Proactive approach and a bit of luck: Front-end graduate’s journey to the job offer

Before entering the tech field, I mainly worked in administration. I think that was a valuable experience since I gained good communication and time management skills there. Also, due to my high level of English, I was promoted to sales manager at some point. However, it was clear that it was not a career I wanted. So, I thought about an appealing and fast-developing tech sphere. 

While I was still finishing my university studies, I began to look for courses and training programs. Many offer you a self-paced format without supervision and review of your completed tasks. And though the one I completed had a good program, I wanted more: I lacked a teacher or a mentor to lead my studies and practical assignments. That was my primary request, which ultimately led me to Beetroot Academy.

Classes with a practicing specialist taught me to communicate with developers in the same language

Looking back, I see the smooth studying process from the beginning. We always had support from our teacher and group coordinator, and the general flow of the classes was straightforward and engaging. Alex, our teacher, took time to explain each concept and did it in simple words. As our group ended up small, he could give his time and attention to everybody: help with tasks, answer questions, and share advice. I'm sure the work he invested in the group and each of us really helped everybody.

The course program is intense; it offers a lot of knowledge and practical skills to master. Honestly, I don’t use everything I learned in my current job (though I can’t say I won’t need it someday). But I grew to appreciate the broad understanding I gained at the Academy. I feel like in the tech field, it’s crucial to understand what other people are talking about. And so, I have a great foundation to build upon by knowing something already due to the course and by attentive listening. 

Job offers can come unexpectedly, so be prepared

After completing the course, I went straight to the job search. I was well aware of the tough situation in the market, so I was prepared to be patient yet persistent. I did all the usual: sent my CVs and cover letters and actively subscribed to different communities and groups on Facebook and LinkedIn. People there usually look for trainees or juniors ready to work on small projects for little or no money to gain the necessary work experience. That is what I did – a great way to add more examples of practical skills to your CV.

My current job offer was a bit of luck, honestly. I turned off my European phone number on a trip to the USA. But one evening, I just decided to turn it back on – and I saw that Level.works contacted me on LinkedIn. They were closing the vacancy for which I applied, so they invited me for an interview. So here’s another tip: Don’t turn off your phone, and check your emails and social media occasionally to avoid missing an offer. 

Companies want not only skills and experience; they look for a match 

I think that what got me the job I have now is that I really matched with the company. My values and approach to work seemed to fit perfectly with their vision. I feel like it’s not talked about enough that you should demonstrate not only your hard skills but also how you will fit into the company. You will be a team member, and in today's world, a smooth workflow and good communication are equally important. 

I don’t want to say that your practical skills and knowledge are insignificant. I had a few test tasks during my second interview with a QA lead. However, they aimed to check if I had an analytical mindset rather than conduct an exam on everything I knew. So, with this kind of task, don’t be afraid to share your thought process, as it will show your experience better than you think. 

My biggest advice is to be proactive in the job search 

In these three months, I had a few realizations that may be helpful to those currently looking for a job: 

• Firstly, I feel like the majority of hires happen on LinkedIn. That’s why having a nice and presentable profile there will help greatly. And don’t only fill it and forget it, but actively develop it. Write articles and share your experiences, however small they seem. A strong profile will lead recruiters straight to you, and it’s so much better when people contact you than to get rejection emails.
• Search for connections and communities as they may lead to work experience or your real job. 
• Your studies are your investments, so learn constantly. Just broaden your horizons by taking courses or asking for advice from experienced developers. It will help in your future job, whatever the position is.
• Soft skills are important. And don’t worry, if they were gained in a non-tech field, that doesn’t matter. Just learn how to transfer them to the position you are applying for.
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