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Listen "Front-End vs. Full Stack: The TRUTH About Your First Coding Job"
Episode Synopsis
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
In God we trust