| It can't hurt to "build an impressive app of your own", but as long as it's something that is useful to other people. Don't just build something for the hell of it. Build something that you're passionate about; that you can apply to a real problem. You could also work on an open source project - the community can act as a "client" of sorts. Ask everyone you have interacted with on some sort of professional level to recommend you on LinkedIn. If they don't have an account, offer to help them sign up. Email everyone you know and tell them you're looking for work, and make it clear what you do (this should be in completely non-technical terms). Answer job postings personally. Online jobs have a lot of applicants, so make sure you are showcasing your personality, as well as your skills. Not every job is a good fit, so better to eliminate the obvious duds as early as possible. Be honest. Don't try to sound like you have more experience than you do, but also don't be afraid to speak authoritatively about topics you know well. Respect yourself. You are interviewing to solve someone else's problems, so if you're the expert in the room (so to speak), don't be afraid to be firm on how things should be done. Quality clients should respect you for this, and you're better off without the few you'll lose anyway. Network anywhere and everywhere! |