Breaking into web development can feel like a catch-22: employers want experience, but how do you gain experience without a job? The good news is, there’s a way forward. I started with no experience too, and I know exactly how overwhelming it can feel.
This roadmap will guide you through the key steps to landing your first role, even if you’re starting from scratch. From learning to code to networking, freelancing, and building a strong online presence, here’s everything you need to know.
Step 1: Learn to Code and Build Projects
Before anything else, you need the skills. A career in coding starts with mastering the fundamentals.
What to Learn?
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript – These are the building blocks of the web.
- Version Control (Git & GitHub) – Employers expect this.
- A Front-End Framework (React, Vue, or Angular) – React is a great choice for beginners.
- Back-End Basics (Node.js, Express, PHP, Python, or Ruby) – Pick one to start.
- Databases (SQL or NoSQL) – Understanding how data is stored is key.
How to Learn?
- Free Courses – Platforms like freeCodeCamp and MDN Web Docs offer solid resources.
- Project-Based Learning – Follow tutorials, but don’t stop there. Modify projects, break things, and fix them yourself.
- Build a Portfolio – Employers care more about what you can do than where you learned it.
- Structured Learning – If you want a more guided approach, Code Success offers a Full Stack Developer Course that covers everything you need to become job-ready.
Step 2: Create a Strong Online Presence
Having an online presence helps showcase your skills and makes you discoverable by recruiters.
Build Your GitHub Profile
- Push all your projects to GitHub.
- Write clear README files for each project.
- Contribute to open-source projects to show teamwork skills.
Optimise Your LinkedIn
- Professional Headshot & Banner – First impressions matter.
- Clear Headline – “Aspiring Web Developer | Front-End & JavaScript Enthusiast” works better than “Looking for a Job.”
- Engaging About Section – Tell your story, why you want to become a web developer, and highlight your skills.
- Post Content – Share your projects, write about what you’re learning, and engage with others in the industry.
Step 3: Start Freelancing
Freelancing helps you gain experience before landing a full-time role.
Where to Find Clients?
- Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour – Start small and build reviews.
- Local Businesses – Many small businesses need a website upgrade. Offer your services at a discounted rate.
- Non-Profit Organisations – Volunteer for a charity or open-source project.
Even if you do a few small jobs for free, you’ll have real-world projects to add to your portfolio.
Step 4: Network Like a Pro
You don’t have to know someone to break into the industry, but networking makes the journey easier.
Where to Network?
- LinkedIn – Engage with recruiters, comment on industry posts, and message developers for advice.
- Twitter – Follow web developers and participate in coding discussions.
- Tech Meetups & Conferences – Websites like Meetup and local hackathons are great places to meet industry professionals.
- Slack & Discord Groups – Join communities like “CodeNewbie” and “freeCodeCamp.”
How to Approach Networking?
- Ask for advice, not jobs – People are more likely to help if you seek guidance rather than a favour.
- Be consistent – Regularly post updates about your learning journey.
- Help others – If someone asks a question you can answer, engage. Networking is a two-way street.
Step 5: Apply for Jobs the Smart Way
Tailor Your Applications
- Customise Your CV & Cover Letter – Show how your skills match the job description.
- Use Keywords from Job Listings – Many companies use automated systems to filter applications.
Where to Apply?
- Tech Job Boards – LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
- Company Websites – Many jobs aren’t listed on public job boards.
- Referrals – If you’ve built connections, ask if they know of any openings.
Step 6: Prepare for Interviews
Once you start getting interviews, preparation is key.
Common Web Development Interview Topics:
- JavaScript Fundamentals – Understand closures, event loops, and DOM manipulation.
- CSS Positioning & Flexbox/Grid – Be able to build layouts from scratch.
- Problem-Solving – LeetCode and CodeWars are great practice sites.
- Behavioural Questions – Be ready to talk about past projects and how you handle challenges.
Final Thoughts
Landing your first web development job without experience is challenging, but it’s 100% possible. If you learn to code, build a portfolio, freelance, network, and apply consistently, you’ll get there. Every developer starts somewhere, and the key is to keep going, even when it feels slow.
If you want structured learning with hands-on projects, mentorship, and a supportive community, check out Code Success - a great way to fast-track your career in coding.
Your dream career in coding is closer than you think—keep learning, keep building, and you’ll become a web developer before you know it.