Posted by Step-by-step Guide to Landing Your First Tech Job
Technology is omnipresent, and the tech industry is booming. Self-driving cars, computers, cell phones, social media platforms, and gaming systems are all powered by it, and modern civilization can’t envision existence without it.
Computer and information technology occupations are expected to grow by 11% between 2019 and 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This rate of growth is much higher than the expected 3.7 percent growth rate for all jobs.
It’s safe to say that technology-related occupations are here to stay, and they’re a great alternative for job searchers. Though getting a foot in the door of the computer business may appear to be a difficult challenge, there are numerous ways to obtain entry-level technical jobs without prior expertise.
What To Know When Applying For Entry Level Tech Jobs?
The following tips will help you prepare for your interview and ace the job.
– Prepare for the interview by reviewing the company’s online profile. If you know about their products, services or industry, then that is a plus point. Know what to expect during the interview and how to prepare beforehand.
– Research on current trends in your industry by reading articles related to it or attending workshops or seminars related to it. This will show employers that you are serious about this field and have a good understanding of its needs and demands.
– Check out their social media platforms as well as news articles related to them so as to get a sense of what they are as a company, as well as what they value – both internally and externally.
– Research on relevant questions from previous interviews.
Why Do Some Entry Level Tech Jobs Require Experience?
Some entry-level tech positions do necessitate prior experience. However, experience does not always imply that you have performed the particular role previously. Work or educational experience that is relevant to the position provides hiring managers confidence that you have the necessary abilities to accomplish the job properly. Degree programs, certificates, and past work experience can all help you obtain these skills. Additionally, certain entry-level technical occupations demand experience since a job candidate’s ability to understand technical concepts or software is critical to their success in the role.
How To Apply For Entry Level Jobs With No Experience
It’s possible to apply for and secure entry-level technical jobs with no experience. All you need is a bit of creativity!
Highlight Transferable Skills On Resume
Candidates can demonstrate to the hiring manager that they have transferrable and relevant industry abilities by emphasizing transferable skills near the top of their resumes. A candidate seeking an entry-level tech support position, for example, would emphasize customer service abilities on their resume. This talent is transferrable to the workplace because troubleshooting software with customers or clients requires patience, professionalism, and excellent communication.
Include Language From Job Description Where Relevant
Incorporating precise job description wording into a resume might assist candidates to demonstrate their unique fit for the position. It can also assist recruiters in determining the worth of your experience in the career you’re applying for. The term “record, track, and document” might appear in a job description for a help desk analyst, for example. Candidates should recall a period when they were required to record, track, or document something and provide a description of what they accomplished in their resume, along with the term.
Always Write A Cover Letter
Always prepare a cover letter when applying for an entry-level IT job with no experience. A cover letter allows you to tell your story and convey information about yourself that isn’t included in your resume. Fill in the blanks with why you’re interested in the position, the company, and the tech industry in general.
Following these guidelines will increase a candidate’s chances of landing an entry-level position with no prior experience.
How to Prepare for Tech Interviews
Being unprepared in a tech interview can make you feel even more anxious. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
We all know how important preparation is for any engineering or design interview, but many can feel overwhelmed with all the required tasks. The good news is that you don’t have to prepare for an interview in one day, there are several stages of preparation that help you get ready for the big day.
This article will give you a detailed look about what to do before your interview, during your interview and after your interview. You will also find helpful links with additional resources below so follow them if you want to learn more about engineering interviews.
How To Ace The Tech Interview – Tips That Will Help You Get The Job
If you are looking for a job that requires interviewing, then this is an article just for you. We will be sharing five tips that will help you ace the tech interview and get the job. These tips are very easy to follow and can be done in advance so that they are fresh in your mind on the day of the interview.
The first tip is to dress professionally for your interview. Make sure to wear business clothes, which means suit or dress pants and a button down shirt. A suit is always appropriate but not required; it is important that you feel comfortable during the interview as well as following through with it if you get offered the position. The second tip is to practice your answers ahead of time, this way you will know what information they want from you and how to answer their questions.
5 Secrets Of Hiring Managers That Will Make You More Appealing
The hiring managers are usually the first stakeholders you will meet during a job interview. In order to make a good first impression, it is important to have some knowledge about them and their responsibilities.
Here are some secrets of hiring managers that will make you more appealing:
1. They don’t need a 4-year degree to be a hiring manager
2. They have different backgrounds and experiences, so they can easily relate with different types of people
3. They care more about your personality than your skillset
4. They want you to be yourself during the interview process
5. It is not just the qualifications that matter for them, but also how well you can fit in with the company culture.
Types Of Entry Level Tech Jobs With No Experience
If you’re looking for a tech job with no experience, make sure to start with this list. While these roles may not be exhaustive, they are great starting points if you want an entry-level position in the tech industry.
