Ah, the great tech job hunt. Just when you thought grinding through those algorithms and data structures classes was the hard part, right?
Let me guess - you've sent out roughly 3,427 applications, and your inbox is emptier than the office coffee pot at 5 PM. Been there, done that, got the rejection emails.
But here's the thing: after spending 8 years as a tech recruiter (and now coaching folks like you), I've noticed some patterns. And spoiler alert: most new grads are doing it wrong.
Why Your "Normal" Job Search Isn't Working
Let's be real for a second. Your resume probably looks exactly like everyone else's in your graduating class.
I mean, how could it not? You've all taken the same classes, worked on similar projects, and maybe landed a summer internship if you're lucky.
So here's the million-dollar question: Why should a company pick YOU?
1. The Portfolio Game-Changer
First things first - you need a portfolio. And no, I don't mean that basic GitHub repository from your web dev class.
Think about it this way: recruiters are drowning in resumes that all look identical. Your portfolio is like throwing them a life preserver of proof.
I recently had a student land an interview just because their portfolio included a clever Wordle clone. Sometimes, that's all it takes.
Don't believe me? Check out this study that shows businesses believe a strong portfolio can help an applicant's competitiveness.
2. The Networking Truth Bomb
"But I'm not good networking!"
I hear this about 47 times a day. Guess what? Most people aren't good at it either.
Here's the thing though: networking isn't about cold-messaging 100 people with "Can I pick your brain?"
Instead, try this: Find three alumni from your school who work in tech. Just three.
I've seen candidates get interviews simply because they mentioned an alumni connection in their application. It's like having a cheat code.
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3. The Cold Email Formula That Actually Works
Want to know why most cold emails fail? Because they read like they were written by a robot having an existential crisis.
Here's my tested formula:
Subject: Keep it human ("CS Student Digging [Company]'s Work on [Specific Project]")
Opening: Who you are (one sentence, please)
Middle: Why them (be specific, do your homework)
Close: Clear, small ask
Pro tip: Follow up exactly once, then move on. Persistence is good; stalking is not.
4. The Alumni Advantage
Remember those three alumni I mentioned? Here's why they matter more than you think.
When I was recruiting, an alumni referral would instantly move a resume to my "definitely review" pile. Why? Because there's built-in trust.
Your shared college experience creates instant rapport. Use it. Talk about that one professor everyone loves to hate or that campus coffee shop that saved your life during finals.
5. The Failure Reframe
Let's talk about rejection. You're going to get a lot of them. Like, a lot a lot.
But here's what I wish someone had told me: each rejection is just data for your job search algorithm.
Got ghosted after a great interview? That's not a failure - that's information about your interview style or the company's hiring process.
6. The Backup Plan (That Might Be Better Than Plan A)
Hot take: Your dream job might not be at a FAANG company. There, I said it.
Some of my most successful clients landed at companies you've probably never heard of. And they're absolutely crushing it.
Remember: Google and Meta aren't the only companies with interesting technical problems to solve. Your local insurance company might have cooler projects (and better work-life balance).
Action Steps (Because Reading Isn't Enough)
Build that portfolio. Today. Not tomorrow, not next week.
Message three alumni. Yes, right now. LinkedIn is on your phone.
Draft one cold email using the formula above.
Apply to three companies you've never heard of.
The Bottom Line
Landing your first tech job is part skill, part strategy, and yes, part luck. But you can stack the odds in your favor.
Start with one step. Any step. Just don't keep doing the same thing and expecting different results.
That's not job searching - that's just the definition of insanity with a side of JavaScript.
P.S. If all else fails, remember this: every single successful developer you admire once had zero years of experience. Let that sink in.
Want more unfiltered advice? Follow me for weekly tips on navigating the tech career landscape without losing your mind (or sense of humor).
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