10 CV Questions You’re Afraid to Ask—But Should
What do hiring managers really want in a junior developer CV? This article answers 10 key questions to help you avoid mistakes, showcase projects, and stand out—even without experience.
- | 3 min read
1. What’s the #1 mistake you see on junior developer CVs that instantly turns off hiring managers; even if the candidate is technically skilled?
✅ Answer: A lack of clarity and relevance. Many CVs list every skill and course ever taken, but fail to highlight what matters for the job. Hiring managers want to see impact, not noise. If your CV doesn’t show how you applied your skills (in projects or real problems), it gets skipped; even if you “know React or Python.”
2. If two candidates have the same project experience, what makes one stand out more than the other?
✅ Answer: Storytelling and ownership. Candidate A lists: “Weather App using API and React.” Candidate B writes: “Built a responsive weather app that fetches real-time data using OpenWeatherMap API. Handled edge cases, loading states, and made it mobile-first.” Same project but very different impression. Depth wins.
3. How much do recruiters really care about portfolio projects and what makes a project ‘hire-worthy’ vs ‘meh’?
✅ Answer: They care a lot — but only if the project is well-documented, relevant, and shows problem-solving. A “To-do list app” is meh unless it shows unique thinking (e.g., local storage sync, task prioritization). Bonus points for GitHub repos with clean commits, README files, and screenshots.
4. What signals do hiring managers look for in a junior dev’s CV that suggest someone will be easy to onboard and train?
✅ Answer: Signals like communication, collaboration, eagerness to learn, and following best practices. Mentioning team projects, Git usage, agile methods, or writing documentation shows you’re not just coding in isolation; you’re thinking like a developer on a team.
5. If I don’t have internship experience, what’s the next best thing I can do to boost my CV?
✅ Answer: Create a strong, real-world-like project that solves a real problem. Even better is to collaborate with a peer or contribute to an open-source repo. Add a live demo link. This shows initiative, problem-solving, and the kind of learning mindset companies love.
6. What’s one piece of advice you wish every junior developer knew before applying to their first job?
✅ Answer: You’re not being hired to know everything; you’re being hired to learn fast, ask good questions, and be dependable. Companies expect you to grow. Focus on showing that you’re coachable and committed, not “perfect.”
7. How can a junior dev use LinkedIn or GitHub to increase their visibility and get approached by recruiters?
✅ Answer: Post about your learning journey. Share your projects with short summaries. Comment on tech posts. Keep your GitHub active with public projects. If your name shows up consistently with code + curiosity, people will notice; even recruiters.
8. Do companies actually read cover letters—or is it a waste of time for junior devs?
✅ Answer: Some skip them but when they’re read, a good one can tip the scale in your favor. A short, enthusiastic, role-specific letter that says why you want this job at this company shows maturity and motivation. It’s your chance to stand out as a person, not just a resume.
9. What’s more important in the early career stage: technical skills or soft skills?
✅ Answer: Both matter, but soft skills give you a long-term edge. Technical skills get you through the door, but communication, curiosity, and adaptability keep you in the room. Teams hire juniors who can grow with them and not just code alone in silence.
10. What’s the biggest myth about getting a first tech job that you wish more students knew wasn’t true?
✅ Answer: “You need to know everything before you apply.” False. You just need a solid foundation, the ability to learn, and a few strong projects that prove your potential. The tech world is full of people who got hired because they showed readiness, not perfection.
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