Member Avatar for qazplm114477

I have spent months looking for web developing jobs but to no avail, I'm assuming the failure of my interviews and job applications are due to my lack of work experience and knowledge. So I am here to seek advice as to what should I do to help increase my chances at landing a job.

I know the basic stuff of web development like PHP, MySql, Javascript, HTML, and CSS. I mostly focus on PHP and I am fairly versed in the basics. Should I start learning php frameworks like CAKE or ZEND? if so can you recommend links on tutorials and such. Should I focus on just PHP and become an expert at that? or should I start learning a bit of everything?

I don't really know where to go from here. Any advice would be great. Thanks in advance!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Elihu5991

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A practical next step is to turn raw knowledge into verifiable, real work. Employers hire evidence, not intentions: a small portfolio of well-documented, deployed projects plus a clear commit history and a brief explanation of tradeoffs will do far more than listing technologies on a CV. Keep the focus on clean code, reproducible setup, and the stories behind each project (problem, role, approach, result).

Suggested portfolio checklist: one medium-sized full‑stack app (authentication, CRUD, simple tests), one integration or JavaScript-driven feature (AJAX/API use, graceful error handling), and one polished frontend or landing page. For every project include a short README, a list of key decisions (why a library or pattern was chosen), a link to the source repo with descriptive commits, and a live demo if feasible. Use version control, sensible commit messages, and branches so reviewers can follow the development process.

Prioritize high-return skills: solid version control workflow, basic deployment (server setup or platform deployment), debugging and logs, simple automated tests, and security basics (input validation, prepared queries, safe password handling). Prepare to explain architecture choices and performance/security tradeoffs during interviews. Practice short walkthroughs of a repo and one or two small whiteboard-style problems so the conversation stays technical and concrete.

Combine the practical work with targeted exposure: short internships or volunteer projects, freelance fixes for local organizations, and at least one open‑source contribution for visibility and references. Break the plan into 30/60/90 day goals (first 30: single clean project + GitHub setup; 60: deploy + write README/tests; 90: third project + outreach). This complements the earlier suggestions from , , and while giving a concrete roadmap to turn learning into hireable experience.

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Member Avatar for vaibhav1983

Hi Dear,

With PHP you can do web development for self, free lancing, etc. But PHP is not the kind of language that will land you into a very high-profile job.

If you wnat to be a very good engineer in teh IT industry, learn C++ or JAVA. I would prefer JAVA. Also some basic UNIX would be helpful.

IT industry is full of opportunities. When you are done, send me a private message :)

I'll forward your resume to a few places.

Member Avatar for Elihu5991

You could always try Freelancing. vaibhav1983 is right. Learning the Frameworks would be good and get started with (Ruby) and especially Ruby On Rails - Twitter was made with it.

Private Message me, so I can see your Resume and what exactly you did in your interview.

Don't forget to create a portfolio of your work (if you haven't, do so and then show in your interview or when scoring a freelance job)

Good Luck - Hopefully this helps.

Member Avatar for jayreis

You might want to try to get an internship with a local web development or IT company. I am not sure how old you are or where you live but there are usually a bunch of local technology companies that are willing to take in a newbie programmer on an internship basis.

This would be good for you as it would help you further develop your programming skills and also give you a professional reference to use in the future. Infact some companies even hire there interns after a few months if they prove to be hard working and dedicated.

The other suggestion I would say is think of a hobby project to build. Like if you like to cook make a php/mysql recipe database system or if you are into games make a text based php/mysql rpg. The goal is to give you an opportunity to practice your programming by making you spend more time programming.

Don't waste your time with learning frame works like Cake etc they are a crutch that will not enable you to become a really strong programmer. The best programmers can take a pencil and paper and start programming in php and sql and know the code will work. Using a framework although will let you create a system quickly it will also tech you nothing about programming.

Lastly if you can not think of some sort of hobby script to build why not offer your friends, family etc to build something in php/mysql free

Regards

Member Avatar for Elihu5991

Awesome jayreis! Where can I learn all of this?

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