Entry Level Jobs: A Guide to Your First Tech Role
Nokia phones with buttons were small, and portable but annoying! You had to press those tiny buttons multiple times just to type a simple message. But over time as you got a hang of it, your fingers got quicker, the mistakes less frequent, and before you knew it, you were using it like a pro.
Landing entry level jobs feels the same way, especially your first. It takes time, patience, and a lot of trial and errors. In fact, Developer Keldon Alleyne on a Quora thread asking, “How many jobs did you apply for until you actually got your first software developer position in the real world?” writes that it took him exactly 205 applications before he landed a role at SEGA Europe.
Imagine the sheer amount of applications and rejections Keldon had to face! Many other entry level job seekers encounter a similar challenge. A Generation report found that 94% of employers across more than 16 industries now require prior work experience for entry-level tech jobs.
So yeah, “entry-level jobs” isn’t really entry-level anymore and that is frustrating. But just like mastering that Nokia phone, this road map will show you how to land your first tech job and take the next step toward your dream role.
How To Prove You're Ready For Entry Level Tech Jobs
You can’t fake your way into entry level jobs. You need to understand what employers really want.
Apparently, it’s not a fancy degree from Stanford, MIT, or UC Berkeley. Generation reports that 24% of employers have moved away from fancy degrees, opting instead for competency-based hiring which top guns like Google, Apple, and IBM have also adopted.
Show that you can do the work, and you’re halfway in (though other criteria still matter).
It doesn’t matter if you have a computer science degree or a certification from an online bootcamp. The reality is evident in the 2024 Stack Overflow Developer Survey which showed that while 66% of developers have a BA/BS or MA/MS degree, only 49% of those developers learned how to code at school.
Unsurprisingly, 82% of these developers rely on online resources to learn how to code.
So, let’s clarify the specific expectations employers have for entry-level candidates.
1. Fluency in One Programming Language
Entry level jobs require you to be fluent in at least one programming language. As Akorede Rasheed, a developer and UI/UX designer at Akotech Dynamics, puts it:
Mastering one language helps you understand programming logic deeply, and once you’re comfortable, you can easily learn others. It’s better to know one language well than to have surface knowledge of many. Over time, as you grow, expanding your skill set to include new tools or frameworks will make you even more valuable.
Choose JavaScript, Python, or Java because these three languages dominate entry-level jobs and offer the broadest career opportunities. JavaScript provides opportunities in web development, mobile apps, and even back-end software development. Python excels in data analysis, automation, and web development. Java continues to be the enterprise standard, offering excellent job security and high salaries. Pick one based on your career interests, then commit to mastering it thoroughly before learning others.
But don’t think landing entry level jobs is all just about technical skills because employers are also raising the bar for behavioral skills. They expect new hirees to be skilled at communication and teamwork. So, if you can code but can’t explain your process or work well with a team, that’s a red flag.
In 2025 alone, while working with an accounting software company, I reviewed over 300 job applications to fill roles for Back-End Software Developers, Data Analysts, Graphic Designers, Content Creators, and Content Writers. It took considerable effort to fill these roles because many people who clearly expressed themselves in their CV or cover letter couldn’t clearly communicate the work they’d done during their live interview stage.
This is understandable because artificial intelligence can turn anyone into a genius on paper. However, if you lack the skill to communicate and collaborate effectively in real-world settings, even the most impressive resume won’t land you the job.
2. Demonstrated Ability to Build 2-3 Complete Projects
When employers are hiring for entry level jobs, they value projects over certifications, degrees, or tutorial badges. They want to see that you can take an idea from concept to finished product. Focus on projects that solve real problems, rather than simple tutorials like calculators, to-do lists, or weather apps.
Take Chisom Nwoko’s experience as a blueprint. In a Twitter Space where we unpacked her journey from Tech Newbie to Tech Expert, she described how building Igbò Amáká transformed her from someone who “watched tutorials” to someone who could confidently apply for developer roles. She explained:
I had this mentality that before you launch an app on Play Store, you had to work in a company or startup or something. I didn’t really see anybody that had a personal Play Store account. So, I told myself that if I wanted to be confident in my software development skills, I need to build something of my own from scratch. I didn’t just need to build it, I needed to launch it, and I wanted people to download, use, and give feedback.
In 2020, she did exactly that. Chisom built the language app, and she developed the back end, front end, the UI, and the UX ( the complete end-to-end project). She adds that it was the third hardest thing she had done because you might watch tutorials and think you know it, but when you start building from scratch, you realize you don’t really know anything.
