With thousands of aspiring developers, designers, and data analysts entering the job market each year, it's easy to feel lost in the sea of talent. However, there are key strategies that can help candidates differentiate themselves and catch the eye of potential employers.
One of the primary focuses for aspiring tech professionals should be building a portfolio that highlights problem-solving abilities. Employers aren't just looking for people who can code; they want to see how candidates approach challenges. A well-crafted portfolio not only displays completed projects but also explains the thought process behind them, emphasising the problems solved and the methods used.
To start building your own portfolio, you can use platforms like GitHub to showcase your projects and code. For those looking to improve problem-solving skills, platforms like Codewars, HackerRank, and LeetCode provide excellent coding challenges. You can also create a personal website with platforms like GitHub Pages or WordPress to give your portfolio a more professional look.
For those looking for UK-based inspiration, consider attending the Brighton Digital Festival or joining Codebar to get mentorship while working on projects.
Another valuable strategy is contributing to open-source projects. This practice not only improves technical skills but also demonstrates the ability to collaborate with others in a global coding community. Contributing to open-source projects allows you to work on real-world problems, which can be far more complex than classroom exercises or personal projects
Linus Torvalds, creator of Linux and Git, perfectly captures the importance of this when he said: “In real open source, you have the right to control your own destiny.” By contributing to open-source, candidates show initiative and gain real-world development experience that many employers value. Moreover, many recruiters look for GitHub profiles to see how candidates collaborate with others and handle feedback from peers.
Explore opportunities on platforms like GitHub’s open-source projects, Open Source Friday, and the UK-based Open Source Consortium. Contributing to UK-based open-source organizations, such as those listed on UKGov Open Source, can also be a great way to make an impact while learning.
Networking is often considered one of the most underutilised tools in a professional’s arsenal. In the tech industry, where opportunities sometimes arise through informal channels, effective networking can be the difference between landing your dream job and staying stagnant. Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, emphasises the importance of this:
“Your network is the people who want to help you, and you want to help them, and that's really powerful.”
There are multiple ways to network in the UK, both online and in person. LinkedIn is a fantastic platform to showcase your skills, connect with professionals, and discover job opportunities. Make sure your profile is up to date, reflecting not only your technical skills but also the projects you’ve worked on, your soft skills, and any voluntary work you’ve done.
In addition to LinkedIn, consider attending local meetups and tech events. Platforms like Meetup offer many opportunities to join coding groups, tech talks, and hackathons. Look into communities such as Tech Nation, London Tech Week, or Silicon Brighton who offer over 30 regular tech meetups that are FREE to join, including TechNative’s own, Tech Jumpstart, to expand your connections and participate in meaningful conversations.
For women in tech, platforms like Women Who Code London or Code First Girls provide specific opportunities to network and grow within an inclusive environment.
Many UK companies offer tech internships and apprenticeships, and it’s worth exploring these routes if you’re looking to gain more practical experience. Check out platforms like Prospects and RateMyPlacement to find available tech roles in the UK. You can also look into specific apprenticeship programmes with major companies like Google UK, Microsoft UK, and BBC Digital Apprenticeships. Or of course our own Tech Finishing School would be an ideal starting point!
Additionally, coding bootcamps such as our own Full Stack Developer Bootcamp, School of Code or Makers Academy offer accelerated learning programs and help connect graduates to industry contacts
Successful tech professionals don’t just excel in technical skills—they are also valued team players who bring essential soft skills to the table. In today’s collaborative work environments, employers look for individuals who can communicate effectively, adapt to changing circumstances, and work well with others.
Soft skills like empathy, problem-solving, and adaptability are just as important as technical skills in many tech roles. To develop these skills, join communities of other developers such as Dev.to, CodeNewbie, or the freeCodeCamp Forum. These platforms not only allow you to improve your technical abilities but also offer opportunities to collaborate, gain feedback, and build your communication skills.
UK employers value not only what you can do, but how well you fit into a team. Developing emotional intelligence and learning how to manage stress, collaborate, and communicate effectively can set you apart from other candidates. Consider volunteering for team-based projects in your local tech community or joining hackathons to improve these skills.
If you're looking for a comprehensive programme to sharpen both your technical and soft skills, Tech Finishing School is designed for you. We offer real-world projects, mentorship from industry experts, and a focus on developing the essential power skills that make candidates truly competitive. Opportunities like these don’t come around often—start your journey now and stand out in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.