If you are a mediocre programmer can you still find a job?

If you are a mediocre programmer using asp.net C# but works really hard to improve your skills. Do you still have a chance to find a position?

If you are a mediocre programmer can you still find a job?
Sure, just don't play yourself off to be anything other than entry-level. If you're willing to work hard (and possibly for low pay), you can find a job which will help you develop your skills.
Reply:Are you going to rate yourself to mediocre programmer level to your future boss during the job interview? I think NOT! My suggestions is to practice and prepare yourself with programming (software) structure. Working on the code (coding) will be straight forward, the important part behind that is how are you going to break the project into software components and make them work together. Make yourself a good software designer and is able to work on the programming field..... Good luck!
Reply:Yes, you have a chance to find a job, but you may have to be willing to work at a helpdesk, or as a tech for awhile before you can move into an actual programming position. The exception to this is if you can find a job that asks specifically for 'entry level' prgrammers. In positions such as these, they know that the people will be considering will not have alot of experience, and take that into consideration. The best thing to do is go on some interviews for jobs you really don't want first, and see what kind of questions they ask. And be completely honest in the interview - you don't want to mislead them. I have worked with several 'mediocre' programmers who made decent livings programming, so I say go for it!
Reply:Not if you call yourself a mediocre programmer. Never call yourself that--even if you think its true. As it is you are in competition with a lot of other programmers--many off-shore or brought in from other countries. These people don't demand much for a salary and are driving American developers salaries down--or out of work. Get a grip and make something out of yourself. There are lots of jobs out there and more coming.





Get started on your new career path by learning another language like VB.NET while still working with C#. This will help make you more attractive to more hiring managers. Get certified to bring your skills up to par. Write more applications on your own--above and beyond the work you might already have. Try new kinds of programming like Windows Forms, ASP or one of the new Microsoft development paradigms. Be the first to know these new tecnologies. Learn SQL Server or other database engine skills. Learn how to architect and design systems. Stop watching TV and hanging out on the web and start reading, studying and taking courses. My new book might help--it is top-rated and lots of people like you have told me it has resurected their career. See http://www.betav.com. I'm also giving a workshop on November 26th in Vancouver BC (See http://devteach.com). I hope to see you there!











hth
Reply:Yes. There are IT companies who hire newbies, usually those who offer trainings. But don't expect a high paycheck right away. ^_^ But you'll get there.
Reply:If you present yourself well during the interview it won't matter. There are plenty of crappy programmers that have positions. They are good at bs-ing. Just study up on C# interview questions before interviewing.