i. What You Need

To follow along with this book, you’ll need the following:

• A journal: Throughout this book, you’ll reflect on how to grow as a developer and as a candidate and how to put your best self forward. Each chapter ends with an Action Plan, to which you can respond in your journal. Use whatever note-taking system feels right for you and continue with it as you go through your search. It’s especially effective to reflect immediately after an interview on what went well and what you felt could have gone better. Then, review these notes before your next interview.

• A calendar: You’ll use a calendar system, whatever you prefer, to track outreach, networking opportunities and of course, interviews! You may want to set a goal to complete the suggested activities in each chapter by a given date, spreading your work with this book over a period of time. Note this plan down in your calendar and set reminders as well.

• Perseverance: More than anything, you need the energy and courage to keep at it. Job hunting can be a long, hard slog. We’ve each been there, and now we’re here for you. As you read through these pages, take what serves you, and know we’re cheering you on. You can do this!