Today, the language app has been downloaded by over 10,000 people on Play Store. Since then, Chisom has gone on to work with Microsoft and credits Igbò Amáká for giving her the confidence and experience to apply for jobs.
Building a complete project takes time, but that’s exactly the point. You might struggle, question yourself, and feel like you don’t know anything, just like Chisom did. But when you push through and launch that project, you’ll have proof that you can build, ship, and succeed.
So, document your decision-making process, the challenges you encounter, and how you solve them as these are the kind of valuable experiences that help you ace job interviews. Also keep in mind that the quality of your projects trumps quantity every time. Two or three polished projects that you’ve taken from idea to launch will give you more confidence and more job opportunities than ten half-finished attempts ever could.
3. Ability to Explain Your Problem-Solving Process Clearly
Technical communication often matters more than perfect technical knowledge. Employers hire people who can articulate their thinking, collaborate effectively, and explain complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Precious Orjiude, a Full Stack Developer at Future Cast and the Founder of Sabi Vendor App, reflects on what actually got him his first tech job:
Personally, it must have been the way I presented my projects.
It wasn’t about having the most complex projects or knowing every programming language. What set Precious apart was his ability to walk through his work clearly and methodically. His problem-solving approach is straightforward: break down the problem into manageable pieces, solve it progressively, and research similar problems and solutions along the way. This might sound simple, but the ability to articulate this process during interviews made all the difference.
Beyond the interview room, Precious understood that showing up as a competent communicator extended into his daily work. In his first 90 days as a new hire, he made it a priority to ask questions, request additional work when tasks were complete, and demonstrate eagerness to improve. He notes that two qualities stand out in successful developers: discipline and hard work.
But he’s equally direct about what to avoid:
I personally have worked with Devs, and one thing they should avoid is incompetence and excuses. Keep a good reputation by all means.
Practice describing your projects out loud. Explain your code choices to a friend who doesn’t code. Walk through your debugging process step by step, even if it’s just to yourself. When you encounter problems, document your research approach and solution methodology. Record yourself explaining a technical concept and watch it back. These habits build you into a developer who can write code and clearly communicate technical decisions.
4 Steps To Help You Land Your First Tech Job
Step 1: Develop Your Job Application Materials
Every job application requires you to have a detailed CV or resume, a portfolio, and an excellent cover letter that communicates your skills, experiences and value.
a. The Tech Resume That Gets Noticed
Tech resumes differ significantly from traditional industry formats. Keep it to one page with a clean, ATS-friendly design that emphasizes skills and projects over extensive work history. Your resume should include contact information, a professional summary highlighting your transition into tech, technical skills organized by category, your portfolio projects with measurable impacts, and relevant experience framed to emphasize transferable skills.
It is important to optimize for applicant tracking systems by matching job description keywords. If a position mentions React, Node.js, and PostgreSQL, or Figma, Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator, ensure these technologies appear in your skills section if you’ve used them. But never lie! Only include technologies you can discuss competently in interviews.
Lastly, quantify your impact wherever possible. Instead of saying “I built a responsive website at XYZ,” write “Built responsive website serving 1,000+ daily users with 95% mobile compatibility.” Numbers make your accomplishments concrete and memorable. You can get these data via Google Search Console, GA4, and other analytical tools. I strongly advise that you keep a win record whenever you work with brands and organizations.
b. Cover Letter Strategy
Generic cover letters are immediately obvious and get discarded. Tell your story authentically, explaining what genuinely excites you about technology beyond salary considerations. Keep it concise, at least two to three paragraphs as hiring managers spend seconds scanning cover letters, so make every sentence count.
If you’re a newbie transitioning from a non-tech role to a technical role, keep it in mind that your previous career is an asset that sets you apart. Highlight transferable skills like project management, problem-solving, communication, and leadership. These soft skills are incredibly valuable in tech, where you’ll collaborate with teams, explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and manage complex projects with competing priorities.
Reframe those past experience to emphasize tech-relevant abilities. Customer service becomes “user experience focus and problem-solving under pressure.” Teaching translates to “breaking down complex concepts and adapting communication for different audiences.” Sales experience demonstrates “understanding user needs and presenting solutions effectively.” The key is connecting your past achievements to future tech responsibilities.
