Breaking into the tech industry and landing a $100K job as a self-taught developer is a challenging, but entirely feasible endeavor. With the tech field continually expanding and evolving, there is a growing demand for talented developers, and many companies are more interested in skill and potential rather than formal education.

If you're a self-taught developer aspiring to snag a $100K job, here are four strategies that can help you stand out and get hired.

1. Develop a Strong Portfolio

Your portfolio is your ticket to showcasing what you're capable of. It's not enough to simply claim you're proficient in Python, JavaScript, or any other programming language. You need to prove it, and there's no better way than through an impressive portfolio filled with a range of projects.

While building your portfolio, consider diversifying the projects. Show that you can work on web apps, mobile apps, data-based projects, etc. Furthermore, don't limit yourself to projects from online courses or tutorials. Try creating your own unique project from scratch—it's a great way to demonstrate your creativity, initiative, and problem-solving skills.

2. Master the Art of Networking

Networking is an essential aspect of the tech industry. The phrase, "It's not what you know, but who you know," holds a fair bit of truth. Being connected with the right people can open doors to opportunities you wouldn't have had otherwise.

Attend meetups, engage in online developer communities, contribute to open-source projects, and don't be shy to reach out to people in companies you admire. These connections can lead to mentorship opportunities, collaborations, or even job offers. Remember to always be genuine, interested, and respectful in your networking endeavors.

3. Brush Up on Your Soft Skills

Soft skills are becoming increasingly important in the tech industry. Yes, your coding ability is vital, but companies also value developers who can communicate effectively, work well in a team, and manage their time and projects efficiently.

To improve these skills, consider online courses or workshops that focus on areas such as communication, leadership, and project management. Another way to demonstrate these skills is to take part in collaborative projects or contribute to open-source projects.

4. Gain Experience and Skills with Freelance Work

Freelancing is an excellent way to gain practical experience, expand your skillset, and earn income while you're trying to land your dream job. It offers real-world scenarios that require problem-solving and innovation, and it's a chance to work with clients and manage projects.

While freelancing, you're likely to encounter tasks that push you out of your comfort zone. Embrace these opportunities—they're the ones that contribute to substantial growth. Additionally, successful freelance projects can lead to strong references, and potential employers often value these recommendations.

Freelancing offers a valuable avenue to gain experience, build your portfolio, and network with potential clients or employers. Here are a few platforms and resources where self-taught developers can find freelance gigs:

Upwork: A global freelancing platform where businesses and independent professionals connect and collaborate remotely. It offers a wide range of job categories, including software development.
Freelancer: Another vast online platform for freelancers, offering millions of projects with roles including web and mobile app development.
Toptal: This platform is more selective, connecting the top 3% of freelance talent with employers. If you're confident in your abilities, Toptal can be a lucrative option.
Fiverr: A marketplace for digital services, including software development. Here, you can create a "Gig" showcasing your services and clients can reach out to you.
GitHub Jobs: While not specifically a freelancing platform, GitHub Jobs features a variety of opportunities, many of which are remote and could suit freelancers.
Stack Overflow Jobs: Known for its developer community, Stack Overflow also has a jobs section where you can find freelance work.
LinkedIn: Utilizing LinkedIn's job search feature can also yield results for freelance work. Additionally, having an up-to-date profile can attract potential clients.
Local Networking Events and Meetups: Often overlooked, but local networking events and meetups (like those found on Meetup.com) can lead to freelancing opportunities.

In Conclusion

The road to landing a $100K job as a self-taught developer can be demanding, but it's undeniably possible. By developing a robust portfolio, networking effectively, honing your soft skills, and gaining experience through freelancing, you'll position yourself as a highly desirable candidate in the tech industry. Remember to stay patient, continue learning, and keep pushing forward. Your persistence and passion for development are the most potent tools you have.