Ask HN: What's the hardest part about getting your first web developer job?

It's more convincing employers who have no data on you. I think most of the people who visit HN are capable enough, but you're still competing with a large pool of people who game the system.

Getting it is always the hardest part.

Once you get it, if you have some patience, good work habits (dependable, reliable, etc), and are a little above average in your inclination with computers, you'll do just fine.

For me, the hardest part was getting enough experience to show employers that I knew what I was doing. Once you get the ball rolling, it's much easier to get interviews etc.

Being confident enough in yourself to say “I don’t know” and being open minded to learn new things.