7 answers
Prabin
Student
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
1
Question
Updated
1338 views
How do I differentiate myself as a new grad software engineer in the job search process among all others equally or more qualified engineers #Spring25?
I am a junior in college studying Computer Science. I have 2 more semesters left to graduate. I keep applying to jobs but seldom hear back. I have prior research, internship, and leadership experiences but I feel like it is the same with everyone in the field right now. I would appreciate tips to differentiate myself among others in the field.
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7 answers
Hemant Gupta
Software Engineer
13
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Hemant’s Answer
In the current competitive landscape, it's essential for new graduates to go beyond standard qualifications. Here's a strategic approach to stand out:
A) Demonstrate Continuous Learning:
1. Utilize platforms like Pluralsight to acquire in-demand skills not typically covered in academic curriculum.
2. Engage in courses related to cloud computing, DevOps, or emerging technologies to showcase adaptability and a commitment to growth.
B) Build a Portfolio of Practical Projects:
1. Apply newly acquired skills to real-world projects.
2. Document these projects on platforms like GitHub, and consider writing blog posts or creating videos to explain your development process and problem-solving approach.
C) Obtain Recognised Certifications:
1. Earn certifications through Pluralsight to validate your expertise in specific areas.
2. These certifications can be highlighted on your resume and LinkedIn profile to demonstrate proficiency and dedication.
D) Tailor Applications to Each Role:
1. Customise your resume and cover letter to align with the specific requirements of each job.
2. Highlight relevant projects and skills that match the job description, showing a clear connection between your experience and the role.
E) Engage in Networking and Community Involvement:
1. Participate in tech communities, attend webinars, and contribute to open-source projects.
2. Networking can lead to referrals and provide insights into industry expectations.
By proactively enhancing skills through platforms like Pluralsight and effectively showcasing practical applications of those skills, a new graduate can distinguish themselves and demonstrate readiness to contribute meaningfully to potential employers.
A) Demonstrate Continuous Learning:
1. Utilize platforms like Pluralsight to acquire in-demand skills not typically covered in academic curriculum.
2. Engage in courses related to cloud computing, DevOps, or emerging technologies to showcase adaptability and a commitment to growth.
B) Build a Portfolio of Practical Projects:
1. Apply newly acquired skills to real-world projects.
2. Document these projects on platforms like GitHub, and consider writing blog posts or creating videos to explain your development process and problem-solving approach.
C) Obtain Recognised Certifications:
1. Earn certifications through Pluralsight to validate your expertise in specific areas.
2. These certifications can be highlighted on your resume and LinkedIn profile to demonstrate proficiency and dedication.
D) Tailor Applications to Each Role:
1. Customise your resume and cover letter to align with the specific requirements of each job.
2. Highlight relevant projects and skills that match the job description, showing a clear connection between your experience and the role.
E) Engage in Networking and Community Involvement:
1. Participate in tech communities, attend webinars, and contribute to open-source projects.
2. Networking can lead to referrals and provide insights into industry expectations.
By proactively enhancing skills through platforms like Pluralsight and effectively showcasing practical applications of those skills, a new graduate can distinguish themselves and demonstrate readiness to contribute meaningfully to potential employers.
Cole Dapprich
Software Development Engineer in Test
5
Answers
Richardson, Texas
Updated
Cole’s Answer
Start a portfolio! That's by far the best way to get noticed, even if it's just a demo project on GitHub. Make sure to put enough effort into it so that it's something you're actually proud of and want to show off.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Prabin!
Get good at Coding. So good you are the best! That shall take lots of practice! I know from experience, started coding in 1972. Settled for BASIC language and gravitated to Microsoft Visual Basic, then .NET! I am a bit old-fashioned with my coding, not leaving anything to perchance eventuation programmatically. Be daring in your coding! If you know about another subject from experience, include it to enrich your code!
In 1981, I was teaching medical students. I was also doing work experience with a natural therapist. At the recommendation of a medical doctor, I also studied a postgraduate diploma in orthomolecular nutrition. She told me not to bother with becoming a dietitian! I did anyway! It became clear to me that anomalies in nutrient levels could precipitate symptoms! So much so, that I included this knowledge into my software!
Let us take an example. Burnout! Nutrition Wizard helps people with this problem. So, what you have to do is address problems that people are likely to encounter in their daily work! It is showing that you care, including coping mechanisms, to assist people! Just when people give up - give them more tools.
These people in IT can tell when you have 'gone the extra mile' in writing your code! Vide Infra your software solves real world problems that people experience! To cut a long story short, the software improves peoples' quality of life! How? Less sickness!
The human body relies on 102 nutrients to function at peak performance. That is evidenced by the stark improvement in academic results eventuating
from nutritional repletion. The human brain is probably one of the most complex biochemical arrangements, which responds to the administration of nutrients
from foods.
Only 3% of students get accepted to study at Harvard University. What gets people in is a high GPA [Grade Point Average] OVER 4.
You can get academic results of 4.8 to 5.0 GPA, placing you in the top 1% to 5% of academic achievers. It is human empowerment with nutrition.
This form of nutritional manipulation can be done without pills. It is done by foods. It can elevate academic results to high distinctions [95%].
Similarly for work performance too. To get high Grade Point Averages and Perform Well at Work, we must adhere to the principles of very good nutritional intakes.
What shall that do? Improve the quality of your code! Look up the benefits of enhanced nutrition on PubMed. SEE https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Nourish the Mind!
① No more than 2 hours between meals when studying or working. That ensures a steady supply of nutrients to the cerebellum.
② 33 milliliters per kilogram body weight per day water / green tea is an extremely powerful protective antioxidant.
③ Salads using vegetables like Artichokes, Asparagus, Aubergine, Bamboo shoots, Bean Sprouts, Beet Greens, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Capsicum, Carrot,
Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chard, Chilis, Chinese Veg Mix, Coffee, Collards, Courgettes, Cucumber, Dandelion, Endives, Garlic, Green beans, Herbal teas,
Herbs, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Marrow, Mushrooms, Okra, Onion, Peppers, Pumpkin, Radishes, Rocket, Soup made from these vegetables, Soy beans, Spices, Spinach,
Sprouts, Squash, Tea, Tomatoes, Tomato juice, Vegetable juice, Zucchini ad libitum.
These are not starchy, but have minerals like magnesium and potassium.
④ Use low glycemic index [GI under 55] carbohydrates up to 100 grams at a meal to ensure that the blood sugar is steady.
[breads, cereals, grains, pasta, fruit, legumes, starchy vegetables] Pumpernickel rye read is perfection like baked beans.
⑤ Use protein foods at each meal, 30 grams to 50 grams to supply amino acids to the brain, to make neurotransmitters.
[lean meat, poultry, crustaceans/fish/shellfish, egg, cheese, milk, yoghurt] Try vegetarian proteins too like peanut paste.
⑥ Approximately 25 grams lipids - highest polyphenol extra-virgin olive oil / olive oil spread / fish oil / cod liver oil.
[Better than Butter / Margarine].
SAMPLE MEAL: 1 SANDWICH MADE WITH BLACK PUMPERNICKEL RYE BREAD, RED SALMON, OLIVE OIL SPREAD, SALAD, BLACK OLIVES MINUS SEEDS; 2 CUPS OF GREEN TEA NO SUGAR.
REFERENCES:-
#1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27277565/ [Shearer J, Graham TE, Skinner TL. Nutra-ergonomics: influence of nutrition on physical employment standards
and the health of workers. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2016 Jun;41(6 Suppl 2):S165-74. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2015-0531. PMID: 27277565.]
