Dev.to
5/11/2026

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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