[–] ForgotMyName 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
/u/captbrogers already mentioned one part but I'm replying here so you'll see it...
Definitely look into area user groups (MeetUp usually has a bunch). This is an amazing place to network. There will be recruiters. There will be hiring managers there that are networking. There will also be other devs there who may just happen to know about open positions at their companies. I've even seen people advertise open positions at their employer during these meetings. Worst case, you'll learn about something new/cool if it's a good group.
Just being at that group can give you a foot in the door. You're spending your free time learning more about development, and that's a good thing to see in a potential hire. Also, there's nothing wrong with going through a recruiter to get a job. It can be kind of annoying at times but it's a lot better than being unemployed. If you do that go route, make sure you work with a technical recruiter. A generic one is going to be absolutely useless at finding you jobs you're qualified for or would be interested in.
[–] rwbj 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
A good place to start might be with your college's alumnus resources department. The department computer science in was at your university might also have job placement assistance available. Go check their office. Another good resource are your friends and acquaintances from college. Especially in today's job market who you know is in many ways more important than what you know. Aside from all of that setup a site and host some projects demonstrating your skills.
[–] wazy 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago (edited ago)
LinkedIn - hands down one of the best ways to find a job programming. Clean up your resume and organize it and build up your network. Reach out to recruiters and apply to jobs via your profile. Also contribute to GitHub and other open source projects. That's how I got hired right out of college with no experience as a developer.
[–] HillbillyGoat 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
30-year programmer here. Knowing an industry and understanding how to build tools that support that industry are the two most important things, so find an industry you'd like to work in for the rest of your life, and start focusing from there. LEARN EVERYTHING YOU CAN about that industry. Finance, manufacturing, healthcare, gaming are all different and require different mindsets and capabilities. While the basic tools may be the same (algorithms, data structures, flow control, etc.) what will really set you apart is your knowledge of the industry itself. I work in healthcare, and to be a solid programmer in healthcare you have to learn and master a staggering amount of medical knowledge; you have to know your nephron from your glomerulus and why they are important.
Even within healthcare, the programming and required industry knowledge will be different depending on whether you're developing clinical tools, financial tools, performance monitoring programs, HR, engineering support applications, etc. etc. Pick a path and become an expert that can program effectively to support that operation.
When I hire junior programmers I look for four things: the ability to think analytically, an in-depth understand of clinical care delivery, basic programming skills, and the ability to learn anything they need to learn BY THEMSELVES. Analytical thinking and self learning are most important.
And one more thing: I don't give a flying crap about degree programs or certs. They are essentially meaningless in the real world. School taught you how to use saws and nailguns, it didn't teach you how to build houses. Now you have to learn how to build a house. The tools will come in handy.
So, my advice would be to stop thinking of yourself as a programmer and start becoming an expert in some industry. An expert that can program to support that industry's operations.
[–] NiklausTheNaked 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
What languages do you know? How many places have you applied? What websites have you used? Do you have a LinkedIn account? Are you connected to anyone through it?
[–] Somali 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Talk successful looking people up at your gym, get them to talk about work, ask if their place is hiring, have them refer your resume.
It's what I do whenever I move (couple times a year) and I can usually bullshit my way into an 80k range in a new place within a week
[–] spjt 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago (edited ago)
I work at a software company, the only way you're going to be hired as "a developer" there is if you have experience. But, I started out doing customer help desk a couple years ago for $12/hour with no experience and I was promoted from support to QA, to developer, and then to architect. We have two other developers and two QA currently who moved up from support. That probably only works at certain companies though, if you're working at a call center for a huge company it's going to be harder to get noticed. My company is small-ish (50 or so employees), big enough to be able to actually pay salary but small enough that I talk with the CTO every day.
[–] multidan 0 points 6 points 6 points (+6|-0) ago
What type of jobs? Also, have you gone to your school's career services? They usually will help recent grads a lot.
Try to apply directly on companies' sites if possible. Sometimes it's just more reliable or opens more doors. Keep changing your resume to highlight different skills, or have a few different ones based on what type of position you're looking for (one for web backend, one for web frontend, one for other programming). Also take this time do anything to enhance your resume and skills, like mock interviews or personal projects or getting certificates.
[–] TheTrigger 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
Or even contributing to popular OSS projects, if possible. That shit is like a gold star on your resume.
[–] Loumedia 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Can you give an example?