Landing your first mobile web development job can be a challenge regardless of where you got your training and education. The mobile web industry is vast and competitive, with developers popping up from different parts of the world practically every day. If you want to get hired, you have to have not only the skills, passion, and dedication; you also should know the right thing to do to increase your chances of getting hired.
What is Mobile Web Development?
Before you set out to find a job, decide first what kind of developer career you want. Mobile web development is an active and continually growing industry. It is also lucrative as more and more consumers are now discovering its advantages. It focuses on developing or building web-based apps that are optimized for use on smartphones. Mobile websites work through a browser and are written in CSS/HTML. They are entirely different from smartphone or native mobile apps.
Why Become A Developer?
The job of a mobile web developer is not easy, but it’s fulfilling. It is also in demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, businesses looking for developers numbered to over 145,000 back in 2018 and this is expected to continue increasing until 2024.
The work of a mobile web developer is exciting, interesting, and flexible. You can work on computer games, company websites, and e-commerce sites. You’ll also deal with different technologies, including mobile apps creation.
In mobile web development, your work is primarily focused on writing and reading codes. One of the things you need is a reliable desktop or laptop computer. As such, you are free to work according to your own terms (provided you follow the project timeline, of course). Likewise, working remotely won’t be a problem; you can work at home, in your favourite café, or while you are traveling.
Companies like developers who have the initiative to continue learning and improving. Find workshops and other venues for practicing your developer skills.
Tips to Help You Land Your First Mobile Web Development Job
Aside from an understanding of what mobile web dev entails, there are several factors that could help you increase your chances of getting hired.
What are your goals? What do you want to achieve?
First things first; you need to determine your reason for becoming and working as a mobile web developer. It will also help if you could come up with a detailed list of your monthly (or weekly) goals. Include in your list things like “practice coding” and “do my best to get into (name of company) by the end of the month”. Your goals should be specific and realistic. Don’t be like “I will build a mobile website that can earn me billions of dollars a year.”
Don’t stop learning. Practice makes perfect.
Just because you’ve already graduated from the technical bootcamp, completed your training, or received your college diploma does not mean you should stop learning. Companies like developers who have the initiative to continue learning and improving. Find workshops and other venues for practicing your iOS and Android developer skills. On your own, you can also practice coding.
Network with different developer organisations or join online tech communities.
“Surround yourself with a bunch of like-minded people, and you’ll soak up their habits like a starved sponge.” – Vir Das
Take this advice seriously if you want a successful mobile web development career. How can you do this? Simple. Look for developer organizations or communities that you can join, connect with your fellow members, and participate in various activities and events. Every opportunity that allows you to interact with other developers is a chance for learning and growth.
Practice or connect with a mentor.
Building connections with other mobile web developers gives you chance to meet mentors. As such, finding one who can help you with your coding is easy. If you prefer to work with someone you know, find a developer friend who can act as your tutor or mentor.
Join the Startechup Academy community.
Startechup Academy is an open and generous tech community with a series of online workshops for all developers, individuals, and groups interested in improving their programming skills. It has expert mentors ready to help you in your mobile web development journey. Best of all – it’s totally FREE.
Highlight your mobile web developer skills.
When applying for a job, impress the company with your developer skills. To impress does not mean to boast. You have to showcase your skills and expertise. Since you do not have enough work experience yet – as it is your first time to apply for one – your developer skills will serve as your greatest accomplishment and qualification.
As such, you should prepare a portfolio showing samples of your skills in mobile web development. This is what your coding practices are for, too.
If you’re not sure what developer skills are preferred by most companies, here’s a list:
The three core components of web programming:
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
Programming languages for building applications:
- Java
- Ruby
- PHP
Tools:
- SQL Server
- Oracle
To practice your coding skills, you’ll need a GitHub account. You also need to learn about version control, which is essential for checking revisions.
Study the mobile web development industry.
Although it’s not an actual part of your job application, knowing the basic but essential facts about the mobile web development industry is vital. There are instances when hiring agents or HR managers ask applicants significant questions about the industry they belong to. When this happens to you, you’re already prepared because you know the mobile web dev industry inside and out.
Moreover, being familiar with your industry also helps you become more confident.
Where to look for job openings and opportunities?
If you’re ready to start the application process, it’s time to look for opportunities. You’ll find quite a lot of mobile web development job openings online. Here are some of the world’s most popular job portals with thousands of mobile web development openings:
- GitHub
- Glassdoor
- Indeed
- StackOverflow
- Smashing Jobs
- Authentic Jobs
- CyberCoders
- Online Developer Forums
You should also ask friends and fellow developers for information about companies that are hiring. Don’t hesitate to ask industry contacts for suggestions, too.
Knowing how to start, what to prepare, and what to do when applying for a mobile web development job is essential if you want your journey to be successful.
