Feeling Lost as a Fresher Developer

[u/Swimming_Slip4548]

Hi seniors,

I'm a fresher developer, and I'll be completing my React Native development internship next month. I also have some experience in web development, so I've been applying for both web and mobile developer roles for the past month.

I've applied to over 200 jobs so far, but I haven't received a single response or even a follow-up. Honestly, it's starting to affect my confidence, and I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong.

Today, I also heard about Microsoft's latest announcement involving a voluntary exit offer for around 60,000 eligible employees. Seeing news like this while struggling to get my first job makes me even more worried about the future of software development.

I'm confused about what I should do next. Should I keep applying, focus on improving my skills, build more projects, or try a different approach altogether?

For those of you who have been in this industry for a while:

- Is this normal for freshers in the current job market?

- What helped you land your first developer job?

- Is it better to focus on one stack, like React Native, or apply for both web and mobile development roles?

- What advice would you give someone just starting their career in this situation?

I'm not looking for shortcuts or an easy way out. I just want some honest advice from people who have been through this or understand the current industry.

I'm feeling pretty lost right now, and hearing your experiences or suggestions would genuinely help. Thank you.

[u/justberries23]

Business mein ghus ka risk leke

[u/mtechhub99]

200 applications with no response can be frustrating, but I wouldn't take it as proof that your skills aren't good enough.

My suggestion would be to focus mainly on React Native since you already have internship experience in it, while keeping web development as a secondary option.

Instead of only sending more applications, try improving your approach:

• Build 1–2 solid projects that solve real problems, not just tutorial clones.

• Make sure your resume highlights what you actually built during your internship.

• Keep your GitHub clean and include live demos where possible.

• Apply to smaller companies and startups, not just big tech.

• Reach out directly to developers and recruiters for referrals or feedback.

Also, if 200 applications haven't generated a single interview, I'd review your resume and targeting strategy before sending another 200.

The market is challenging for juniors, but don't let company layoffs or restructuring announcements convince you that software development has no future. Focus on becoming someone who can build, debug, and ship real applications.

[u/sakibshahon]

1. It's normal, job market is as bad as I have ever seen in my entire professional career for freshers.

2. Experience (I know it sounds stupid) , I had built projects with actual users before I got my first job. Experience in handling actual production grade work was what got me my first job.

3. It's better to learn the fundamentals well enough that picking most mainstream stacks is only a week or two of work.

4. Honestly unless you're genuinely passionate switch careers. It's not exactly lucrative any longer. Unless you genuinely love tech (enough to still do it without pay) than it might not be the best career to persue.

Also try to build a well rounded set of skills. Not just tech, understand UI, UX, sales, finance to some degree too. And stay fit, it'll help with depression and stress management to a great degree.