In this episode, Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) and Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders) tackle a big question: Is front-end development alone enough to land your very first job in tech? They discuss the pros and cons of front-end–only roles, why understanding the full stack can open more doors, and how crucial it is to balance skill-building with networking.

They also share common mistakes junior developers make—from not reading error messages to failing to ask questions on the job—and offer strategies for building a strong portfolio and passing the “smell test” in interviews. Plus, they answer a listener’s question about average recruiter response times and how to handle being left in the dark after an initial screen.

Whether you’re just starting your coding journey or already in a junior role, this conversation will help you navigate the job hunt and thrive in your first developer position.

Stay in Touch:

📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?

Email us at [email protected]!

Danny Thompson

https://x.com/DThompsonDev

https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev

www.DThompsonDev.com

Leon Noel

https://x.com/leonnoel

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/

https://100devs.org/

📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?

Email us at [email protected]!

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CHAPTERS

0:00 – Why Your Summary Statement Matters

1:07 – Meet the Hosts (Danny & Leon) + Episode Introduction

1:45 – Is Front-End Development Enough for a First Tech Job?

9:50 – Skills vs. Networking: Which Unlocks More Opportunities?

14:30 – Building Fundamentals & Avoiding ‘Tutorial Hell’

17:00 – Common Junior Mistake: Not Reading Error Messages

20:00 – Why ‘Calculator Apps’ & ‘Weather Apps’ Aren’t Enough

21:00 – Perception & Passing the ‘Smell Test’

27:00 – Reading Documentation & Understanding the Full System

33:00 – Ask Questions or Lose Your Job: Communication Is Key

36:00 – Finding Your Niche & Taking Ownership

38:00 – Q&A: Average Wait Time for Recruiter Responses

45:10 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts