How to get a java developer job with no experience?

If you are a college student studying computer science or a similar degree, getting a java developer job in FAANG (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google) companies can be complex, especially with zero experience.

Every company gives more importance to experienced employees than inexperienced ones because it’s easier for the recruiter to assess the skills of a working professional.

However, do you know that you can still get a job as an entry-level java developer without experience? (Even in FAANG companies as well!!)

You need to follow a SMART and strategic roadmap to get there. Working hard to get the skills you need is a part of that roadmap as well.

Having a computer science degree and internship experience helps to get a job as a java developer. But plenty of professionals out there who started with zero Java or computer science experience has aced through to become java developer.

In this article, we will learn about:

Let’s See How to Get a Java Developer Job With No Experience

So, you are on your way to getting an entry level java developer job. Only thinking about getting a job is not enough. You need to learn relevant skills and make yourself visible to employers so that they call you for an interview.

The good news is, there are some proven steps that you can take to get closer to your dream to get entry level java developer jobs.

Here are the steps to get a java developer job with no experience:

1. Learn Programming Languages

This is obvious, right! To get a java developer job, you need to learn the Java programming language. No company will even ask you for an interview if you don’t have the basic java knowledge.

There are many resources available online where you can learn Java from beginner to advanced level for free.

Here are the top 10 resources where you can learn Java:

  • Codecademy
  • Udemy
  • Coursera
  • Java Code Geeks
  • Learn Java
  • Oracle Java Tutorials
  • edX
  • SoloLearn
  • Skillshare
  • Codementor
  • Program Creek

Apart from Java, there are some adjacent coding languages that you can try getting your hands on, such as Swift, Python, C++, etc.

2. Learn Algorithm and Data Structures

Data structure and algorithms are the basics if you want to get a job as a java developer.

FAANG companies always evaluate your data structure and algorithms knowledge before hiring you.

However, learning data structures is not complex. You can start small by learning about essential topics such as Array, Queue, and gradually progress to advanced topics such as Data Structure concepts, etc.

Knowledge in data structures and algorithms not only enhances your understanding, but you can improve your chances of getting hired if your fundamentals are strong.

3. Involve in Projects

Regardless of your education or experience, recruiters love to see your practical skills and knowledge during recruitment. In that case, a project can really boost your candidacy, especially if you don’t have full-time job experience.

Have a solid project portfolio, and you will get the first preference to get a job over other candidates.

Use platforms like Github, Bitbucket to create your project portfolio online.

DON’T create projects for the sake of it. Create one-two quality projects which have a real-world impact.

It showcases your skills as a programmer as well as boosts your confidence.

4. Participate in Coding Challenges

Participating in coding challenges is one of the best ways to hone your coding skills and gain exposure to the industry. Not only that, if you win any one competition, you can get an opportunity to get interviewed in FAANG companies directly from that.

There are multiple coding practice platforms on the internet. Such as:

  • HackerRank
  • TopCoder
  • CodeChef

These platforms also offer you certifications that you can show during your interview. Apart from that, these coding competitions help you to build critical thinking abilities and make you a better programmer.

5. Connecting With Professionals

Networking is one of the most effective ways to get a job as a java developer. Even if you have excellent skills, nobody will give you a job if nobody knows you.

Thus, you need to connect with industry professionals, go to webinars and offline networking events to meet new people, and get opportunities. Read the Networking on LinkedIn guide to know more about it.

Java Developer Roadmap

Here is a typical java developer roadmap look like for 2022:

Java-developer-roadmap-2022

Skills to Learn to Become a Java Developer

If you are seriously considering becoming a java developer, here are some skills you need to learn to become a core java developer and full-stack java developer. Here are the skills:

Git and GitHub

If you are any form of programmer, it’s not possible to live without Git anymore. You have to start learning the basics of Git and GitHub from the start.

Linux

The advantage of Linux is that it’s incredibly flexible to work with, especially for java web developers.

HTTP Protocol

The HTTP protocol is the backbone of the internet, and if you wish to become a java web developer, HTTP protocols are a must to learn.

Data Structure & Algorithms

Data structure and algorithms are building blocks of programming. The interviewers will ask you questions about data structures and algorithms even in interviews.

You should have a clear knowledge about these concepts, such as arrays, linked lists, graphs, binary trees, hash tables, etc.

Database Knowledge

A core java developer must have excellent knowledge about databases. Some of the common databases to learn are:

  • RDBMS
  • MySQL
  • MS-SQL
  • Oracle
  • No SQL Database
  • MongoDB
  • Couch DB
  • Elastic Search

Design Patterns

Design pattern in java development does not mean how a website looks or feel. Design patterns represent a repeatable solution to a common problem occurring in the system repeatedly.

It’s not a finished design either. It’s a roadmap or structure for solving a problem that can be used repeatedly for other issues.

Core-java-developer-tools

Source

Entry Level Java Developer Salary

According to indeed.com, the average salary of a java developer in the USA is approximately $72,786 per year.

Glassdoor says that the national average salary of an entry-level java developer in the USA is $80,533 per year.

According to Payscale, the average salary of a Java developer in the USA is $76,82 / year.

Here is a salary trend for java developers based on experience level:

Entry-level-java-developer-salary-trend

Source

The salary for a java developer highly fluctuates based on location:

Here are the highest paying cities for Entry Level Java Developers in the United States.

