Don't Stop! You can do this! (Got a job, now here's some tips!)

Hey Everyone at Treehouse!

I'm feeling really lucky lately because I've landed my first full time job as a junior web developer and had my first day at work today! Very exciting and challenging times ahead. Now I am going to give out some job hunting advice here and how to hopefully help you find a job in your area. Get ready!

1) Search for local work This is something that I cannot suggest enough. Find work for companies in your area or where you want to live. Use craigslist.org to start off your search. Craigslist is great because you will usually be emailing back the HR rep or even the CEO directly.

2) Get your papers together Even with all of your great skills you've learned at Treehouse you should be ready to submit a decent resume to wherever you apply. Also, have a cover letter of some sorts to go as well. If you just message a company and give them a link your portfolio, they might dismiss you seeing that you don't have any relevant experience that can be quickly read on paper. In your resume talk about your accomplishments, and not just your skills.

Example: Accomplishment: Helped boost company X's SEO score up by 10 points in February 2014.

Skills: HTML, CSS, Javascript, etc

3) Have a portfolio. Even if you have a behance, github, codepen etc. Make sure you have a portfolio to show. Have your best work in it. Explain what you did for each project. If you are going for a web based position, do not use a template, make it yourself! If you make a really nice portfolio, this might help you get your foot in the door.

4) Experience Experience is hard to find at first. Making a couple free websites is okay, but don't go overboard. Maybe make at least 3 sites by hand. Try to make them responsive from the get go. Responsive web design is where we are heading, make sure you have a good grasp on it.

5) The interview Okay, now if you have gotten your foot in the door or someone wants to talk to you on the phone, be ready for your interview. Show up dressed nice, with copies of your resume and cover letter handy. I tend to go full suit, tie, nice shoes etc. If you look good it means you are serious business. Practice with a friend for those regular questions?(Tell us about yourself etc?) If you get asked about a piece of software you don't know anything about instead of saying, "I don't know." Say something along the lines "I'm not familiar with X, what do you use it for here?" Lastly, ask a couple questions to your interviewer like: "If I was to be hired what would my typical day be like?" "What is your favorite part about working here?"

When the interview is over, give everyone a nice hand shake, look them in the eyes and say "Thank you for meeting with me." Just end in a professional manner. Don't keep asking a bunch of questions afterwards or just ramble about yourself. Go out on a professional note.

Then send them a thank you email/message the same day. I've known people who get hired cause they send the thank you email.

Alright my fellow treehouse peoples! I wish you all the best of luck as you dive deeper into this beautiful thing known as the internet. Don't stop learning, you can do this!