4 Mental Blocks Preventing You From Landing Your Dream Coding Job

Landing a career in coding can be both exciting and scary. The field is rapidly growing and evolving, so there is huge opportunity but you must be on your A-game to be successful. There are countless coding jobs available — which is great — but searching for a job can be a full-time job in and of itself!

But of all the challenges out there, did you ever think that you may be getting in the way of fulfilling your aspirations? Your own psychological barriers might be stopping you from getting the coding job of your dreams.

The biggest reason why many don’t have the coding job of their dreams is that they have a negative mindset. Here are four of the top mental blocks that may be holding you back.

1. Thinking You’re Nothing Special

Are you defeated before you begin? There are around 118 applicants for every job, especially when it comes to coding. You need to set yourself apart from the rest. Many people give up before they even get started. Thinking “there’s no reason to apply when there are so many applicants,” or “my application will go to the bottom of the pile,” is only going to defeat you.

There may be tons of resumes that they must sift through, but there may be something special about you that stands out. Your education, training, or certificate of completion in coding may all help you look better than the rest. Taking a coding bootcamp can give you that something extra that a company is looking for on your application.

2. Fearing The Coding Job You Want Isn’t Out There

Wouldn’t it be nice if a job making more than $75,000 a year just fell into your lap? Unfortunately, things don’t always work that way. A job search is like a treasure hunt, and you never know what you are going to find. You need to make sure you utilize all your resources. Don’t get stuck in a rut of thinking you can only use one online job site or a newspaper. Expand your horizons and look in areas you might be easily overlook.

Sometimes, the best jobs don’t come from what you know but who you know. Many people start the job search while they learn to code, putting out a few feelers before they get their certificate in coding to learn what companies have the best benefits, the best salary packages, and those that allow telecommuting.

3. Losing Stamina Days Into The Search

Stamina is a big problem for job seekers. Think of a person who has just started exercising. They jump on a treadmill and set it to the highest speed. They quickly burn out and feel that they cannot keep up with the pace. However, if they were to set the number down on the lower end, they could be more consistent and complete a longer workout. Don’t send out 25 applications on day one and expect to reap the benefits immediately. You may get one call from those inquiries, or you may get none. It all comes down to time and chance. If it’s the job for you, then it will all come together.

Keep in mind that the job market changes every day. A new job may post that you will miss if you burned out the first week. Try to set a limit of how many applications you will send out each day. By setting attainable goals, you can pace yourself to avoid burnout.

In your free time, it never hurts to add a coding boot camp to your resume. Why not learn to code like a pro? All the downtime you experience during the job search can be used to make yourself more desirable to an employer.

4. Having Unrealistic Expectations

Do you have unrealistic expectations about yourself and the job market? How many times have you heard an unemployed person say they are holding out for a management position or that they won’t take a penny less than a certain dollar amount? It’s not that they are not worth more, it’s that they need time to prove their worth.

When you first learn to code, you may think that you are ready for a high-level position that comes with all the bells and whistles. However, most people don’t start out on top. If you don’t have any experience, and you are fresh out of a coding bootcamp, you may still need to take the time to prove yourself.

Sure, that certificate in coding makes you look great, but any employer wants to see what you are made of. It’s easy to move up the corporate ladder if you have the drive and are a hard worker, but be prepared for your dream job at a great company to start at a lower-than-dream salary.

Are You Your Own Worst Enemy?

When you are called in for an interview, the employer is looking for many things. They want to see a determination and drive to succeed. It helps to have a certificate in coding, to have taken the time to learn to code effectively, and show that you are ready to begin work. If you have previous job experience, that’s of course helpful too.

If you are new to the industry, then showing that you’ve taken a respectable coding boot camp, may give you an advantage over another employee. With so many applicants for each position, you must shine to that potential employer.

Are you ready to overcome your mental blocks and land your dream job? With the right training and the right attitude, you can do anything you set your mind to.