There's never been a better time to secure a job in the tech industry. Within the U.S. alone, the technology industry has produced approximately 200,000 new jobs each year since the last decade. Since the industry is experiencing an enormous shortage of workers, those seeking tech careers can look forward to fantastic pay, outstanding benefits and a wide range of opportunities for career growth.
With the future looking brighter than ever, the desire to switch one’s career path to the realm of tech is more common these days among young professionals. And the good news is that you really can start a career in technology even if you have no prior experience or come from a different professional background. In this article, you'll discover strategies that will help you enter the technology sector even without prior experience. Here is what you can do to set foot on the threshold of the technology sector.
Take Your Previous Experience into Consideration
If you're planning to begin a new career path in technology, it is crucial to take a close review of your previous experience. At first sight, it may seem that you lack the abilities mentioned in job ads. However, "soft skills" and many transferable skills are in high demand when it comes to landing that interesting tech job you have your eyes on. If, for instance, you're planning to get an entry-level IT Desk position, most hiring managers would be willing to consider those who possess excellent communication skills, customer management skills, familiarity in Microsoft Office and other transferable skills among many others.
Earn Industry Certificates
Being certified could be the quickest way to step into the field of the world of information technology. While a technical degree may take anywhere from 1-4 years to complete, certifications can be earned in a couple of weeks. In fact, not many are aware that having a degree is not a prerequisite to entering the IT workforce.
When you are certified, you have something valid to show prospective employers that you've got the expertise they require. This could also help in filling any skill gap you may have. In certain roles, appropriate certifications can put you in a higher position over other applicants with less experience and no certifications. Most importantly, industry certificates can open doors to many entry-level positions. Listed below are some of the IT certifications suitable for those who are just beginning their journey into the promising world of technology.
CompTIA A+ certification is vendor certification that helps you gain a broad understanding of multiple aspects of IT. This certification proves that you have basic knowledge of networking, hardware mobile devices, cloud and troubleshooting. It will also give you the foundation required to get your first help desk position.
CompTIA Security+ certification is an excellent place to begin if you're trying to get a foothold into the cybersecurity field. It confirms your knowledge of how to implement the best security methods. The objectives are based on a number of important concepts related to IT security, such as hosts, networks, data and host security, vulnerabilities and threats security, compliance access and identity management and cryptography.
CompTIA Network+ is a certification that is suitable for novices. The objectives of this certification include networking concepts as well as troubleshooting, infrastructure security and operations.
ITIL(r) Foundation is a certification based on the management of services framework. It will verify your knowledge of the procedures used to help IT personnel deliver quality services.
It is essential to understand the requirements for the certification test you'd like to pass. You can study on your own or select from various options that include in-person training, online instructor-led training and online on-demand courses. For those with no or little knowledge, the best choice is to enroll in a class led by an expert who has actual experience to allow you to ask questions and truly grasp the subject matter in depth.
Don’t Fret Over Your Degree in a Different Field
Don't be too hard on yourself and fret over the degree you pursued in a field that is eons away from technology. A lot of employers are more likely to offer you a position just because you've proved yourself capable of earning a college degree. Instead of thinking that the degree you earned in a different field was a waste of time and effort, figure out ways in which your degree could be used to propel your life towards the realm of an IT career. For instance, IT workers with a degree in Literature are more likely to adopt a creative approach to problem-solving and possess better writing as well as communications skills. Those who majored in philosophy are bound to have a better understanding of logic and possess a unique method of taking on challenges. So, use your education to your advantage and steal the limelight from those who possess just technical experience.
Start from Scratch
It's important to remember that you might need to "start from scratch" within IT. It's possible that you were a manager or a senior professional in your previous job, but remember that you're leaving the field for a reason. Prepare yourself to begin in a low-level job and progress to higher levels. The knowledge you gain from working in the lowest rungs can be invaluable as you progress to an even more demanding position. Don't be too concerned about the potential because what you earn in IT is dependent on the quality of work you do.
Networking is the Magic Word
You will be surprised by the sheer power your connections can wield when it comes to gaining a foothold in a new field. Be sure to utilize social media and connect with anyone you know who is employed in the tech field of your choice. Simply posting a message on social media, letting people know that you're hoping to carve your niche in tech could open up more opportunities than you can imagine. You could also ask your connections or their friends if they know recruiters looking for the role you are seeking.
Gain Relevant Technical Skills
Everything, from knowing Salesforce to learning how to write on WordPress, could be helpful in landing the job you had always hoped for in the tech sector. You can now enroll for world-class Salesforce Training to get trained by experts at HiCounselor. Explore your interests and educate yourself on hardware as well as software. An excellent way to gain experience is to access virtual labs that allow students to test their IT and digital skills in a safe live-lab setting.
Check for Crossover Positions
There are IT professionals in all fields who use computers and networks. For instance, If you've had years of experience in the field of car sales or other related fields it could be beneficial to pursue an IT job with an auto dealership. Being aware of half the business will help in making you an effective employee right from the beginning even if your technical abilities are not the best.
Experts at HiCounselor always insist that the best way to land a job interview is to have a well-formatted resume that highlights the relevant skills and demonstrates achievements. However, do keep in mind that hiring managers will be reviewing hundreds of resumes. While a great resume will get you a job interview, how you answer the questions posed by hiring managers will ultimately determine if you land your dream job. If you need personalized assistance in landing an interview and finally excelling at the different interview levels, HiCounselor can help you get started on the right track.
HiCounselor has forged technical advances to transform the hiring landscape for job seekers and recruiters alike. Our career accelerator program provides job seekers with coaching and mentorship from industry leaders employed at FAANG companies while recruiters ally with HiCounselor to empower their hiring strategy and hone in on the best candidates. Learn more about HiCounselor here and reach out to us on LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
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