How to Get a Programming Job with No Experience

You need to be proficient in programming languages to get a programming job. No company will hire a programmer who does not know how to code. You need to learn one or more programming languages to break into the field.

This article will cover all you need to know about how to get a programming job, the best programming languages to learn, and how to prepare for the job. 

The Most In-Demand Programming Languages for Coding Jobs

If you want to learn a programming language, it would be wise to learn one that is up to date and in high demand. It would be a waste of time to learn anything other than high-demand languages. Below is a list of the most popular programming languages.

Python

This programming language is considered a general-purpose language. It allows developers to use an object oriented, functional, or reflective programming style when creating programs. Python has been used to create digital platforms and tools including YouTube, iRobot machines, and the Google search engine. 

Python is one of the most easy-to-learn languages. This is why it is ideal for both junior developers and senior developers. It comes with a library that supports common tasks and commands. Python has interactive qualities that allow programmers to test codes on the go. This reduces time wasted on writing code and testing them afterward. 

Ruby on Rails

This framework is a server-side web app written in Ruby. Its model-view-controller framework provides a default web page, database, and web service structure. 

Ruby on its own is a dynamic, general-purpose language used for object oriented programming. It is popular because of its human-like nature. It resembles English, making it understandable even for people who don’t know how to code. 

Rails, on the other hand, is a web development framework. It was written in the Ruby language and was released almost a decade after Ruby. This framework makes website development easier. In time, it marked the introduction of Ruby on Rails. 

Ruby on Rails helps software developers create high-performance web projects. It is like most general-purpose programming languages in that it can be used for various programming tasks. Also, this framework allows software developers to write less code and accomplish more than other frameworks and languages. 

JavaScript

This programming language is used to control the behavior of a web page. Software engineers use it to create dynamic web elements like interactive maps, animated graphics, and clickable buttons. 

When programmers use JavaScript in conjunction with CSS and HTML, they tend to have higher website control. They can offer a better experience when it comes to readability and navigation. 

JavaScript is one of the most popular coding languages used in the world today. Many browsers use JavaScript and it is very easy to learn. This programming language does not require prior coding knowledge and you can master it with relative ease. 

CSS

CSS is also known as Cascading Style Sheets. It is used with HTML in most cases. This language governs the appearance of a site. CSS is also responsible for choosing the position and style of page elements. HTML organizes the text of a site into chunks. 

This programming language is convenient like JavaScript. An applied style cascades from the parent element to children elements on the site. This means that when users choose aesthetics for the parent elements, they do not need to repeat the code manually across the site. 

In the same vein, the delegation of aesthetics to CSS and site organization to HTML means users do not need to rewrite web pages to change colors. 

Java

This object oriented programming (OOP) language is excellent for general use. OOP is one of the most popular types of coding languages because it allows programmers to easily create objects that provide structure for applications and programs. These objects encompass data and functions.

It is popular because it is easy to use and learn. It also offers the ability to handle large data sizes and has incredible security. The features of this programming language make it ideal for the finance sector, including the stock market and banking.

The programming language is ideal because it can run on any operating system irrespective of the OS first used to write the code. This is why it is excellent for writing apps for both computers and mobile devices. It is also used to create apps for sensors, remote processors, and several other consumer products.

How to Get a Programming Job Without a Degree

You can get a coding job without having a university degree, but you will need to be trained. In some cases, your potential employer may expect certification in place of a computer science degree. 

Below are some things you can do to secure software development jobs.

Coding Classes with Certificates

It is possible to become a self-taught programmer. Resources like Udemy, edX, Coursera, and Khan Academy offer training for programmers. 

Some of these online coding courses are free, while others require payment and come with certificates for self-taught software developers. They are excellent if you can discipline yourself to learn without the live classes that define traditional schools. 

These courses offer step-by-step guides as well as video tutorials to teach you how to program. You can learn to use any programming language you want, such as JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. They are often self-paced so you can choose when to learn as well.

Coding Bootcamps 

Coding bootcamps are online and in-person technical training courses. They help students acquire proficiency in the coding languages needed for programming jobs. The courses in such bootcamps are immersive, intensive, and include hands-on training. They produce certified experts quickly because the courses are specific and focus on practical experience.

Two other benefits of bootcamps are lower tuition costs and shorter courses than what colleges offer. On average, bootcamps cost $13,000 and last for three months. When students complete the program, they can apply for entry-level programming jobs. 

Also, spending less time in school means less money spent on tuition. The best coding bootcamps take away the requirements of traditional education and level the playing field, making programming jobs more accessible.

Freelance Programming Jobs

After attending a coding bootcamp, the best thing to do for your software development career is to apply for freelance programming jobs. This is even more necessary since employers may have a hard time employing you without experience. This will help you sharpen your skills as well.

As a freelancer, you work as a contractor to a company. You can find freelance programming jobs on popular gig sites like Fiverr and Upwork. This will boost your software development career immensely. Just make sure you understand how to get paid as a freelancer before jumping in. 

Preparing for Entry-Level Programming Jobs

When you are just starting your software development career, it may seem impossible to enter the industry because everyone is looking for an experienced programmer. How can you fix your lack of experience if no one will hire you? Below are some tips. 

1. Build Your Portfolio

If you want to get a programming job that requires experience, you need a portfolio. This portfolio will contain your past work. It shows that you can code and also gives employers an example of your work. 

It can go a long way to increase your chances of getting a job. If a prospective employer can look at projects and code you have written, they will be impressed. It is even better if you are proficient in the programming language they require. 

You can create a portfolio using the websites you designed or other personal projects. It is ideal to create small projects as you learn to code and create more after you learn. This will demonstrate your ability to start an application and finish it. 

A great online portfolio tool to use is GitHub. This platform is used to judge programmers and check their abilities. Both experienced and inexperienced programmers use it to share open source projects based on the version control system Git.

The platform has become much more than an online repository. Employers may use GitHub profiles to check and confirm open source and private projects the candidate has completed. They also check how often freelance programmers code and how popular their projects are. 

This online repository is one way to show that you have experience. So it is ideal to make your online profile impressive and eye-catching.

2. Gain Experience Through Internships

Recently, programming internships have been in high demand. This is specifically because of the importance of programming in building digital platforms. A programming internship can expose you to client consultation, code generation, and systems monitoring. 

You can gain the experience you need through internships. Finding places to intern may be difficult, but you can consult peers, coding communities, and online resources that keep track of the best computer science internships. You can also look for hackathons or volunteer with charitable organizations that need help building websites and apps. 

Expose yourself to all the opportunities you can find to enhance your resume and improve your chances during your job search. This means going outside of your comfort zone and applying yourself no matter how small the opportunity seems. 

3. Develop Your Programming Skills

Learn Python, Swift, and Java to set yourself apart in the industry. You can choose one of these languages to master and it will set you up for success.

In most cases, learning one programming language makes it easier to learn others. There are a lot of resources to help you learn like webinars, videos, and books. You also need to learn about algorithms and data structures. Expertise in these subjects will enhance your knowledge of programming and expose you to career opportunities.

Regardless of your experience, most companies will expect you to show how skilled you are during recruitment. This is why project development is important. It helps you to implement the knowledge you gathered about algorithms, programming languages, and databases. It validates your technical skills and enhances your confidence. 

Another way to gain exposure is to engage in competitions and coding challenges. Participation in such contests can bring internship and job opportunities if you’re lucky. It could also make it easier to network with other experts who can help you in your job hunt.

4. Prepare for Your Job Interview

Start by studying interview questions. You can find many resources on the Internet about the interview process. Find practice questions and try out your answers to them in mock interviews. 

During programming interviews, it is likely that you will be asked difficult technical questions. You may be prompted to solve a problem in less than an hour. Also, you may be expected to explain how you solved the problem. Data structures and algorithms are often part of the interview process. This is why you should hone your skills before going in for the interview.

Strong communication skills and enthusiasm may help you stand out during the interview process. You may be expected to answer some behavioral questions in some cases. Your interviewer may want to know how much of a team player you are. Ignore soft skills at your own peril. 

Is It Hard to Get Your First Programming Job?

Most companies won’t hire candidates for a job without experience, so it will be difficult to land your first programmer job. However, you don’t need to give up just yet. Some startups search for candidates who are new and are ready to learn new frameworks and languages. 

You can also stand out by learning one or more programming languages. Don’t just learn any programming language, but choose one that is in high demand to ensure that your skills do not become outdated. Some programming tools to learn include Java, Ruby on Rails, CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. 

Also, you need to consider building a portfolio of projects. A GitHub account is perfect for this purpose. This online repository can help showcase your personal projects to potential employers. Internships and freelance work will also be beneficial and will help you gain valuable skills and experience that may lead to a job at a software company.

Programming Job FAQ