A lot of bloggers out there try to teach you how to get a web development job. Common advice is that you should practice and improve essential skills – HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and so on. It also wouldn’t hurt to have a computer science degree. In this article, we’ll talk about whether skills (and education) alone are enough to get a job.
First, let’s talk about design skills. Specifically, UX skills. Every web developer should have an eye for design. For example, I recently worked on a web application where I had to build an app. My knowledge of UX helped me implement right features. Every time user types a message, React chat scroll to bottom feature automatically shows the latest message.
Employers pay the most attention to web development skills. However, that’s not all there is. To succeed in an interview, you need to show your ability to work in a team. Knowing how to use Git is a big advantage, for example. If there are two equal candidates, the one who knows how to use Git is definitely going to have an advantage. It’s also a good idea if you’re familiar with Trello, Asana, Slack and similar tools for work organization. These are still only technical skills. What about non-technical ones?
Strong interpersonal skills can significantly improve your career. If you’re likable, people will like working with you. If they move to a higher position in another company, they may recommend you for a similar role. Or you can ask them for a recommendation, and they’ll be more likely to say yes.
If you have strong technical skills as well, you may be headed for a managing job. Someone with strong communication skills is invaluable as a manager. Communication is essential for organizing projects and to clearly lay out plans – what needs to be coded, when it should be finished. Also, likable people command respect. Programmers under your management will be more likely to finish tasks on time, and communicate with you if there are problems.
Next, let’s talk about writing skills. It might not seem like it, but programming requires good writing skills. Code can be confusing, and you need to write comments to explain them. Writing good comments is a great skill. If you’re interviewing for a job, and can display proven track record of writing comments, then you’re much more likely to find a job.
Documentation is also very important. Probably not for getting your first job, but web developers who can write documentation are always in high demand. You might get a pay raise and be promoted quickly. Documentation writing skills is one of those ‘nice to have’ skills for web developers. It can significantly affect your bottom line and make or break your career.
Last, but definitely not the least important is career skills. Being on the lookout for better programming jobs will allow you to climb the ladder and command higher salaries. It’s a basic advice, but there’s proven evidence that changing your jobs once every few years can help you get promoted faster and have higher salary.
Finally, make friends at the job. Not in a creepy networking way, but try to socialize with your coworkers. This is difficult for introvert programmers, but it’s an invaluable practice that makes all the difference.
