Step-by-step plan for landing your first backend developer job

Follow this beginner-friendly roadmap to build backend skills, grow confidence, and get your first tech role.

Weekly Hours: 25
Estimated Weeks: 15

Phases

Foundations

Learn the basics of backend programming, problem-solving, and key tools. Get comfortable writing code and understanding how computers run programs.

3 weeks

Understand how backend servers work
Write simple programs in one language
Practice logic and data handling
Get familiar with using the command line

Programming basics
Using the command line
Logic building

Beginner programming tutorials
Command line cheat sheet
Basic problem-solving exercises

Complete 10 small code exercises
Explain what a backend server does
Create a command line to-do app

Core Backend Skills

Build the main skills every backend developer needs. Focus on data structures, handling requests, and talking to databases.

5 weeks

Solve basic programming problems
Learn to use arrays and maps
Fetch and send data via simple APIs
Read and write from a database

Data structures
API basics
Database access

Sample API tutorials
Database setup guides
Practice coding questions

Build a simple API server
Connect code to a basic database
Finish 5 data structure coding tasks

Building Projects

Apply what you've learned by building small projects. This helps show what you can do in real-world tasks.

4 weeks

Plan and build a backend project
Make your code readable and tidy
Understand feedback and testing basics
Deploy a project to a public server

Project planning
Testing basics
Code deployment

Project templates
Testing how-tos
Simple deployment guides

Finish and deploy one small backend project
Write clear project README
Share finished project online

Interview Readiness

Get ready for your job search. Practice common interview problems, write a basic resume, and learn how to talk about your work.

2 weeks

Complete coding practice timed sessions
Prepare clear answers for common questions
Build your resume and online portfolio
Practice talking about your projects

Interview problem-solving
Communication
Resume writing

Common interview questions list
Sample resume templates
Mock interview practice scripts

Solve 10 timed interview problems
Draft and edit resume
Do two practice interviews

Job Search

Take action to land your first job. Apply, follow up, and keep learning as you go.

1 weeks

Search for entry-level backend jobs
Write and send applications
Review and update your portfolio
Reflect on interview feedback

Job searching
Application writing
Follow-up communication

Job boards
Application checklist
Portfolio review guide

Apply to at least 10 jobs
Update online profiles
Track application status in a spreadsheet

Weekly Plan

Week	Focus	Why	Tasks	Deliverables
1	Programming basics and logic	Strong core skills help you build everything else more easily.	Write basic programs in chosen language, Solve three logic puzzles, Practice using the command line	List of written programs, Completed logic puzzle notebook
2	Understanding servers and backend flow	Knowing backend flow helps in building real applications.	Read about server-client basics, Draw a backend flow diagram, Write a short explanation	Backend flow diagram, One-page summary
3	Building small command line apps	Mini-projects let you use foundational coding skills.	Follow a guide for a command line to-do app, Add a feature yourself, Test for errors	Completed command line project, Feature summary
4	Learning data structures and arrays	Data structures help efficiently store and access information.	Study arrays and maps, Solve array-based problems, Use simple code quizzes	Notes on arrays/maps, 3-5 completed quizzes
5	API basics and making requests	APIs let your code talk to other programs or services.	Read about APIs, Write a program to fetch API data, Summarize findings	API example code, Short findings summary
6	Database basics and connecting to code	Databases store app data for retrieval and updates.	Learn simple database setup, Write a program to read/write data, Draw a data flow chart	Database access code, Flow chart
7	Solving backend-focused coding problems	Problem-solving helps in everyday backend work and interviews.	Practice 5 backend coding problems, Explain solutions aloud, Get feedback from peers	Solved coding problems, Recorded explanations
8	Planning a backend mini-project	Planning builds organization skills and saves time while coding.	Pick a project idea, List main features, Draw out app structure	Project plan document, Feature checklist
9	Building main project features	Hands-on building demonstrates your abilities to employers.	Write core project code, Test each feature, Fix errors	Working version of the project, Bug fix log
10	Adding testing and documentation	Testing and documentation are needed for professional code.	Write simple test cases, Document code clearly, Ask for review	Test scripts, Project README
11	Deploying your project online	Sharing your project shows you know full software flow.	Read deployment basics, Follow guide to deploy project, Test project online	Live project link, Deployment notes
12	Starting interview practice	Early interview practice builds confidence and reduces stress.	Review common backend interview questions, Write script answers, Practice aloud	Interview question list, Sample answers
13	Coding challenges and time management	Timed practice prepares you for hiring tests.	Solve live timed coding questions, Reflect on time use, Identify weak areas	List of tried questions, Time logs
14	Resume and portfolio preparation	A clear resume and portfolio get you noticed by employers.	Draft basic resume, Build online portfolio, Get peer review	Resume draft, Live portfolio link
15	Job search and applications	Taking action gets you closer to landing a job.	Search for entry-level backend jobs, Apply to open positions, Track applications sent	Job application log, Updated online profiles