#2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30724091/ [Fernandez MA, Marquis M, Desroches S, Turcotte M, Provencher V. Full-Time Employment, Diet Quality,
and Food Skills of Canadian Parents. Can J Diet Pract Res. 2019 Jun 1;80(2):63-71. doi: 10.3148/cjdpr-2018-041. Epub 2019 Feb 7. PMID: 30724091.]
#3 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30602349/ [Tanaka R, Tsuji M, Tsuchiya T, Kawamoto T. Association Between Work-Related Factors and Diet:
A Review of the Literature. Workplace Health Saf. 2019 Mar;67(3):137-145. doi: 10.1177/2165079918812481. Epub 2019 Jan 2. PMID: 30602349.]
#4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31830955/ [Grimani A, Aboagye E, Kwak L. The effectiveness of workplace nutrition and physical activity
interventions in improving productivity, work performance and workability: a systematic review. BMC Public Health. 2019 Dec 12;19(1):1676.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-019-8033-1. PMID: 31830955; PMCID: PMC6909496.]
#5 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31560414/ [Kuehnl A, Seubert C, Rehfuess E, von Elm E, Nowak D, Glaser J. Human resource management training
of supervisors for improving health and well-being of employees. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Sep 25;9(9):CD010905.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010905.pub2. PMID: 31560414; PMCID: PMC6764461.]
________________________________________________________________________________________
GOD BLESS YOU!
Get good at Coding. So good you are the best! That shall take lots of practice! I know from experience, started coding in 1972. Settled for BASIC language and gravitated to Microsoft Visual Basic, then .NET! I am a bit old-fashioned with my coding, not leaving anything to perchance eventuation programmatically. Be daring in your coding! If you know about another subject from experience, include it to enrich your code!
In 1981, I was teaching medical students. I was also doing work experience with a natural therapist. At the recommendation of a medical doctor, I also studied a postgraduate diploma in orthomolecular nutrition. She told me not to bother with becoming a dietitian! I did anyway! It became clear to me that anomalies in nutrient levels could precipitate symptoms! So much so, that I included this knowledge into my software!
Let us take an example. Burnout! Nutrition Wizard helps people with this problem. So, what you have to do is address problems that people are likely to encounter in their daily work! It is showing that you care, including coping mechanisms, to assist people! Just when people give up - give them more tools.
These people in IT can tell when you have 'gone the extra mile' in writing your code! Vide Infra your software solves real world problems that people experience! To cut a long story short, the software improves peoples' quality of life! How? Less sickness!
The human body relies on 102 nutrients to function at peak performance. That is evidenced by the stark improvement in academic results eventuating
from nutritional repletion. The human brain is probably one of the most complex biochemical arrangements, which responds to the administration of nutrients
from foods.
Only 3% of students get accepted to study at Harvard University. What gets people in is a high GPA [Grade Point Average] OVER 4.
You can get academic results of 4.8 to 5.0 GPA, placing you in the top 1% to 5% of academic achievers. It is human empowerment with nutrition.
This form of nutritional manipulation can be done without pills. It is done by foods. It can elevate academic results to high distinctions [95%].
Similarly for work performance too. To get high Grade Point Averages and Perform Well at Work, we must adhere to the principles of very good nutritional intakes.
What shall that do? Improve the quality of your code! Look up the benefits of enhanced nutrition on PubMed. SEE https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Nourish the Mind!
① No more than 2 hours between meals when studying or working. That ensures a steady supply of nutrients to the cerebellum.
② 33 milliliters per kilogram body weight per day water / green tea is an extremely powerful protective antioxidant.
③ Salads using vegetables like Artichokes, Asparagus, Aubergine, Bamboo shoots, Bean Sprouts, Beet Greens, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Capsicum, Carrot,
Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chard, Chilis, Chinese Veg Mix, Coffee, Collards, Courgettes, Cucumber, Dandelion, Endives, Garlic, Green beans, Herbal teas,
Herbs, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Marrow, Mushrooms, Okra, Onion, Peppers, Pumpkin, Radishes, Rocket, Soup made from these vegetables, Soy beans, Spices, Spinach,
Sprouts, Squash, Tea, Tomatoes, Tomato juice, Vegetable juice, Zucchini ad libitum.