Entry Level Computer Programmer
An entry-level computer programmer creates and verifies code that assures the proper operation of computer programs and software. Computer programmers can choose to work in an office setting or from home. Employers typically require a bachelor’s or associate’s degree from candidates. A computer programmer’s median annual salary in 2019 was $86,550, or more than $40 per hour. Consider applying for a position with one of Arizona’s leading technology companies, such as Axon, GoDaddy, or Sparklight, which are hiring for this position.
Help Desk Technician
Help desk technicians, often known as computer support specialists, provide assistance to businesses and people as well as their employees. The majority of help desk technicians work full-time. They frequently work irregular hours because computer help is required around the clock. A bachelor’s degree may be required for some occupations, while an associate’s degree may be required for others. A few college classes or credentials may be sufficient in some circumstances. This is one of the best entry-level IT careers for those who are new to the field and want to get experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, help desk technicians earn an average of $52,270 a year. Some of Arizona’s best technology companies, like Ring, Cable One/Sparklight, and Spear Education, are looking for similar positions.
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
The day-to-day operation of computer networks is the responsibility of a network and computer systems administrator. They spend their days ensuring that an organization’s network and communication technologies are monitored, organized, installed, and supported. A bachelor’s degree in a discipline relevant to computer or information science is frequently required for this position. Some jobs, however, may only require an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median compensation for this position in 2019 was $83,510. Candidates interested in this position should look at positions with GoDaddy, Freedom Financial, and Workiva, all of which are fantastic tech companies based in Arizona.
Database Administrator
Database administrators store, organize, and safeguard data using highly sophisticated software. Almost all database administrators work full-time for companies that deal with a lot of data. A bachelor’s degree in information or computer technology is typically required for this position. In 2019, this position paid a median income of $93,750, indicating that education pays off. Axon, Silicon Valley Bank, and Spear Education are all good places to look if you’re looking for a database administrator job.
Software Developer
Software developers are in high demand because they construct apps or systems that run on other devices. Between 2019 and 2029, employment in this field is expected to grow by 22%, which is substantially faster than the national average. A bachelor’s degree in computer science and good computer programming skills are typically required of software developers. In 2019, the median income for this position was $107,510. The strong growth rate and median compensation of this position make it one of the top entry-level tech jobs available. Job seekers interested in this position should look into ADP, Workiva, and GoDaddy.
Advance Your Career in The Tech Industry
WorkRemotely.ng is an amazing resource for job seekers. With information about open roles, benefits and culture & diversity, you can find all you need to help you explore or work for some of the Valley’s best employers!
Best Places To Find Jobs As A Software Developer
Software developers are among the most sought-after professionals in the world. These people are creative and analytical, who come up with creative solutions to tough problems. They also enjoy working with computers and programming languages. Software developers work on different projects for different companies seeking to improve their products’ performance, or to gain new information about what customers need or want.
Software Developers are ubiquitous in every industry, from healthcare systems to video games, restaurants apps, and movie theaters software. They can be found anywhere there is a need for creative problem solving. The demand for these specialised professionals is only increasing over time as more products require significant technical skill in order to function optimally.
How to Break into Tech Roles without experience in 2024
- Identify your soft skills and how they’ll help you in tech
- Revamp (or create) your LinkedIn profile
- Do an internship to get relevant experience
- Volunteer
- Start a side gig
- Attend a coding bootcamp to speed up your transition
- Get a certification
- Take online classes
- Build a project
- Network
1. Look within an industry that is closely related to your current industry or hobby
When you already know the industry, it’s easier to obtain a “in” with minimal experience. This allows you the opportunity to add value to the firm beyond the technical talents you contribute. You’re familiar with the jargon, the market, and the issues that people are concerned about. From cover letters to interviews, all of this gives you an advantage in the application process.
From bitcoin jobs to work at app-based firms like TransferWise or Robinhood, there are plenty of new chances in the field. You’ll be off to a strong start if you can crunch figures and have a thorough understanding of industry regulations.
2. Identify your soft skills and how they’ll help you in tech
Soft skills, on the other hand, rely more on personality traits that are more built into each person. A company can always train people to improve on “hard” skills like coding languages, while soft skills rely more on personality qualities that are more built into each individual. When feasible, emphasize them in interviews and applications.
Consider your previous performance assessments and compliments from bosses and coworkers. Throughout the hiring process, demonstrate your enthusiasm, competence, and personality.
3. Revamp (or create) your LinkedIn profile
Recruiters use LinkedIn to find applicants in 94% of cases, thus being a member is a requirement!
You don’t have to be an expert (yet) to attract recruiters and hiring managers’ attention. To appear as a good hiring, you simply need to position yourself correctly.
Focus on transferable abilities to prune and refine your experience and make it sound as applicable to the new industry as feasible. Add any new talents, courses, volunteer work, and so on. If there is any jargon from your prior industry that could confuse tech recruiters or employers, remove it.
