What should I learn to start applying for front-end jobs?

Is React alone enough? Do you need HTML and CSS too? Why are there still so many courses on jQuery? Should I learn Redux? What is the best way to learn front-end? How to not get caught in tutorial hell?

I see these questions asked a lot. There is one underlying pain behind all of them. It is a desire for structure.

Feeling lost

One of the main things stopping you from progressing forward is information overload. If you ask any of the questions above on the dev forum, you will likely get an overwhelming amount of contradictory answers. As a result, you will feel even more anxious and lost than before you asked the question.

Junior dev position

Remember, the main goal is to get your first job. Always keep that in mind. It’s easy to get lost in the intricacies of CSS or weird parts of Javascript. The question of what framework to chose is so complex it can easily make you quit. Do not allow that to happen. Do not consume more information than you need.

The best way to learn

Keep your learning process structured. To do that, pick one learning resource and stick to it till the end. Whether it’s a video course, a Bootcamp, or anything else, pick something and stick to it.

How to pick the best front-end course?

It should fully cover your journey from where you are now to getting your first job. Don’t pick a course that only covers one part of the front-end (like javascript framework). Instead, focus on courses that cover all parts of front-end development. Remember, you need a structure to get to your goal. By learning just one framework, you focus on one block inside a complex system that you don’t yet understand.

Any particular course recommendations?

We are all different. What works for one person may not work for another. You will have to find something that works for you. Most of the video courses and online Bootcamps have introduction videos. Use it to evaluate a teacher on your own. Do you like their presentation? How about their tone of voice? Do you think you can trust them? The answers to these questions will vary from person to person.

For starters, you can check Frontend Masters online Bootcamp and front-end courses on Udemy. Remember, go through introduction videos and pick one that feels better for you.

Don’t spend too much time choosing the course

Don’t get into the trap of information overload. Just pick one that feels better to you and stick to it till the end. When you finish, start applying for junior positions. If you do that, you have better chances of getting your first front-end job than most people. Good luck!