Address your transition directly but briefly. Explain your learning journey and demonstrate commitment through completed projects and acquired certifications. This shows intention and dedication rather than career indecision.
c. Portfolio Best Practices
When it comes to portfolios, quality always trumps quantity. Hiring managers typically spend only a few minutes reviewing each portfolio, so every second must count. Focus on presenting polished, professional projects that clearly showcase your skills and value from the moment the page loads.
Rather than listing many projects, highlight a select few that best demonstrate your capabilities. Each project should include a detailed README or project description explaining:
- What the project is
- Why you built it
- The technical or creative decisions you made
- Challenges you encountered and how you solved them
This approach highlights problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and decision-making, not just technical execution. Employers love to interact with projects right away so ensure it is live and accessible, which could significantly improve your chances of standing out. Use Netlify or Vercel for web applications, and GitHub for static websites. If you’re a non-technical professional, you can still build an effective portfolio using Wix (free website builder), Canva, Notion, Behance, and so much more.
One of the most overlooked portfolio best practices is creating permanent proof of your work. I personally make it a habit to capture screenshots of websites or mobile apps I’ve contributed to, particularly for SEO copywriting and content projects, and compile them into PDFs. This ensures I have verifiable examples of my work even if a brand later updates, redesigns, or removes the content (which inevitably happens).
This approach preserves your contributions long-term, provides concrete proof of live, real-world work, strengthens credibility with hiring managers and clients, and allows you to showcase results even after projects change
Conclusively, to ensure your job application materials get seen, and remembered, follow up professionally one week after submission with a polite email reiterating your interest. Many candidates skip this step, so a well-crafted follow-up helps you stand out. Track all applications in a spreadsheet with dates, contact information, and outcomes for organized follow-up and learning what approaches work best.
Step 2: Master the Job Search
In 2025, while working with a business management SaaS, I interviewed many candidates applying for entry-level jobs who couldn’t clearly explain what our company does or why they applied. Most admitted they were mass applying to dozens, sometimes hundreds of roles. This spray-and-pray job application strategy rarely works and often does more harm than good.
Instead, successful candidates focus on high-quality applications, strategic networking, and building genuine relationships within the tech community.
a. Use Job Boards Strategically
When seeking your entry level jobs, it’s important to start with a balanced mix of platforms:
- General job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed for broad exposure
- Tech-specific platforms such as Wellfound for startup roles
- Entry-level job boards that curate positions specifically for beginners
However, don’t stop there. Company career pages often list roles that never appear on job boards, and applying directly typically means less competition and higher visibility.
b. Startups vs. Enterprises: Where Do You Want to Work?
Startups offer broader learning opportunities, faster growth potential, and more direct impact on products. You might wear multiple hats and work across different technologies. Enterprises provide stability, structured training programs, and established mentorship opportunities.
Career expert Gayle Laakmann McDowell, CEO of CareerCup, offers this perspective:
If you want to build your career at a big company, then by all means, stay and build your career there. But if that’s not what you want, leave quickly. One or two years post-college at a company like Google is great. 10 years? Not so much. You will continue to learn, but there are diminishing returns of sticking around. (Unless you want to be a big company person.)
Neither option is inherently better, you just need to choose based on your career goals.
c. Leverage Events and In-Person Opportunities
Professional events such as conferences, hackathons, and job fairs offer direct access to employers and real-time opportunities to showcase your skills. Many developers secure their first roles through relationships built at these events rather than through online applications alone.
d. Show Continuous Learning and Real Engagement
Hiring managers want to see growth and initiative. You can demonstrate this by:
- Completing relevant courses and earning certifications.
- Building side projects that show skill progression
- Contributing to open-source projects to prove collaboration and code quality
- Creating content such as blog posts, tutorials, or videos that document your learning journey
This positions you as someone committed to solving problems, not just seeking a paycheck. Additionally, engage authentically in tech communities by providing helpful comments, share useful resources, and build genuine relationships. Many hiring managers appreciate seeing candidates who actively participate in and contribute to the wider tech community.
e. Build a Social Media Portfolio
The job market is so crazy that sometimes it seems like you’re basically throwing your resume into a black hole and hoping someone on the other side notices. But with social media being an everyday portfolio, you stand the chance to make your work so visible that opportunities start chasing you.
That’s exactly what Adigun Akorede Rasheed did. As a UI/UX designer and web developer, he decided to get loud about his work:
I posted my projects on platforms like Medium, GitHub, and LinkedIn, and even created short content on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter to share my journey. Doing that exposed my talent to a larger audience, helped me connect with people in my industry, and eventually led to opportunities and referrals.
