[jones1618]

Of course, don't lie. Does your resume include software project work or just non-tech jobs?

First, you should structure your resume as a "skills resume" that includes as many languages, environments and major libraries as you know how to use.

Then, include your strongest, most relevant school/personal projects and list them with action verbs, "Built XXX using YYY with these features...", "Designed ZZZ with algorithm QQQ..."

Most employers are looking for entry-level developers that have built complete solutions and not toy problems. They want to know that you can collaborate with others and contribute. Underscore any and all school/volunteer projects that show that.

BTW: I gave that same advice to my nephew who was self-taught without any college degree to get his first development job. What helped him the most, I think, was that he essentially created his own first job, so to speak, by building a basic scheduling web app for a friend's bike messenger service (for free). It filled a gap in his resume and proved that he could turn requirements into working code. That's all he needed to get a "real" job.