How to find a job in IT in 7 steps
If you don’t have a lot of experience, Information Technology can feel like a difficult industry to break into.
Don’t panic though. Here is how to find a job in IT in seven steps:
How to find a job in IT in 7 steps
1) Decide your focus
IT is a diverse and exciting industry. There is a huge variety of options – jobs in everything from web development to IT support to data analysis.
You might consider whether you like puzzle solving, for example. If you do, perhaps a software engineer job might be something you could be interested in.
Or perhaps you like helping people and working with others. Maybe network engineering might be the thing for you.
You could specialise in a particular programming language or focus on your interest in hardware and infrastructure. There are opportunities out there for all kinds of people.
2) Check your expectations
It is a good time to get into the Information Technology sector. There is a high demand for and a relatively low supply of skilled professionals.
However, you can’t expect to waltz right into a high-flying IT job if you have zero experience.
This is not to say that you should sell yourself short. Your experience in other sectors may increase your value to an employer in the tech industry.
That said, it might be wise to start by aiming for entry-level positions and consider the possibility of trying an apprenticeship or internship.
4) Boost your IT resume
There are several things you can do to improve your IT resume:
–Hard skills – learn programming languages, hardware, Operating Systems, cybersecurity standards and practices.
–Soft skills – skills such as analysis, leadership, and communication are increasingly in demand in the tech sector.
–Portfolio – if you’re in a field like web design, consider creating a website or other place to show off your skills.
–Add more skills – if you know one programming language, why not research another to practice? Showing commitment to further learning helps you stand out.
–Work experience – if you are struggling to land your first role, consider getting any amount of work experience you can. Even if it requires some volunteering.
–Go open source – working on an open source project can be a solid way to practice, show off your skills to potential IT recruiters, and achieve something at the same time.
5) Get certifications or qualifications
There are few substitutes for being able to add solid certifications or qualifications to your CV.
Many people choose to get an IT degree, studying at university or online. However, there are many other options for getting industry-recognised certifications.
6) Network
Like many industries, people in tech within local areas tend to know each other. This means one good connection can go a long way.
Try attending IT networking events. Aim to offer something or listen rather than nag everyone for job opportunities.
You never know when you might come across the startup looking for someone that’s the right culture fit rather than ticking off a list of hard skills.
7) Find an IT recruiter who will work with you
When it comes to how to find a job in IT, it’s great to have a professional who can represent your case on your side.
Reach out to a specialist IT recruitment company and see if you have skills that mean they can put you forward for roles. Or even potentially highlight where you could improve what you have to offer so they can start helping you find your dream role.
Ernest Gordon specialises in recruiting talent for exclusive IT jobs you won’t find elsewhere.
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