The tech sector has become one of the fastest-growing industries in recent years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in the field grew by over 20% between 2016 and 2017 alone. This growth is expected to continue through 2022.

Tech companies are looking for talented individuals with strong technical skills and knowledge. They also want candidates who are passionate about their craft and eager to learn new things. If you meet these qualifications, you might be able to land a great career opportunity.

This post will show you how to get a job at a tech company. We’ll also share tips on making the most of your time once you land the job. So read on and start climbing the corporate ladder!

1. Create a digital study notebook

Tech jobs are changing every day. As technology advances, it becomes harder to keep up. To succeed in today’s competitive market, you must know how to code, design, build, test, and deploy software applications. But even if you already have some experience, there’s always something new to learn.

The good news is that tech skills aren’t just limited to one industry. With the rise of online education, you can learn everything you need to land a great position—whether you’re looking for a career change or want to advance within your current role.

A digital notebook helps you track what you’ve learned and company research, including trends and changes in the field. This makes it easier to find relevant information when preparing for a future interview. If you’re interested in learning more about tech careers, check out our guide to the best tech training programs.

2. Polish relevant IT skills

IT jobs are always changing. Some roles require strong communication skills, while others call for experience working with computers. To make sure you stand out among potential candidates, it helps to know exactly what employers are looking for.

Here are some examples of the types of skills that employers look for most frequently:

• Operating systems: Familiarness with Mac, Linux, and Windows can put you in a good position to work across multiple platforms and devices.
• Communication: Communicating with colleagues and customers is one of the main responsibilities of many IT professionals.
• Problem-solving: Solving computer problems is another common skill set for those seeking employment.
• Technical writing: Writing about technology can be helpful when explaining how something works to someone else.

3. Build your experience

Experience is likely to be one of your biggest advantages when gaining a wonderful job as a network engineer or system administrator.

And while there are plenty of ways to build up your resume, some of the most effective include coursework, certifications, and even volunteering.

Coursework: Coursework, both online and in person, often requires you to work on hands-on projects or assignments. You might even find yourself preparing for certification exams. If you want to take advantage of this option, check out our list of free online courses.

Certification: Certifications, especially networking-related ones, can help you stand out among applicants. The Google IT Support Professional Certification, for instance, may serve as excellent study material for the CompTIA A+ test.

Volunteering: Volunteering is another way to build up your experience. Check out our guide to finding volunteer opportunities around the world.

Not Sure Where To Start? When looking at coursework options, think about what kinds of experiences you already have. Have you worked with computers before? Do you enjoy learning new things? What types of classes interest you? Once you know what you’re looking forward to, you can narrow down your choices.

3. Get a certification

Certification programs are one of the best ways to become certified in a particular technology area. They offer a great opportunity to build skills while earning a credential. Certification programs often include courses in foundational topics such as networking, security, and IT operations. Some even cover industry standards like COBIT 5 and HIPAA compliance.

You can also earn certifications through classes offered by organizations like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ANSI offers several different certifications in information systems management, including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Technology Auditor (CIWA), and Certified Information Assurance Manager (CIAIM).

4. Seek out informational interviews

Informational interviewing is one way to gain insight into companies without having an actual job offer. This strategy involves asking someone within a company a set of preplanned questions to help you understand what it’s like to work there. Informational interviews are often used by people looking to change jobs, but they can also be useful for those seeking to advance in their current position.

The best part of informational interviews is that most people are happy to chat with you—even if it’s just for a few minutes. So make sure you keep things short and sweet. Also, try to find out more about the person you’re speaking with. What does their day look like? How long have they been at the company? Are they planning to move up the ladder?

5. Network

Networking can be a useful way for you to meet potential employers, industry experts, recruiters, and even colleagues.

But keep in mind that a new employment isn’t a guarantee of effective networking. Additionally, remember to foster connections with individuals outside of your field of expertise and professional path as you expand your network.

For example, you might know someone who works in HR, which could help you land an interview. Or maybe you’ve met someone through a professional site like LinkedIn, and now you want to connect offline. Use those connections to learn more about the companies you’d like to work for, and use that information to build rapport with decision-makers during your next conversation.

6. Fine-tune your interview skills

Interviewing isn’t always easy, especially when you’re nervous. That’s why it’s important to practice. You may not get every question right on the first go, but practicing will improve your confidence and give you better results.

It’s also helpful to prepare answers to commonly asked questions. For instance, if you’re being interviewed for a sales role, you should know how to answer questions about salary expectations, benefits packages, and other compensation details.

7. You’ll have to differentiate yourself from the other candidates

How do you make yourself stand out from the crowd? We asked recruiters what they look for in candidates, and here are some things we learned:

• You must demonstrate passion.
• Your resume needs to highlight relevant experience.
• Don’t rely on gimmicky buzzwords.
• Showcase your personality.
• Make it easy for recruiters to contact you.
• Include something that makes you different from everyone else.
• If you’re applying online, make sure your profile stands out.

8. Only apply for positions for which you meet every criterion

When landing a job, companies look for candidates who best match their offerings. But how does one know whether or not they’re qualified? A recent study found that many people don’t realize that certain technical requirements must be met before applying.

If you want to land a job, meet every requirement in the job description. And if you’re unsure about something, ask someone who knows about the position. They’ll likely be able to tell you if you’re missing anything important.

9. Talents that are soft yet necessary for a job in computer science

Soft skills are often overlooked when it comes to hiring decisions. But they can make or break a technology role. A study by software developer training provider Dev Bootcamp found that nearly 80% of employers interviewed believed soft skills were key factors in determining whether someone would succeed in a tech career.

Big tech companies want more than just strong technical skills. They’re looking for people with excellent interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, creative, and leadership skills. And those skills don’t necessarily come naturally.

Many tech pros spend most of their time working alone, without interacting with colleagues. This lack of socialization makes it hard to develop important soft skills like empathy, collaboration, and teamwork.

Key takeaway

Applying to jobs at tech companies can be a daunting task. But, with the right tools and resources, it doesn’t have to be. By following the tips in this blog post, you’ll be on your way to landing that dream job at a tech company in no time.

And if you need help putting together an application package that will stand out from the competition, don’t hesitate to contact our team of resume experts for assistance. With their help, you’ll have a resume that will impress any hiring manager!