When to Take Your First Coding Job: A Tet to Tet with Beginners

One of the main things newbies want to know is how much knowledge is enough to start coding. The answer isn't an easy one but it also isn't really that deep. I mean think about it, everyone is studying something whether it's cooking, a new language or even something like guitar. The funny thing about truly learning something is that you to completely solidify your knowledge until you get out and submerse yourself in whatever you're studying. The same goes for coding.

The thing is, many people would beg to differ. Some folks think that if you didn't go to school for it you aren't legit. The fact of the matter is that some of us simply have a knack for it and much like getting a first job we had to jump up and secure work even if we thought we weren't good enough. I know that seeing all the cool things an experienced coder can do can be intimidating but if you understand basic CSS and HTML you're pretty much ready to go.

Get Your Hands Dirty

The only way you're truly going to learn how to code is by actively doing it. I'm not talking about sitting at a computer working on the same silly thing over and over again. I'm talking full blown project. Securing a simple job coding emails for marketers can be a great way to get your foot in the door. Many coding jobs are not really extensive so taking a chance on yourself and being willing to get your hands dirty can take you further than sitting back and waiting for those light bulbs to go off.

Reading a Book Won't Teach You Everything You Need to Know

Listen, reading books and studying online is great but if you're real about coding you'e going to have to accept the fact that doing is the only real way to learn. I'm not saying you should attempt to go crazy and try to come up with some kind of algorithm or something but I am saying that you can't expect to read a book and simply just do. Coding is constantly changing, there is always something new in the works. This is why it's best to be hands on with this field. Fall in love with learning, kid. You're going to do a heck of a lot of that throughout the duration of your career.

1. By the time a new kind of software or style comes out another one is in the making.
2. The time it takes to truly know each element of coding in and out varies greatly so if you're a slow learner you'll literally sit back and watch your life pass you by attempting to know it all.
3. Reading a book about coding is like reading articles about socializing. The only way you really get better at these sorts of things is by going out and doing them.

Waiting for the Moment Where You Become a Coding God is Silly

Like I said before, there is no way in the world that you're going to know every single thing there is to know about coding. There is always something new coming out or popping up. There are always going to be bugs or other kinds of issues. There is always going to be something so waiting for the day where you can slap together the next super application is silly and even an insult to what you could potentially be.

So basically:
1. Literally no one has time for that.
2. You're just making excuses.

Rome Wasn't Built in a Day

Even if you do have years of studying under your belt you shouldn't go too hard on yourself. Coding in and of itself can be stressful at times a lot of this is due to the monotony of it all. The best thing you can do is let yourself know that everything is not going to go smoothly. As a coder, you have to realize that there are going to be bumps in the road. The happens to all of us. Not just me and certainly not just you.

Tips to Secure Your First Coding Job

Congratulations on making it through another one of my long articles. Since I'm fresh out of cookies we'll just have to settle for some tips on landing that job you want. When you're trying to get your first coding job (or any job really) there are a few things that you want to do. These things are as follows:

1. Have a resume prepared. This is totally still doable if you don't have any coding experience. Just put where you learned to code instead. There are many online coding schools so you can easily reference one of those.
2. Put together a relevant portfolio. Using samples that pertain your desired employer's needs is the key. If they are looking for someone to work on websites show them links to web sites you've designed or pictures of personal projects that you designed yourself. Variety is key here.
3. Have a nice cover letter. You don't have be the top of the class for this one. Writing an awesome cover letter is a great way to showcase your personality, passion and expertise all in one. Use this space wisely!

So that's it! I hope you enjoyed this post. Do you remember your first coding job? Let me know in the comments below!