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Should I look for a new role or continue to develop my knowledge base?

Hi guys, I graduated in computer science with my first class 5 years ago now, and ever since, I've had 2 roles as a software engineer but in reality, it was PHP roles.

At my first role, I worked in PHP 7 and Bootstrap 4. In that role, I created websites and even API. In the 2nd job, Iworked with WordPress PHP 5 - 8, Bootstrap 3 -5, Javascript, MySQL, SQL, Ajax, JQuery, and CSS in creating websites and adding new features. I have 4 years worth of dom experience as PHP / Web developer. Both of these roles were only small companies therefore not requiring the latest technologies framework which placed me in a really bad spot at the moment.

I'm looking to find a new better, paying job, but I always get rejected in the first stage as I have no framework exposure on a a commercial level. I decided to learn Larvel in my spare time l, but I'm not sure what to do now.

Do I look for a new role as a junior or do I wait for now and continue to learn frameworks in my spare time?

Thank you - Currently I'm on 27k and previously was on 24k it's a nightmare right now with inflation.

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Sara Miller’s Answer

Look for a new job. You have a solid work history, and a demonstrated willingness to learn. Early in your career you need to keep trading up in the job market as you gain experience and skills. Your existing company won't bump your salary more than 5 to 10 percent. But by hopping jobs, especially at the lower end of the pay scale, you should be able to increase your salary faster. You are worth far more than the 27k you are making.

I don't know much about what you do specically. But, broaden your job search beyond web site development. Make your resume over to be more generic ... Less focused on the tools you know how to use. Highlight your projects, outcomes , productivity, deliverables, rather than what you feel like you are lacking.

I recommend trying to work for larger companies where there will be opportunities to explore new roles, grow your salary, gain experience. In my limited experience, very small companies that are not growing quickly tend to become really reliant on their staff staying put and doing what they have been doing for the same amount of pay. This stalls you out.

Do not name a salary first if an employer asks what you are making.
and do not use your current salary as an opener in the negotiations. Use the phrase, Im looking for a position paying in the range of $x. Find out from the recruiter what the salary range is before the interview. Be the one to ask first. Don't be afraid to name a number that is quite a bit higher than what you are making now. I'm thinking double.

You got this!
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Hormuzd’s Answer

Hello,
If you have over 5 years of Software Development experience, regardless whether it is in a small or large shop, you should be able to find another role with another firm which pays higher wages. I agree $27K is not feasible in today's economic environment. I would do the following

1) Spruce up your resume. In it make sure you expand your skill sets which is required by a prospective employer. For example, if you developed a web site make sure you mention how beneficial it was for your current employer.

2) If you are not on LinkedIn, please join. It helps with networking and it also posts tons and tons of IT jobs.

3) Go to employer web sites (does not have to be an IT shop) and search for IT jobs. Also, be flexible to move to a different state.

All the best.

Regards,

Hormuzd
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Tierney’s Answer

I'm a program manager who supports recruiting at a tech company. In past lives, I've taken lateral, even backwards steps to ultimately land where I am today. I wouldn't be afraid to get your foot in the door by taking an "associate" or "junior" level role. It sounds like you have well-rounded experience, which companies will appreciate once you get a yes. I've been partnering with a company called Mentor Match where you can get mentored by folks INSIDE the industry you are interested in. Could be something to look into. Good luck! -TB
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Billy’s Answer

My answer to your question is do Both, look for a role that fits you better and continue developing your knowledge and skills meanwhile.

1. As a Software Engineer you have to commit to life long learning and enhancement of your skills. That is the way it is in the Software biz. Dev Frameworks, Tools, Dev Process and Languages come and go, but if your demonstrate that you are a quick learner you will be an asset to any development team. So showcase that you a quick learner in your resume with things you have already learned.

2. Looking for new roles should be done strategically so that you can build in demand skills that will keep you relevant in the industry. Some companies look for people with ready skills that can be productive day 1. Others look for solid contributors that can perform in the long term working well with their existing team. Take your time to find a good fit. Remember you are also selecting your next assignment/role/employer.

SW Engineering world is constantly changing however it is an exciting and fulfilling career experience. I wish you luck!
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Dino’s Answer

Hi there! I can truly empathize with your situation and I must say, you are definitely a highly skilled and competent computer professional! Even though I may not be familiar with your specific language, it's evident that you have invested a lot of time and effort into honing your abilities, making you a valuable asset in your job.

You've been successfully developing and strengthening your skills throughout your career, so perhaps now is the perfect moment to consider exploring even greater opportunities beyond your comfort zone. Seek out a company where you can not only contribute, but also flourish and grow.

If the concern is a lack of certain requirements, why not devote some time to learning those essential skills? This will only make you more competitive in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Remember, your proficiency in various technologies inherently makes you a more formidable candidate!

While you're still employed, take a moment to appreciate the learning experiences your current company has provided you with. Even though it might not be the perfect fit, it has served as an excellent training ground for you to develop and refine your expertise.

While working at your present company, try to allocate some time to becoming proficient in the required computer languages. This way, you'll be well-equipped and prepared for future job opportunities. Just bear in mind that it's best not to resign until you have a new position lined up.

Transitioning to new opportunities is a natural part of everyone's career journey. We are all given reasons to stay, grow, and eventually venture out in search of greener pastures. So, trust in your abilities and embrace the exciting potential that lies ahead. You've got this!
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William’s Answer

I'd agree with Sara on the resume. Try highlighting the positives of the projects on which you've worked, and don't get but so deep in the tech stack that you know. If you show aptitude and some track record of accomplishment, companies are more willing to take more of a chance. Keep in mind the audience that you are writing the resume for... typically a not-really-technical person is going to be doing that initial review. There has to be something there to make them take notice rather than throwing the resume away. The chance to tell your tech skill story will come in the technical interview.

Hormudz is also correct to point out the need for networking. Don't be shy to connect with people where you have had only casual contact... think about contractors/consultants that you may have encountered during your work. The worst they can say is no to the connection request. The beauty of that approach is that your name will pop up when the search is actually being conducted for the other person... I was able to place a person on a job recently based solely on that happenstance that the resource's name came up in a somewhat related search. Getting associated with a recruiter is not a bad idea either, as they see job postings that many times do not hit the general job boards.

Stepping backward to move forward is the strategy I used to get my foot in the door when I first got into IT. The key is getting in the door. You have a couple of experiences on the resume already, so you are ahead of the game over someone with entry-level experience.
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Peter’s Answer

two recommendations here: 1) look at those coding interview books and see how far you can get thru, most companies are asking coding interview these days, so you should not be intimidate by them 2) sign-up some job sites and look for job qualification required in the jobs since that indicates the opportunities and trends. good lucks
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