City Salary
Dallas, TX $83,128 per year
Philadelphia, PA $82,354 per year
Jersey City, NJ $76,066 per year
Washington, DC $73,006 per year
Boston, MA $68,754 per year
New York, NY $65,141 per year
Tampa, FL $63,375 per year
Pittsburgh, PA $61,245 per year
Charlotte, NC $50,099 per year

Entry-level java developer Job Description

Here is what a typical job description for entry-level java developer jobs look like:

You will assist the java developer in developing, maintaining, and testing java applications. You will also monitor user tickets and help them with minor bug fixes. You should be well-versed with current trends, software development tools, and advancements in your field.

Roles and Responsibilities of Entry-Level Java Developer:

  • Collaborate with clients and users to understand their needs and define realistic objectives.
  • Assist senior developers with developing web applications.
  • Design user interfaces for web applications to maximize user experience.
  • Integrate applications with network systems, servers, and databases with the help of database architecture and server scripting.
  • Design and conduct unit testing and code testing to improve application performance.
  • Troubleshoot application issues and assist the technical team in creating documentation and user guides.
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams to resolve problems and improve product outcomes.

Entry-level Java Developer Jobs Minimum Requirements

  • 0-2 years experience in Java development.
  • Have a proven Java Developer project portfolio.
  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or similar.
  • Skills in Java, JavaScripts, Java Beans, Java Applets, C++.
  • Vast knowledge about Object-Oriented Programming, Data Structures, UI-UX designing.
  • Effective communication skills and go-getter attitude.

What Are The Career Options Java Developers Can Look for In 2022?

The beauty of becoming a java developer is that, with experience, you can switch your domain very quickly. Here is a list of 3 career options you can get with Java Developer Experience.

1. DevOps Engineer

DevOps engineers are professionals who work in the deployment of network operations. DevOps engineers work on the development side and test and deploy new network software.

So, if you are well-versed in java programming and interested in managing network environment, automation, and overall testing process to improve efficiency, you can become a DevOps Engineer.

To get into a DevOps job, you will need to create a DevOps Engineer Resume.

2. Solution Architect

A solution architect’s responsibilities include designing and implementing new applications to improve processes within the internal team.

Solution architects have a good amount of technical and business skills. They often work with management to come up with strategic solutions for problems.

The skills required for a solution architect are:

  • Data Structure & Algorithm
  • Design Patterns
  • System Design
  • Java
  • .NET, etc.

If you are serious about becoming a solution architect, you should first create a stellar Solution Architect Resume.

3. Business Analyst

Business analysts are involved in designing and improving business systems to improve efficiency. They are always in touch with stakeholders and management to understand their problems and find solutions.

Business analysts don’t need that much java development experience, but since you will work with software engineers and developers, it helps if you come from a development background,

If you want to switch to a business analyst role, read the how to become a business analyst guide before applying.

Entry level Java Developer Interview Questions

Entry level Java developers may not have the skills and experience as senior developers, but they surely help the IT team bring in fresh and updated knowledge.

Hiring managers used some entry-level interview questions to evaluate the knowledge of entry-level java developers before hiring.

Here are some of the questions that are commonly get asked in the interview for an entry level java developer job:

1. What do you know about Java platform independence?

Ans: It means that java language can run on any operating system natively with the help of Bytecode.

The Java program is first compiled by a Java compiler which converts the Java code into bytecode. The Bytecode is then run in a Java Virtual Machine, which translates this bytecode into machine codes and runs the program.

2. What are access specifiers for Java classes?

Ans: Access specifiers are used before a class name to define the access scopes.

Here are the four types of access specifiers:

  • Private: When the variable is private, only the same class variables can access it.
  • Public: The variables with public access can be accessed by all classes
  • Protected: Only the same package classes and subclasses can access these variables
  • Default: Variables can only be accessed from the same package and not outside of the native package

3. What is the difference between HashSet and ArrayList?

Ans: Here are the main differences between ArrayList and HashSet:

ArrayList HashSet
It uses list interface It uses set interface
It allows duplicate values It doesn’t allow duplicate values
Constructors are ArrayList (), ArrayList (int Collectin c), ArrayList (Int capacity) Constructors are HashSet (), HashSet (int capacity), HashSet (int capacity, float loadFactor), and HashSet (Collection c)
It works in an ordered way It doesn’t maintain any order

4. What is a Java ClassLoader?

Ans: Java ClassLoader loads the classes in Java Virtual Machine. These can be loaded from native file systems, remote file systems, and even from the web.

5. Explain the concept of Loops in Java?

Ans: Loops are used to execute conditional statements repeatedly. Here are three types of loops.

  • For Loops: It executes a single statement for “n” numbers of times.
  • While Loops: It’s a conditional statement that is executed repeatedly until one condition is fulfilled.
  • Do While Loops: It’s similar to while loop, except it, also checks the condition each time after one execution is fulfilled.

6. What is the default switch case?

Ans: When ther is no other condition is there in code, then by default the default switch case is executed. Here is an example of switch case:

public class switchExample {
int score = 4;
public static void main(String args[]) {
switch (score) {
case 1:
system.out.println("Score is 1");
break;
case 2:
system.out.println("Score is 2");
break;
default:
system.out.println("Default Case");
}
}
}

Key Takeaways

We hope you have learned everything about entry level java developer jobs. Here are key takeaways from the blog:

  • The primary criteria to become a java developer is to get a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, and similar courses.
  • Essential skills to learn to become a java developer are coding languages like Java, JavaScript, Python, C++, data structures, and algorithms.
  • Recruiters want to hire people with practical knowledge. That’s why it’s essential to have Java projects experience under your belt.

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