In a recent study, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the technology industry fills an average of 25,000 positions per month. It is anticipated that the need for highly qualified technology professionals will continue to increase.
You will quickly discover that not all employers, roles, or positions are equal when you seek the best tech jobs. Due to the extreme competition between candidates, navigating this ever-changing environment has become increasingly challenging – especially for freshly qualified candidates.
As a matter of fact, it has always been challenging to find employment at a leading technology company. Today, remote working policies are becoming more common, which means fewer geographical restrictions on an organization’s search for the most qualified candidate, resulting in greater competition for you. You can, however, prepare well in advance to gain an advantage over the competition.
Here are a few tips to help you land your dream job in technology.
Develop the Necessary Skills
You are unlikely to be hired for your dream job if you do not possess the necessary skill set. In the technology field, only a very few positions can be obtained without a degree; but most require the right education.
Several courses are being offered in different specialties that you can opt for. Look for tech bootcamps if you want to enroll in short courses. You will gain an understanding of the basics of technology and even be able to upgrade your skills.
According to a recent study conducted by the World Economic Forum, approximately 50 percent of the workforce will need to upgrade their skills to keep pace with technological advancements and automation.
Take Note of Your Strengths
Explore the various career opportunities available to apply for those that suit your interests and abilities. If you are interested in exploring, consider becoming a generalist. The basic skills will assist you in landing an entry-level position that eventually leads to management positions with experience gain. Choose early on if you wish to specialize in a specific segment or if you wish to be a generalist.
Furthermore, expressing a desire to pursue a career in management will demonstrate to the employer that you have a passion for growing that way and are motivated to pursue advancement opportunities.
Research Tech Companies
Employers seek the most suitable employee for their organization. Similarly, you need to identify the companies that best suit your needs. To begin with, you should compare the products and services the companies offer to determine whether you are willing to work on them. After that, learn about the company’s culture and check if any changes have occurred in the past few months.
To determine whether a particular company is viable, you must dive deeper to learn about its leadership and rivals. After reviewing this information and their recent media coverage, you will be well-prepared for the interview process.
Maintain a Current Resume and Digital Profile
Your resume should be updated if you are seeking employment. However, maintaining your social media profiles and digital presence is as essential as keeping a paper or PDF copy of your resume when applying.
Remember that approximately 67% of hiring managers are reported to look at candidates’ LinkedIn profiles. In addition, about 65% of companies are reported to look at candidates’ Facebook profiles to choose candidates.
Obtain Practical Experience in Your Field
Building relevant experience with an internship is an effective way to pave the way for employment for college seniors. Internships help young professionals acquire and demonstrate the skills employers seek, facilitating their transition to full-time employment.
In other cases, build such an impressionable portfolio that the company will hire you without relevant experience.
A community service project is an ideal opportunity to acquire practical knowledge. Look for organizations in your community that require assistance in creating a web page, developing a mobile application, or establishing a wireless network, and offer your service.
Feature Your Work
If you have worked on an internship or a class project, your work will prove your abilities. Put together a presentation, a YouTube video, or a blog post that illustrates your experience and its relevance to the position you seek. Show off the projects you have worked on by using websites such as Quora, GitHub, or Stack Overflow to demonstrate your knowledge. You should also maintain an active LinkedIn profile so that potential employers can find you and you can network with them.
Learn About the Leading Employers in the Industry
The technology sector is rapidly evolving, and new companies are emerging daily. Each organization offers different terms, work environments, and opportunities for advancement.
Therefore, consider factors other than the salary offered when seeking a position with a company. It would help if you began by examining the company’s ethos, values, and mission. Remember that reviews and feedback from former employees can also be helpful.
Networking Is Important
To understand industry demands, set your expectations, and compare offers, it is essential to network with other companies and professionals in the industry.
Becoming acquainted with people in your field is essential for several reasons. One possibility is that someone you know from the industry may inform you about an upcoming opportunity you would be interested in. Additionally, you can enhance your credibility by providing references from other professionals to the employers of your dream company.
Consider participating in local and national industry events and online webinars if you are new to the industry.
Wrapping Up
Many changes are happening in the technology industry every year. To remain competitive, you must maintain skills to adapt to the industry’s evolving trends. If you intend to work for a company, ensure that on-the-job training will be provided to you. Also, remember that investing in your career is one of the most valuable investments you will ever make.
The process of seeking employment can be daunting at times, but don’t let that discourage you. Build a brilliant portfolio, be open to exploring opportunities, go for the specialty you are interested in and follow these simple tips mentioned above. Lastly, have confidence in yourself and your search will be fruitful.