How To Get A Tech Job Without Experience (9 Practical Tips From Experts)
Breaking into the tech industry without prior experience may seem intimidating for a first-timer. Still, as technology quickly advances and the need for skilled professionals grows, there are plenty of opportunities, even for those without a traditional background.
If you enjoy solving problems or have a passion for technology, getting a job in tech is absolutely possible. In this guide, we’ll explore nine practical tips on how to get a tech job without experience.
Focus On Your Transferable Skills
Focusing on your transferable skills can significantly boost your chances of landing a career in tech, even if your college degree doesn’t directly relate to IT.
For instance, a literature degree can enhance your creativity and writing skills, while a philosophy background fosters logical thinking.
That’s because many employers value the unique perspectives that diverse backgrounds bring to the tech field.
Highlight your relevant skills—such as interpersonal skills, analytical thinking, and problem-solving—on your resume and during interviews.
By emphasizing your soft skills and how they apply to tech roles, you’ll stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your potential value.
Earn Tech Industry Certifications
Earning tech-related certifications is one of the quickest ways to break into tech careers, especially if you lack formal experience.
Unlike a traditional degree, which can take years to complete, certifications can be achieved in just a few weeks, demonstrating your skills to potential employers.
This is especially beneficial for entry-level jobs, as certifications like CompTIA A+ or Security+ can set you apart from candidates with only a school diploma.
By investing time in certifications, you not only gain valuable knowledge but also connect with the tech community, opening doors to exciting opportunities in the industry.
Learn Any Applicable Technical Skills
Learning applicable and in-demand technical skills is essential for getting into entry-level tech jobs, especially when you lack relevant experience.
Numerous online platforms, such as freeCodeCamp, offer opportunities to learn programming languages and cloud computing fundamentals at your own pace.
With so many different skills available to learn, it’s best to start with the end in mind by focusing on acquiring core skills that align with your interests and future job, and don’t forget to highlight your new technical abilities on your resume!
Start Your Own Personal Projects
Starting your own personal projects is an excellent way to showcase your skills and compensate for a lack of professional experience in the tech industry.
By creating tangible examples of your work, you can impress recruiters and demonstrate your passion for technology.
For instance, if you're interested in software development, consider building a web or mobile application to highlight your abilities. These projects not only refine your technical skills but also reflect your creativity and initiative.
Volunteer Your Skills and Services
Contributing to small businesses or start-ups through volunteering is a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience. Offering your services can also help you build your resume and showcase your relevant knowledge to potential employers.
Additionally, these volunteer projects can foster relationships with tech companies that may consider you for future positions. They allow you to connect with professionals in your field who can become important references.
Beyond gaining experience, volunteering helps you nurture essential workplace skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued in the tech industry.
Find Yourself a Tech Mentor
Finding a mentor in the tech field can be a game-changer for your career. Connecting with experienced professionals provides you with invaluable insights, advice, and opportunities for practical experience.
Mentors serve as career leaders, offering guidance on the best routes to achieve your goals while helping you avoid common pitfalls. Through their support, you'll be better equipped to take your career in the desired direction.
Leverage On Your Network
Don’t underestimate networking when searching for a job in tech! Especially because employers often prefer candidates recommended by someone they trust over those they don’t know.
Utilizing social media sites like LinkedIn and reaching out to everyone in your address book can lead to unexpected opportunities. A simple post announcing your interest in entering the tech industry may attract useful connections. If you are in school or haven’t spent a lot of time developing a network, I encourage you to start engaging with individuals online who you would like to develop a relationship with - you would be surprised how consistently commenting on someone’s social media post and sending a DM can help you establish relationships with people online.
So, don’t hesitate to ask friends or acquaintances if they know of any job openings or hiring opportunities. Leveraging or establishing your network may just provide the advantage you need as a job seeker.
Tailor Your Portfolio For The Role
Tailoring your portfolio, including your resume and cover letter, for each specific role is essential in the tech sector.
Avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, highlight relevant coursework and projects that align with the requirements of the job description. Leveraging different online tools and resume builders can help you reduce the time-consuming process of personalizing your resume.
Incorporating keywords from the job posting also helps your application stand out to tech recruiters. Strong keywords tend to rank higher in ATS programs, increasing your likelihood of getting an interview.
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is current and optimized for your target role, as 87% of recruiters rely on LinkedIn to find candidates. By showcasing your relevant skills and experiences, you can position yourself as a strong candidate, even without extensive expertise.
Look For Internship Opportunities
Applying for internships and entry-level positions is crucial, especially if you're aiming for high-demand, niche roles.
These opportunities are tailored for those without previous experience, offering hands-on training that can be instrumental in your career development.
Internships and entry-level tech jobs not only provide practical experience but can also serve as stepping stones to full-time roles or higher positions within the tech company.
There’s no shame in starting with an entry-level role, even in a non-technical capacity, as it allows you to work your way up and get closer to your dream job!
Final Thoughts
Getting into the tech industry without any prior experience can be tough, but it’s definitely possible. While it may require starting at the bottom, the experiences gained in entry-level roles are invaluable.
Stay motivated and remember these nine expert tips. You may be closer to securing that first tech job than you imagine!
