How to Get Your First Job in Tech: Build Proof, Not Just a CV
A practical entry strategy built around public work, real projects, thoughtful applications, networking and learning from rejection.
1. Build a portfolio with three strong projects, not fifteen weak ones
| Project type | What it proves |
|---|---|
| CRUD product | Forms, state, backend, database |
| Real-world local problem | Product thinking and context |
| Technical depth project | Architecture, offline, performance, testing |
2. Every portfolio project needs a story
- ✓Problem: who needed what?
- ✓Your role: what exactly did you build?
- ✓Architecture: frontend, backend, database, deployment.
- ✓Hardest bug: what failed and how did you diagnose it?
- ✓Trade-off: what did you intentionally not build?
- ✓Result: what works today?
- ✓Next step: what would you improve with more time?
3. Example README structure
# Campus Market
A small marketplace for students to list useful items.
## Problem
Students rely on scattered WhatsApp posts to find second-hand items.
## Stack
React, Express, PostgreSQL
## Features
- Product listing
- Search
- Seller account
- Mobile responsive UI
## Architecture
Explain the request flow and database model.
## What I learned
Describe one important technical lesson.
## Run locally
Document the exact commands.4. Your CV should be scannable
| Weak | Stronger |
|---|---|
| “Worked on websites” | “Built and deployed a React directory with search and authenticated CRUD” |
| Long skill list | Skills demonstrated by projects |
| Generic objective | One-line role target + useful specialisation |
| No links | GitHub + live demo + portfolio |
5. Apply with context
Read the company’s product and role. Mention one concrete connection between their work and something you have built. A short specific application is usually more credible than a long generic message sent everywhere.
6. Networking without begging
- 1Follow the work
Read what the person or company actually builds.
- 2Ask a precise question
Avoid “Please mentor me.” Ask about one technical or career decision.
- 3Share progress
A small shipped project gives people something real to react to.
- 4Help first when possible
Documentation, testing, community answers or event support can create genuine relationships.
7. Interview preparation
- ✓Explain one project from problem to deployment.
- ✓Practise debugging aloud.
- ✓Know basic data structures for the role.
- ✓Prepare examples of teamwork and mistakes.
- ✓Research the company.
- ✓Prepare questions about onboarding, feedback and expectations.
8. Rejection becomes data only if you record it
| Track | Why |
|---|---|
| Role / company | See which roles you are targeting |
| Date | Know when to follow up |
| Stage reached | Find where the funnel breaks |
| Feedback | Detect recurring skill gaps |
| Portfolio used | Test which evidence works |
Useful career resources
Sources and further reading
Clarvo articles are independently written. These references let you inspect the original inspiration and primary or official sources used to deepen the guide.
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