As the technology industry continues to grow, it’s becoming an appealing sector for an increasing number of people. Due to the fast-paced nature of the tech field, it can be an excellent route for career-minded individuals that want to quickly grow their knowledge and skills.
A tech job is a position in which you’ll be responsible for using different programs and tools to complete technology-related or technical tasks. Some of the fastest-growing tech careers include digital marketing, data science, data engineering, software development, programming, and information security analysis.
Despite the high demand for tech talent, competition is high, and finding a job in the industry can be challenging. Technology companies often ask for specific capabilities and certifications, which can be difficult to obtain. Let’s break down 5 tips that will help you start your career in the competitive and growing tech industry.
Build your network
Although tech hiring managers place the most importance on concrete skills and experiences, building your network is one of the best ways to enter the industry. Having a strong network will ensure that you’ll have people to vouch for your work and abilities, as well as introduce you to recruiters within the industry.
By connecting with tech professionals, you’ll also be able to obtain first-hand guidance on how to land a job in your chosen field, and on what companies are hiring the types of roles you’re looking for.
Customize your CV for each position
One of the biggest mistakes candidates can make is to use a standardized CV for each company and position they apply to. Although you may apply for multiple positions of the same type, each role and hiring manager will be looking for different competencies.
Before submitting your application, make sure that you read the job description in-depth, and that your CV includes some of the same keywords and refers to the main qualifications mentioned. This is especially important due to the increasing use of ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems), which scan applications for relevant keywords and automatically filter out the best fits.
One of the easiest ways to ensure that your application meets the desired criteria is to use an online CV builder, which will provide you with the necessary guidance to customize your document successfully.
Complete freelance projects and volunteer
A common challenge for new starters in the tech industry is having a lack of work experience. Due to the fact that most tech recruiters look for past work history when hiring, it can be disheartening for candidates that are switching fields or have recently graduated.
However, there are ways to bypass a lack of employment history and still land a job in your desired tech field. Undertaking freelance projects or volunteering initiatives is one of the best methods to build your skill set and gain the necessary qualifications without requiring previous experience.
If you’re lacking the network or capabilities to generate a freelance client list, completing projects for friends, family, or just for yourself can help you generate a portfolio to show prospective employers.
Many tech companies will also offer internships to new graduates or professionals making a career shift. While these are often unpaid, they typically provide the chance to be hired full-time after their completion.
Stay on top of emerging technology trends
The tech world is constantly changing, and staying up to date with emerging technologies and trends can be challenging. However, when working in a tech position, you’ll need to remain updated with new shifts within the industry.
This means that recruiters will value candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge of emerging tech trends and new tools or approaches that are relevant to your specific role.
Choose a tech industry that is growing fast
While most tech fields are rapidly growing, not all of them are expanding at the same pace. When identifying an industry in which to start your career, it’s important to select one with a high number of employment opportunities.
Newer fields, such as bitcoin and blockchain will not only have more job openings, but they’ll have lower barriers to entry for new starters. This is because recruiters in more established sectors generally demand higher qualifications from candidates as the talent level is denser.
Make sure that you research a variety of industries when starting your tech career, and that you select one that is promising in terms of potential job opportunities.