Entry Level Web Developer Jobs: How to Start Your Career

What entry level web developer jobs involve

Entry level web developer jobs usually focus on building and maintaining websites and web applications under the guidance of senior developers. Common responsibilities include converting designs to HTML/CSS, implementing interactivity with JavaScript, fixing bugs, and working with basic back-end code or APIs. Employers often look for familiarity with responsive design, version control (Git), and a modern front-end framework like React or Vue for front-end roles, or basic knowledge of Node.js, Python, or PHP for back-end roles. These positions can be titled front-end developer, junior web developer, or junior full-stack developer. Educational requirements vary — many employers prioritize demonstrable skills and a portfolio over a specific degree, especially for entry-level hires.

How to prepare: skills, portfolio, and practical experience

To be competitive for entry level web developer jobs, prioritize learning the fundamentals: semantic HTML, modern CSS (Flexbox/Grid), and JavaScript fundamentals (ES6+). Build 3–6 practical projects that showcase different abilities: a responsive landing page, a small interactive web app, a CRUD app with a back-end or serverless functions, and at least one project that consumes a public API. Host code on GitHub and deploy live demos on Netlify, Vercel, or GitHub Pages so recruiters can click through your work. In addition to technical skills, practice soft skills like communication and problem-solving, and learn to write concise README files and project documentation. Consider internships, freelancing, hackathons, or bootcamps to gain experience and network. Finally, tailor your resume and LinkedIn with clear, results-focused bullets that highlight what you built, the tech used, and the impact or metrics when possible.

Where to find entry level web developer jobs and how to succeed in interviews

Search on platforms that list junior roles and remote options: LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Wellfound (formerly AngelList), Remote-specific boards like RemoteOK and We Work Remotely, and company career pages. Attend local meetups, coding bootcamp networks, and virtual hackathons to meet hiring managers. For interviews, be ready for a mix of behavioral questions, take-home coding tasks, and live technical screens. Practice explaining your projects, the trade-offs you made, and how you debugged problems. For coding tests, focus on clean, well-documented solutions and include tests if possible. When offered a role, ask about mentorship, code review processes, and growth pathways — these are crucial for entry-level development careers. Salary and benefits vary by location and company type, so research typical ranges for your market and be prepared to negotiate on things like learning budget, mentorship, and flexible hours if base salary is limited.