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Dev.to
Dev.to
5/11/2026
Get Your First Software Job

Get Your First Software Job

Original: How to Get Hired for Your First Software Development Job in 2026

Short summary

Junior software roles are down 67% from 2022, but hiring is recovering. Success now requires mastery of AI verification (catching errors in Claude Code and Copilot output), fluency with domain-specific stacks (Python, TypeScript, Next.js, Rust), and domain knowledge in your target sector. Apply within hours, build in public, and network—70% of roles are filled through referrals.

  • Junior dev roles declined 67% from 2022 peak, but market is recovering with 11% YoY growth
  • AI fluency is now essential—employers want developers who can verify and improve AI-generated code, not just code faster
  • Success requires: targeted stack knowledge (Python/TS/Next.js), domain expertise, public portfolio, and relationship-based job hunting (70% filled by referrals)

Generated with AI, which can make mistakes.

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