Use this LinkedIn profile checklist to ensure you’ve covered all of the essentials.
If you’re concerned that your present employer will find out you’re looking for a new job, go to Me > Settings & Privacy and alter your settings to limit what they see.
4. Do an internship to get relevant experience
One way to land tech jobs with no experience working formally in the tech industry is by collecting smaller pieces of experience to demonstrate your skills. You don’t need to have a relevant career or full-time job on your resume; a short-term or part-time internship looks good too.
You don’t have to be in college or a recent graduate to participate in “adult internships.” It may not appear flashy, yet it can serve as an excellent stepping stone.
Look for internships on internet employment boards, ask people you know if they know of any internship opportunities, or even contact your former institution. You can also look for these chances within your present firm or area; for example, if you work in marketing, it may be easier to transition into technology within the marketing industry.
Consider becoming a member of a professional association in your career or an area you want to enter. These organizations may be able to connect you with internships and other opportunities.
5. Volunteer
Volunteering serves a similar purpose to internships, however, opportunities are usually unpaid and involve less hours. You can, however, do it on the side (on weekends, for example) to help ease into your IT shift by gaining expertise and portfolio projects.
Volunteer in a way that coincides with your long-term objectives. Aside from “tech,” what other industries pique your interest? Are you interested in working for a software start-up? Are you a part of the FinTech industry? What happens when fashion and technology collide? Look for chances to volunteer in that area. It might happen at a nonprofit or a for-profit company.
Offer tech-related assistance to a small firm in your preferred (or existing) industry if there are no vacant volunteer roles. They might appreciate the assistance, and it will strengthen their résumé. You may, for example, offer to design a website for a local accounting firm if you already work in finance (or want to break into FinTech).
You may also inquire whether any of your friends or family members require technical assistance (e.g., developing a website), or if you know someone who does. Look about your interests and hobbies as well: if you like dogs, identify a shelter that doesn’t have a website and offer to construct one for them. Now that you have something in your portfolio, you can start looking for web development work for other businesses.
Because you’re doing labor for them for free, it doesn’t matter what your background is when you volunteer.
6. Start a side gig
Working tech side gigs as part of your transition has a lot of advantages! You can earn money, test out numerous types of jobs before committing to a career path, network with people in the business, and much more.
As a side gig in the computer industry, you can take on a wide range of jobs and responsibilities (not just building websites). There are a plethora of options available. Here are a few examples.
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Technical writing
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User experience testing
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Website maintenance
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STEM tutoring
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Virtual assistance
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Tech support
You usually want to aim for side gigs that utilize the same skills you used in your previous line of work and if possible align with your industry. But, when thinking about future goals and what you’re passionate about, it’s crucial to keep them in mind too.
Starting out as a freelancer, I found it really hard to find jobs on Craigslist and had to resort to sites like Upwork. So you could try that.
7. Attend a coding bootcamp to speed up your transition
If you want to move around fast in the tech world, coding bootcamp could be the best choice. Unlike self-taught coding, they provide structure and much faster path. You’ll also receive access to instructors who can help you if need arises.
8. Get a certification
It only goes to show that you don’t need a computer science degree to break into the technology industry.
Beyond coding, there are a plethora of tech certifications available. “I believe that we focus a lot on coding,” says renowned career and technology coach Kanika Tolver. However, we do not place a high priority on instilling in people the knowledge that there are other careers in IT. As a result, you could pursue careers in cloud computing, cybersecurity, project management, and software testing. Learn one or two languages, but not everyone who wants to be a great technologist needs to be a programmer. Be willing to try new things in the field of IT.”
Consider what type of IT job you desire and look into certifications that align with your goals.
Some online courses even include free certifications or badges that you can post to your LinkedIn profile to wow employers and demonstrate your new skills.
9. Take online classes in your spare time to get a feel for it before enrolling in a bootcamp OR enroll in an online bootcamp while working.
Online courses and other tech learning opportunities can be a great way to improve your skills. Consider taking some introductory or intermediate-level courses on the main topics you’ll be facing for that bootcamp or job.
10. Build a project
To get experience, you don’t have to limit yourself to working for others. Make your own projects with your newly acquired talents!
How do you come up with building projects? If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, Parker Phinney, the inventor of Interview Cake, has a few suggestions. “Consider a product that you would actually want to use. Maybe you’re looking for a web browser extension or a web app. Consider a problem or a source of frustration that you might be able to remedy with software.”
You can also participate in a collaborative tech effort by contributing to open-source projects.
11. Network
“It’s all about who you know,” as the saying goes. As a result, make it a point to get to know people!
Make the most of your experience by reconnecting with the contacts you made in that field. If you’ve previously worked as a teacher, look for instructors who are experimenting with technology or attend EdTech conferences. Look up your former coworkers on LinkedIn to see if any of them are employed by organizations that are hiring or if they can connect you with someone in the tech field.