Programming jobs: how to find and actually get hired

Want a programming job but not sure where to start? The market is full of roles, from junior developer to senior backend engineer, but employers hire the people who show results fast. This guide gives clear steps you can use right now: where to look, what to build, and how to crush interviews.

Where to look and what to target

Start with the obvious sites—LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor—and add niche boards like Stack Overflow Jobs, AngelList (startups), and GitHub Jobs. Don’t skip community spaces: Discord servers, Reddit subreddits like r/forhire or r/cscareerquestions, and local meetup groups often list openings first. Filter roles by tech stack you enjoy. If you like Python, focus on backend, data, or automation roles; if you prefer JavaScript, prioritize frontend and full-stack listings.

Look for three types of postings: entry-level roles (titles: junior, associate), mid-level (software engineer II), and contract/freelance gigs. Contract work can be a faster route to experience and pay. Remote roles are everywhere now—filter by "remote" if location flexibility matters.

How to stand out and get interviews

Applications that look like copy-paste rarely work. Tailor your resume and opening message to the job. Read the job description, pick two required skills, and mention specific examples where you used them. Keep your resume to one page if you’re early career; list projects with links and a short bullet showing impact (e.g., "reduced page load time by 40%").

Build a small portfolio of 3–5 projects that solve real problems. Use a public repo on GitHub with clear README files, tests, and a demo link. Employers glance at code style and commit history—regular commits show consistency. If you’re applying for frontend roles, include a live demo; for backend roles, show APIs and documentation.

Practice common interview tasks: coding problems, system design (for senior roles), and behavioral questions. Use timed coding challenges on LeetCode or HackerRank for practice, but spend equal time on reading and explaining your code. During interviews, narrate your thought process and ask clarifying questions before coding.

Network with intent. Reach out to engineers at target companies with a one-line intro and a question about their stack or team. Offer value—share a tiny tip about their open-source project or mention a bug you fixed in a fork. Referrals beat blind applications every time.

Finally, keep learning focused. Pick one in-demand skill (cloud basics, a popular JS framework, or Docker) and build one project using it. That single project often becomes the talking point that gets you the offer. Track progress weekly, apply consistently, and tweak your approach after each interview. You’ll improve faster than you expect.