How to get an interview as a web developer

At Evoluted we’ve recently been advertising for a couple of new web developer positions and the range of responses has been surprising – some good, some bad, some very, very bad.

As this was at the front of my mind I thought I’d write a few tips on how to maximise your chances of getting to the interview stage:

1. Be polite

This is more of a rule for life but even more so when talking to potential employers. It’s amazing how many people fall down by being rude.

2 Make your CV look good

Your CV is the most crucial tool you have to get you into the must interview pile. Spend some time your CV, format it well and give it some structure.

3. Keep your CV relevant

Make sure your CV is relevant to the position you’re applying for. No one cares that you had 10 bar jobs when you were younger, unless it’s some way relevant to writing code?

4. Don’t apply for all the open positions

If a company has multiple different vacancies then don’t apply to them all, unless you’re actually suited to each one. If you do apply to more than one vacancy at the same company then spend some time on each application, write separate covering letters and highlight why you’re applying for each job.

5. Send examples of your previous work

No one would hire a designer without seeing their portfolio, the same should apply for web developers. Send in examples of your code, indicate which parts you were responsible for and explain any intricate parts. Although if you do send code in then make sure it validates / compiles!

6. Follow up on your application

If you’ve not heard anything about your application then follow up after a week. Find out when the company is planning on holding interviews. Showing a keen interest makes you look like you’re on the ball.