skills can catch a recruiter’s attention.

Proactivity and networking – the key to success

Finding your first IT job requires more than just sending out a few CVs. It pays to be proactive, attending industry events such as hackathons, meetups and webinars. This will put you in touch with people in the industry, which can benefit you in the future. Networking in IT is very important – many times it is recommendations from industry friends that open the door to a first job.

Additionally, contributing to platforms such as GitHub, Stack Overflow or participating in open-source projects is a great way to build your portfolio. Even if you don’t have commercial experience, being active on these portals will show your commitment and passion for programming.

What skills do employers value?

In addition to technical skills, such as knowledge of specific programming languages (Java, Python, JavaScript) or tools, IT employers are increasingly looking at so-called soft skills. Problem-solving skills, communication skills, a creative approach to challenges and the ability to work in a team are highly valued.

And don’t forget to continuously develop yourself. The IT industry is changing rapidly, and technologies that are popular today may be obsolete tomorrow. Keeping up to date with technological trends, attending courses, training and gaining certifications is an investment that will pay off in the future.

Where to look for IT jobs?

Once you’re ready to search, it’s worth considering where best to apply. Your best chances of getting hired are at IT companies with extensive structures, such as software houses, consulting firms and larger IT organisations.

These types of employers are able to offer mentoring and guidance from senior professionals, which is crucial for the development of a budding programmer.

Internships and development programmes are another way to enter the industry. Even if they do not immediately bring a large salary, they allow you to gain valuable experience and learn the realities of working in a team. Sometimes it is the internship that can become the ticket to a full-time position in the company.

In summary, finding your first job as an IT junior can be a challenge, but with the right attitude and commitment, it will become much easier.

Remember to formulate your expectations realistically, try to stand out from other candidates through projects and industry activities, and continually develop your skills. Every step towards improving your competencies brings you closer to success in the IT job market.