Before you apply anywhere, find that company on LinkedIn and follow them, you can search for keywords within a company under the “people” section. I usually search with the words “Java”, “Developer”, “Full Stack”, etc. Follow all of them,, if they only have the immediate option to “Connect”, don’t do that, as it can be percieved as a little intrusive. Insead click on the 3 dots or the “more” option next to where it says “Connect”, and that will open up an option to “Follow”. I personally, if I’m interested in that company and have done my research, will then send a short message to that person and say “Hi there! just wanted to say I think what your doing at compay xyz is awesome!”, or “I really thought it was cool that you did this….(put whatever is applicable), or “I thought it was amazing how your company handled….(again whatever is applicable)”. I personally (Karen typing this), avoid saying things like “I’m a new dev looking for a job” and things of that nature, these people probably get many of those types of messages a day, I get those sometimes, and they feel abrasive/offputting. Again that is just me.
I then do that same type of search within that company for “Recruiter”, “Human Resources”, etc. Follow those people as well.
Really look into a company that fits with your goals/ideals, and if you like that company:
Keep track of where you have applied, with notes, you can do this in an Excel spreadsheet, or you can use something like Notion to keep track of this. This is what I use, they have many, many different services/templates. I use it for all my calendar as well, as you can integrate many different ones from google, etc.
After you’ve applied, wait 2 days , then follow up, then wait 3 days after that, follow up. Then wait 4 days after that, etc. etc. until you get some kind of reply, people get busy, so remind them of who you are/why you applied/why you think you’d be a good fit.