Career Transition: Landing Tech Jobs With Limited Experience

Tech careers are lucrative because they give you flexibility and access to better salaries. There are also a lot of growth opportunities in this field and a high demand for specific skills. If you are considering transitioning into tech, you may worry about securing jobs with limited experience.

Luckily, getting your dream tech job is possible if you have the right mindset and network. Let’s explore practical strategies you can use to land your first job.

 

💡 Embrace Growth

The tech world changes fast, and your ability to succeed may come down to your mindset. There will always be an innovation to learn, a skill to sharpen, or a tool to familiarize yourself with.

Embrace a growth mindset to compete against tech gurus. Ask yourself what skills you need to learn based on the roles you are targeting. After that, sign up for courses to improve your proficiency, and you will catch up quickly with experts.

Web development is a high-demand tech skill, and you can use it to transition into the industry. Learn the fundamentals of languages such as HTML, JavaScript, Ruby, PHP, Swift, and CSS.

If you are targeting tech jobs in data science or business intelligence, you must be good at data analysis. Learn to use tools like SQL, Excel, and Python to improve your resume.

Cybersecurity concerns are growing as new ways to steal and infiltrate systems emerge. Many companies now need tech experts to protect their systems and avoid compliance issues.

Get cybersecurity training by enrolling in online courses on platforms such as:

• Udemy
• Coursera
• EdX
• Code Academy
• Microsoft Learn
• Futurelearn

Doing so will make you more marketable since you can work as a cybersecurity expert in any industry.

Keeping up with tech news and industry trends will help you identify skills that will be in high demand in the next five years or so.

Equip yourself with the best abilities to stay ahead of other professionals who have been in the field for a long time. You may be surprised when employers prefer you over other experts because of a particular skill.

 

💡 Build a Portfolio

A resume is helpful, but your portfolio will make a better impact when starting in tech. Employers want to see what you can do, so it’s important to showcase your projects.

Build an impressive portfolio by working on side projects after work or on weekends. If, for example, you know how to code, you could build a simple website or app. After that, host it on GitHub so that potential employers can see and assess your skills. You could also redesign a website to improve user experience or responsiveness.

A portfolio will set you apart from applicants who only list their skills on paper. It shows potential employers that you took the initiative to practice your skills, which is a desirable quality in an employee.

 

💡 Expand Your Network

Landing a tech job may sometimes come down to who you know and whether they can vouch for you. Some employers may not post job openings publicly, so it’s good to network with experts who can recommend you.

Build your network by attending tech meetups to interact with like-minded people. If you don’t know where to start, you join tech groups on social media or follow conversations on platforms like Reddit. If you can’t attend physical meetings, consider online ones.

Interacting with other professionals on social media and online communities is a perfect way to grow your network when you are new to tech. Improve your visibility by engaging with posts by simply liking, commenting, or sharing. Don’t be scared to ask questions and offer your input when necessary.

Many tech industry leaders share valuable insights on social media or during interviews. Keeping up with them informs you about recent trends and essential topics. It gives you great conversation starters when interacting with tech gurus online or during industry events.

Do you know anyone who has successfully transitioned into tech? Having them as your mentors will help you break into the industry with less stress. They will connect you with other professionals and narrate their transition journey so you’ll know what to do and avoid. Your mentor can also offer valuable advice, encourage you, and provide technical support.

 

💡 Don’t Shy Away From Entry Level Jobs

Entry-level jobs may not always meet your financial expectations if you have had a leadership role in your previous field. But they will help you launch your tech career, and you can work with experts to sharpen your skills. These positions also have less demanding duties and don’t require complex skills.

Apply for entry-level positions and show employers you are enthusiastic and willing to learn. Once you prove yourself, you will quickly climb the career ladder to enjoy better pay and flexibility.

 

💡 Tailor Your Resume and LinkedIn for Tech Jobs

When trying to break into a new industry, you can leverage transferable skills and experiences.

Since most tech jobs are about solving problems,  you can use skills you already have to be more competitive. Highlight your problem-solving ability by mentioning roles where you had to detect issues and find solutions. Let potential employers see how you saved previous bosses money and time by fixing mistakes.

A tech job requires you to cooperate with colleagues when working on a team project. You also need to keep clients in the loop when offering managed services or designing a solution. Highlight your communication skills in your resume because these are also essential in the field.

Other transferable skills that can help you transition into tech are:

• Adaptability
• Project management
• Analytical skills
• Collaboration
• Attention to detail
• Creative thinking
• Research

If you gain a new tech skill, update it on your resume and LinkedIn. Add keywords that recruiters use when searching for candidates and have a compelling bio.

Refine your resume to explain why you are transitioning into tech, and mention why employers should hire you. If you’re confident in your abilities, you will intrigue recruiters and convince them to give you a shot.

 

Don’t Let Limited Experience Affect Your Career Transition

Limited experience shouldn’t deter you from pursuing a tech career. Grow your skills and highlight transferable ones to prove to employers that you’ll be a valuable hire. Use your network to discover job opportunities and find a mentor to support you during this tough career phase.