The blunt truth about junior candidates
The market is absolutely brutal for entry-level candidates right now. Here's what you can do.
The market is absolutely brutal for junior candidates right now.
The blunt truth is that companies don’t think they need you.
Who do companies need right now?
They think they need senior candidates. Candidates who can hit the ground running. Candidates who need less supervision than someone brand new.
And they do.
Senior candidates provide immediate value, while a company may never profit from investing in a junior candidate. Once the junior gains enough experience and skills to provide value, they'll start getting other job offers and leave.
So what can you do?
1. Don’t be SO junior that you won’t know your keyboard from a hole in the ground. Get experience literally wherever you can. Get an internship if you’re still in school. Start tutoring other students. Does your friend’s dad need a website? Build it. I know, I’m making it sound easier than it is, but the biggest barrier to hiring you is finding someone who has time to hold your hand. Make it clear you need *minimal* handholding (while still being honest about where you’re at technically).
2. Craft your story. Your elevator pitch should be repeatable from memory. Make it relatable and lighthearted. Humanize yourself. Who are you? What drives you? Hopefully it’s some combination of solving tough problems and what you learned from your experience in 1 that helps you create value.
3. Always bet on yourself and don’t give up. It took me a year to find that first job. It might take that long for you too. Have a backup plan so you’re not overwhelmed and stressed out. I had to walk dogs for cash, but maybe you can tutor for money (and experience!) while you apply. I know it sucks, but very few jobs have the upside of 6 figure pay for a few years of experience. You’re gonna have to work for it, but it WILL be worth it.
I’ll end with this - it’s not all on you.
Hiring is pretty busted right now, and companies need to do a lot more to make hiring more equitable and sustainable.
But you can’t change that until you’re in charge. Get that first job so you can eventually be the change you want to see in the world.