These are not starchy, but have minerals like magnesium and potassium.
④ Use low glycemic index [GI under 55] carbohydrates up to 100 grams at a meal to ensure that the blood sugar is steady.
[breads, cereals, grains, pasta, fruit, legumes, starchy vegetables] Pumpernickel rye read is perfection like baked beans.
⑤ Use protein foods at each meal, 30 grams to 50 grams to supply amino acids to the brain, to make neurotransmitters.
[lean meat, poultry, crustaceans/fish/shellfish, egg, cheese, milk, yoghurt] Try vegetarian proteins too like peanut paste.
⑥ Approximately 25 grams lipids - highest polyphenol extra-virgin olive oil / olive oil spread / fish oil / cod liver oil.
[Better than Butter / Margarine].
SAMPLE MEAL: 1 SANDWICH MADE WITH BLACK PUMPERNICKEL RYE BREAD, RED SALMON, OLIVE OIL SPREAD, SALAD, BLACK OLIVES MINUS SEEDS; 2 CUPS OF GREEN TEA NO SUGAR.
REFERENCES:-
#1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27277565/ [Shearer J, Graham TE, Skinner TL. Nutra-ergonomics: influence of nutrition on physical employment standards
and the health of workers. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2016 Jun;41(6 Suppl 2):S165-74. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2015-0531. PMID: 27277565.]
#2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30724091/ [Fernandez MA, Marquis M, Desroches S, Turcotte M, Provencher V. Full-Time Employment, Diet Quality,
and Food Skills of Canadian Parents. Can J Diet Pract Res. 2019 Jun 1;80(2):63-71. doi: 10.3148/cjdpr-2018-041. Epub 2019 Feb 7. PMID: 30724091.]
#3 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30602349/ [Tanaka R, Tsuji M, Tsuchiya T, Kawamoto T. Association Between Work-Related Factors and Diet:
A Review of the Literature. Workplace Health Saf. 2019 Mar;67(3):137-145. doi: 10.1177/2165079918812481. Epub 2019 Jan 2. PMID: 30602349.]
#4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31830955/ [Grimani A, Aboagye E, Kwak L. The effectiveness of workplace nutrition and physical activity
interventions in improving productivity, work performance and workability: a systematic review. BMC Public Health. 2019 Dec 12;19(1):1676.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-019-8033-1. PMID: 31830955; PMCID: PMC6909496.]
#5 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31560414/ [Kuehnl A, Seubert C, Rehfuess E, von Elm E, Nowak D, Glaser J. Human resource management training
of supervisors for improving health and well-being of employees. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Sep 25;9(9):CD010905.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010905.pub2. PMID: 31560414; PMCID: PMC6764461.]
________________________________________________________________________________________
GOD BLESS YOU!
Jabili Gadde
Software Engineer
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jabili’s Answer
1) Have a lot of people who are experienced in the industry review your resume.
2) Make sure your resume is ATS compliant. Most of the time people will not be looking at your resume manually, and if it's not compliant, then you will be automatically rejected.
3) Go to conferences. Meeting employers at conferences always gives you an edge, as they'll be more likely to look at your application.
4) See if anyone you know can give you a referral. Referrals always make it more likely that your application will be seen.
5) Make sure your resume has a lot of keywords that match the job description.
6) Apply, apply, apply. Your job applications should number in the hundreds if you don't have any offers. You should only be picky on where to apply if you have an offer. When you have an offer, you can then be picky in only applying to jobs you would prefer over that job offer.
2) Make sure your resume is ATS compliant. Most of the time people will not be looking at your resume manually, and if it's not compliant, then you will be automatically rejected.
3) Go to conferences. Meeting employers at conferences always gives you an edge, as they'll be more likely to look at your application.
