Fortune 500 companies are the crème de la crème of the corporate world. Every young graduate who leaves college is looking to bag an opportunity at one of these prestigious firms. There are a variety of reasons why these companies are so lucrative to prospective employees. Some are looking for the experience, others for an attractive salary and benefits package. Just the satisfaction of boasting that you work for a prestigious organization is motivation enough for most people. No matter what the reason, being part of a Fortune 500 company is a dream for many.
However, because of the interest, the demand from potential employees exceeds supply by a tremendous margin. It is the same in almost every field and web development is no different. Three of the Fortune 500 companies; Berkshire Hathaway, General Motors and Kroger are not even hiring for these roles. Others that do have tight competition. So, how do you make yourself stand out from the crowd to get picked for that job which everyone dreams about. Here are a few ways:
Polish your Resume
Every journey begins with preparation. This is the beginning of your professional career and you have to make sure it is great. It is true that Fortune 500 companies put more weight on the actual skills a person has rather than what’s written on their resume, but this piece of paper still helps you get through the first phase, i.e. being called for an interview. Make sure you understand the roles you can fill at some of these leading companies and create a portfolio which reflects that.
Invest in acquiring the required skills
The field of web development is quite dynamic, and the required skills are changing quite rapidly. 90% of the Fortune 500 companies use Java. On average there are at least four languages being used at these companies. The top five languages include JavaScript, Java, Python, Ruby and Perl. Companies like Apple, Walmart, Amazon, Exxon Mobil and a lot more besides are looking for professionals to help them strengthen their capacities in these languages. In order to become eligible for a job at these companies, it is crucial to know which skills are in demand. Next, invest in acquiring these skills through academic degree, certificate courses and bootcamps etc.
Look for training programs
Some of the Fortune 500 companies hold training programs in different disciplines of web development where they are looking to hire employees. This is one of the best opportunities to get in. You have to have the appropriate qualifications and experience to enter the selection process for the program though. Make sure you research about this way in advance and strive on building the appropriate career as you make your way through the years. There is a certain age when you can apply to join a Fortune 500 company and by the time you reach that age, you should have acquired the necessary skills.
A little assistance never hurts anyone
Referrals are an effective way to land a job at a Fortune 500 companies. If you were part of a web developer bootcamp to learn web development, there is a good chance that they offer job placement assistance. You can also contact recruitment agencies. Another way is to search within your network and find someone who works in such a company. All these channels can help you pitch your CV in front of the Human Resource department. Be careful though. Your contacts may be able to get you started in the selection process, but it is your abilities which will get you through.
Begin as an intern
There is no harm is starting off in a low position. In fact, it can sometimes become favorable. Most Fortune 500 companies prefer to hire in-house. This is the reason that many a times, there is no job announcement. An internship can begin while you are still pursing your web development degree and college. From then on, you must showcase your worth for the company and there is a high probability that they will offer you a permanent position at the organization. Internships are a great way of not only polishing your own experiences but also testing the waters. It helps you understand if you and the company will make a good fit.
Landing a job at a Fortune 500 company is not as difficult as it is made to look. Yes, there is a lot of competition but that is normal. A person who has the adequate experience, can effectively display their knowledge in web development and make the company believe that they can become an asset will have no difficulty in walking home successfully. All it takes is preparation. It is about knowing the skills which are relevant and working hard on acquiring them.