This is what we call building in public, and it’s become one of the most powerful job search strategies out there, especially in creative and technical fields.
Think about it from a hiring manager’s perspective. They get hundreds of resumes that all say roughly the same thing: “Skilled professional with experience in X, Y, and Z.” But when they Google your name and find a trail of actual work: projects you’ve built, problems you’ve solved, insights you’ve shared, that changes everything. You’re no longer just another applicant. You’re someone who’s already proven they can do the work.
Building in public solves the fundamental problem in hiring: employers want to see what you can actually do, not just what your resume claims you can do.
Step 3: Ace the Interview Process
Tech interviews follow predictable patterns; understanding the process and preparing systematically dramatically improves your success rate. It’s also important to remember that nervousness is normal, even experienced developers feel it before interviews.
a. Understand the Interview Stages
Most tech interview processes are broken into several stages, each designed to assess different skills. The initial screenings typically happen via phone or video call, lasting 30 to 45 minutes. Recruiters assess cultural fit, evaluate communication skills, and verify basic technical knowledge.
Preparation is key for entry level jobs. Research the company thoroughly before the interview. If they have a website, web app, or mobile product, take time to explore it and note what works well and what could be improved. Use these reflection questions to guide your preparation and have a meaningful interview discussions with the hiring manager or team:
- On a scale of 1–10, how would I rate the quality of the company’s product or service?
- Based on the role I’m applying for, what specific value can I bring to improve the company’s processes or outcomes?
- What problem is this company primarily trying to solve, and how well are they solving it today?
- Who is the company’s target user or customer, and what pain points might they still be experiencing?
- What features or workflows seem confusing, inefficient, or outdated, and how could they be improved?
- Where do I see gaps between the role requirements and the current product or process?
- If hired, what could I realistically improve within my first 30, 60, or 90 days?
By thoughtfully answering and selectively sharing insights from these questions with recruiters or hiring managers, you position yourself as a proactive, strategic candidate with a genuine interest in contributing value from day one. This approach shifts the interview dynamic from “Why should we hire you?” to “How soon can you start making an impact?”
Also, prepare a concise personal story and practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. Recruiters aren’t testing your ability to recite documentation, instead, they want to see whether you can think clearly and communicate effectively.
b. Technical Assessments and Interviews
Tech interviews follow predictable patterns; understanding the process and preparing systematically dramatically improves your success rate. It’s also important to remember that nervousness is normal, even experienced developers feel it before interviews.
They may come through online platform challenges or take-home projects lasting one to four hours. These are used to evaluate:
- Problem-solving approach
- Code quality and organization
- Technical fundamentals
Read the instructions carefully, write clean and well-structured code, and include helpful comments where necessary. Always provide a clear README that explains your approach, assumptions, and decisions.
On the other hand, live technical interviews usually involve real-time coding sessions lasting 45–90 minutes. It is held to test your ability to think aloud, debug effectively, and explain your reasoning. Before writing code, ask clarifying questions. As you work, explain your thought process continuously. Interviewers care far more about how you approach problems than whether you arrive at a perfect solution.
c. Final Interviews
This round of entry level job interview often span two to four hours with multiple team members in short sessions. The interview session often focuses on:
- Team collaboration and communication
- Long-term growth potential
- Culture and values alignment
When asked to introduce yourself, structure your answer around your journey to tech, what motivates you professionally, and how your background prepares you for this role. Keep it concise and relevant. When explaining why you’re transitioning to tech, show genuine interest beyond salary considerations. Discuss your excitement about problem-solving, the appeal of continuous learning, and technology’s impact on society.
For project questions, walk through architecture decisions, challenges faced, and lessons learned. Show critical thinking about your technical choices. When asked to explain complex concepts simply, this tests your understanding depth. Practice explaining technical topics to non-technical friends or family.
When you don’t know an answer, intellectual honesty matters more than faking knowledge. Saying “I don’t know, but here’s how I’d find out” demonstrates resourcefulness and honesty. Employers value these traits highly, especially in entry-level candidates who they expect will need guidance.
Step 4: Evaluate and Negotiate Entry Level Job Offers
Receiving a job offer feels incredible after months of learning and searching. Before accepting immediately, take time to evaluate the complete package and understand what you’re agreeing to. Your first tech job shapes your entire career trajectory, so making an informed decision now pays dividends for years.
a. Understand the Full Compensation Package
Salary matters, but it is only one part of a job offer. In Nigeria, compensation often includes health insurance, paid leave, internet or power allowances, transport support, and sometimes learning or certification sponsorship. When reviewing offers for entry level jobs, look at the total value rather than focusing only on the monthly figure. For example, a ₦450,000 salary with health insurance, paid leave, and structured learning support may be more beneficial in the long term than a ₦500,000 offer with no benefits and high personal expenses.
For startups and international remote companies, equity may be included as part of the offer. While equity can be attractive, it should be treated as a potential bonus, not guaranteed income. In early-stage startups, equity may never become valuable, can take years to vest, and often cannot be converted to cash easily. For Nigerians working remotely, additional risks such as unclear legal protections, foreign tax implications, currency fluctuations, and limited transparency around company valuation make it even more important not to rely on equity in place of stable pay.
Nevertheless, before accepting an offer, research what similar roles pay. Use platforms like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn salary insights, but also speak with people in your network working in similar roles. Pay in Nigeria varies widely based on location, company size, skill demand, and whether the role is local or remote.
If you are applying for remote roles, consider more than just the headline salary. Pay attention to working hours across time zones, payment reliability, contract terms, currency exchange rates, and how often payments are made. A well-paying role on paper can become stressful if these factors are not clearly defined.
b. Negotiation for Entry-Level Jobs
Negotiation is possible even for entry-level roles, but it should be done thoughtfully and realistically. A modest increase is usually reasonable, but salary is not the only thing you can discuss. Learning opportunities, mentorship, early performance reviews, certification sponsorship, or flexible work arrangements can often be just as valuable at the start of your career.
At the same time, it is important to recognize that negotiation is not mandatory in every situation. For some beginners, the right learning environment can matter more than immediate financial gain. When Precious was starting out, this was his approach:
Personally, I did not negotiate because I needed the right environment to improve my skills. As a beginner, what should matter most is growth, not immediate financial gain. As you develop and gain industry experience, you reach a point of confidence where you can negotiate effectively because you understand your value, what you bring to a team, and how well you work with others
Sometimes accepting an offer without negotiation can be a strategic choice when the role offers strong mentorship, real responsibility, and clear growth opportunities. As your skills, confidence, and industry experience increase, you will be in a much stronger position to negotiate compensation that reflects your true value.
Finally, always ensure that every agreed detail is written clearly in your offer letter. Your salary, benefits, role, start date, and expectations should be documented. Clear terms protect both you and your employer and help you start your role with confidence and clarity.
What Employers Expect From Entry Level Job Seekers
Hiring managers expect knowledge gaps in junior and entry-level candidates. They’re not looking for perfection, instead, they’re evaluating potential. What matters most is your ability to think through problems, your willingness to learn, and your genuine interest in the field.
Your process is often more important than arriving at the perfect answer. When you explain your thinking, even when you’re unsure, you show how you approach challenges, how you handle uncertainty, and whether you can collaborate effectively with others. This gives employers insight into how quickly you can grow and how well you’ll work within a team.
As Precious shares from experience:
As a new hire, I would do something called ‘over sabi’ in Nigeria to win the hearts of my employers and try to be consistent as I grow in the organisation. Doing your work on time, asking for more work when none is assigned, asking questions, and being eager to improve.
Genuine enthusiasm and a growth mindset can often outweigh technical skill gaps, especially for trainable entry-level roles. Employers want to hire people who are eager to learn, contribute positively to team culture, and remain engaged in their work. So, let your curiosity, commitment, and authentic passion shine through as they’re often what make the strongest impression.
Red Flags to Watch When Applying for Entry Level Jobs
Be cautious of job offers that raise concerns, such as:
- Unrealistic expectations, like demanding senior-level skills for junior pay.
- No clear learning path or growth opportunities.
- Constant overtime with no compensation or balance.
- Poor communication or vague role descriptions.
Companies that normalize burnout, especially for beginners, often fail to provide proper mentorship and support. You need time outside work to rest, study new technologies, work on side projects, and simply recharge. Companies normalizing 60-hour weeks for entry-level employees rarely provide the mentorship and support you need to grow.
Also watch out for roles that rely solely on outdated tools or systems with no exposure to modern technologies. While legacy systems have value, your first role should prepare you for the broader job market, instead of limiting your future options.
