Land the Job

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Land the Job

Six Months to Start Your Software Career

About the Book

So many people entering the software industry hit the same wall. Getting that first job can be tough. There is so much advice out there about how to get a job ranging from portfolios, resumes, how to dress, and what you should know before you apply. It is an overwhelming experience that leaves many wondering if they have what it takes.

"Land the Job" teaches the skills required to get that first job. It contains practical advice that has been used by the author and his students for nearly a decade. This book is a map through a process that has remained too uncharted for too long. Some of the items explored in detail:

  • A comprehensive and tested approach to job-hunting
  • Creating resumes and cover letters that get interviews
  • Interviewing techniques and tricks
  • Building portfolios
  • Negotiating salaries

About the Author

Ryan Latta
Ryan Latta

My name is Ryan Latta, and I've been in software for over 10 years now. I've spent a lot of my time helping individuals, teams, and companies find their way to what they really want. It took a long time to find my mission, but I believe that I have now. My mission is to help create teams that change the world. I publish a weekly newsletter about these topics and my adventures helping others at my site. I hope you join me and connect with me soon.

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
    • The Industry
    • Thanks
  • 1 - Land The Job
    • How to use this book
    • Land the Job
    • Soul-Crushing
    • Information Asymmetry
    • Trends in Hiring
    • Self-Care
  • 2 - The Plan
    • A Skill-Based Approach
    • From 10,000 Feet
    • Develop Your Resume to Get Interviews
    • Apply To Three Jobs A Week
    • Build a Portfolio, GitHub, and more
    • Practice the Technical Interviews and Begin Interviewing
    • Summary
  • 3 - Resumes
    • No Lying
    • Myths
    • Disqualified
    • Audience
    • Skills-Based Resume and Friends
    • But I Don’t Have Experience
    • Adjustments and Experiments
    • Tricks and Gotchas
  • 4 - Cover Letters
    • They Matter
    • Who Reads Them
    • A Great Cover Letter
    • Do They Work?
  • 5 - Portfolios, GitHub, and Other Friends
    • Their Place in The Plan
    • Shifting the Odds
    • Requested vs. Expected
    • Time Investment
    • The Incomplete Menu
    • Getting Started
    • LinkedIn & Social Media
    • Conference or Meetup Talks & Publications
    • Industry volunteering & Teaching
    • Competition
    • Training or Certifications
    • Conclusion
  • 6 - Applying for Jobs
    • Strategy
    • Job Descriptions
    • What to Avoid
    • Types of Companies
    • Where to Look
    • Research
    • The Best Way to Apply
  • 7 - Recruiters
    • Recruiter Services
    • Working with Recruiters
    • Bottom-Line
  • 8 - Interviewing Strategy
    • Making the Right First Impression
    • Guidelines for Successful Interviews
  • 9 - The Interview Stages
    • Proof of Life
    • The Phone Screen
    • Technical Interviews
    • Pair Programming
    • Assignments
    • HR Interview
    • Leadership Interview
    • Asking Questions
    • Summary
  • 10 - The Offer & Negotiating
    • The Offer Letter
    • The Benefits
    • Other Paperwork
    • Negotiation
    • Signing the Offer
  • 11 - We’ve Landed
    • What is Next For You?
    • Keep In Touch
  • Notes

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