4) See if anyone you know can give you a referral. Referrals always make it more likely that your application will be seen.
5) Make sure your resume has a lot of keywords that match the job description.
6) Apply, apply, apply. Your job applications should number in the hundreds if you don't have any offers. You should only be picky on where to apply if you have an offer. When you have an offer, you can then be picky in only applying to jobs you would prefer over that job offer.
Vijay Sharma
Technical analyst
9
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Vijay’s Answer
To stand out as a new grad software engineer:
Build and showcase unique personal projects or contributions to open-source.
Tailor each application and cover letter to the company’s mission and tech stack.
Highlight impact and results from internships and leadership roles, not just responsibilities.
Network actively—connect with employees and recruiters on LinkedIn, attend events.
Develop strong coding and problem-solving skills; consider competitive programming or coding challenges.
Share your learning journey publicly (blogs, GitHub) to demonstrate passion and growth.
Focus on quality and authenticity to differentiate yourself.
Build and showcase unique personal projects or contributions to open-source.
Tailor each application and cover letter to the company’s mission and tech stack.
Highlight impact and results from internships and leadership roles, not just responsibilities.
Network actively—connect with employees and recruiters on LinkedIn, attend events.
Develop strong coding and problem-solving skills; consider competitive programming or coding challenges.
Share your learning journey publicly (blogs, GitHub) to demonstrate passion and growth.
Focus on quality and authenticity to differentiate yourself.
a b
Software Development
29
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
a’s Answer
Prabin in MS -
Great advice above - be sure and do those things.
I'll offer somethings a little more focused:
Research 10 solid companies that you'd like to work for. Don't just research the companies, research the board members and upper management. Find out if any of them are associated with non-profit companies. Offer your services as an intern or volunteer to those companies. That gives you some experience and common ground with the companies that you are applying to.
When it comes to applying to companies, don't apply for positions, apply to the company itself. Network to introduce yourself to mid-level managers and workers, and make it clear how dedicated you are, and how much you want to work for that company.
Blaine in Portland OR
Great advice above - be sure and do those things.
I'll offer somethings a little more focused:
Research 10 solid companies that you'd like to work for. Don't just research the companies, research the board members and upper management. Find out if any of them are associated with non-profit companies. Offer your services as an intern or volunteer to those companies. That gives you some experience and common ground with the companies that you are applying to.
When it comes to applying to companies, don't apply for positions, apply to the company itself. Network to introduce yourself to mid-level managers and workers, and make it clear how dedicated you are, and how much you want to work for that company.
Blaine in Portland OR
Jim Causey
Technical Program Management
4
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Jim’s Answer
Hi Prabin!
Building up a portfolio that shows your impact and ambition can be a really valuable way to differentiate yourself. Even if your resume makes it through the AI filters, people who have shown that they actively build software will be more likely to be contacted with enthusiasm by hiring managers - and projects and portfolios will help expose you to career opportunities that never get posted!
Find an open-source project for a tool or technology that you love - or start your own! Working as a contributor will help you build a portfolio that anyone can find, that you can easily link to, and show that you aren't just a developer - you are passionate enough about it to build something publically, and have grown your skills - and love the field enough to keep growing and building independently.
Figure out how to be a contributor on one or more of your favorite open-source tools, languages, or platforms
Start one or more hobby projects and check them into Github (or equivalent)
Building up a portfolio that shows your impact and ambition can be a really valuable way to differentiate yourself. Even if your resume makes it through the AI filters, people who have shown that they actively build software will be more likely to be contacted with enthusiasm by hiring managers - and projects and portfolios will help expose you to career opportunities that never get posted!
Find an open-source project for a tool or technology that you love - or start your own! Working as a contributor will help you build a portfolio that anyone can find, that you can easily link to, and show that you aren't just a developer - you are passionate enough about it to build something publically, and have grown your skills - and love the field enough to keep growing and building independently.
Jim recommends the following next steps: