Navigating the saturated market of entry-level developers can be challenging, but it's crucial to distinguish between competent candidates and those who fall short. In my experience, a significant number of developers, regardless of their background, lack the qualities that companies are seeking. However, I firmly believe that the market can never be saturated to the point where truly skilled developers cannot find opportunities. To stand out from the crowd, my top advice for job seekers is to embark on projects that are entirely their own, showcasing their problem-solving abilities and unwavering passion for software development. Let's explore this further and discover how to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Entry-level developers

The market for entry-level developers appears to be saturated, and this concerns many people. From what I've observed, I would estimate that approximately 80% of developers without any experience, whether from boot camps, college, or self-teaching, do not possess the qualities that companies are seeking. Many of them lack an impressive portfolio, relying on copy-paste projects or having no portfolio at all. Additionally, a significant number of these developers struggle with problem-solving and lack a genuine passion for software development, which can limit their potential for growth even if they secure a job.

Embrace growth

However, I don't want to denounce these individuals entirely. Given enough time, some of them may improve their skills, organize their portfolios and GitHub pages, and become better candidates for employment. What I mean to say is that, at any given time, the market doesn't seem to have enough competent developers, even for entry-level positions. This is why developers continue to be in high demand despite the apparent saturation of the market. It may seem contradictory, but in my opinion, the developer market will never reach a point where genuinely skilled developers cannot find employment. The nature of being a developer is inherently challenging, which means it doesn't attract everyone.

Finish what you started

Based on my experience, my most significant advice to those seeking jobs in the field is to build projects that they can confidently claim as "100% mine from start to finish." It's crucial to avoid coding along with tutorials or following videos that promise "easy portfolio projects." Instead, focus on developing projects independently, tackling and solving problems on your own. Even if your initial solutions are clumsy or inefficient, what matters most is the process of problem-solving.

As you gain experience, you can refine and optimize your code. This approach will not only help you build a strong portfolio but also demonstrate your ability to think critically and find unique solutions.