5 Ways You Can Boost Your Chances of Success When Hunting for Your First Tech Job
Written by Stephen Sage
You are looking to switch careers, but you are worried that you do not have the appropriate skills to help you land that first role. I get it! Moving into a new industry can be a scary prospect, especially the tech industry which traditionally has been an industry where you needed to have done a computer science degree before you even got a look in!
The good news is a career in tech has never been more accessible. There are guided learning government funded boot camps like the ones we provide at Tech Educators, as well as a wide range of online resources for self-learning and with a high demand for skilled workers and various pathways to get you started it is a good time to make that move.
To help you get a good start here are five ways to really boost your chance of success!
1. Build a Portfolio Showcasing Real World Projects
It is essential to have your own Portfolio to help showcase your talents.
Not only does the portfolio itself show you have the skills needed, but you can also add commercial-specific projects in the areas you are interested in to help you get that role.
Projects like websites, data visualisations, or apps, can demonstrate your abilities and show employers that you’re capable of practical work.
Start with projects that solve a real problem. Build something that helps make your personal hobbies more fun or easier, you can contribute to open-source projects, or build an API from scratch. There are thousands of projects you can do to show off your skills and passions but make sure you make them as personal as possible, this will help you stand out from the crowd.
2. Emphasise Transferable Skills
Having the right soft skills is just as important as the right coding skills.
If you come from a non-tech background you will have a plethora of skills that are transferable over to the tech industry.
If you are switching from a career in hospitality, then you have time management, problem-solving, team communication and conflict management
When applying for a role, go through the job description with a fine tooth comb to match up the soft skills you have from previous experience and take it from there.
Do not overlook these—they are strengths that can set you apart from other applicants and make sure you highlight these front and centre on your CV and covering letter.
3. Network with the Tech Community
Networking is a skill in itself. Many jobs are filled through personal connections, so start building relationships within the tech community. You can do this through LinkedIn, going to local tech meetups, and online coding communities.
To be successful at the networking game, you do not need to be the most qualified expert in the room. Ask questions, join discussions, and show interest in learning. Engaging with others in the industry will lead to top advice and potentially your first foot on the career ladder.
The most successful networkers are the people who are inquisitive and want to soak up as much information from their peers as possible. Show that eagerness to learn as it will make you stand out!
4. Tailor Your Job Applications
Having a template CV and sending it out to every employer will help you apply for more jobs however it is the quality of your applications that will get you through.
Tailor your applications to match each individual job description by highlighting relevant skills and experiences that mirror what the employer is looking for.
Research the company and the role, and adjust your CV to showcase the skills or tools required for the role.
Make a note of any news about the business that you can confidently talk about during an interview as well. This added attention to detail shows employers that you are interested in the company as well as the position.
5. Stay Updated and Keep Learning
The tech industry is a fast-paced industry that is always changing, and employers value candidates who stay up-to-date with the latest trends and tools.
Whether this is via continuous hands-on learning which demonstrates adaptability. Or simply signing up to newsletters, podcasts or YouTube channels which can demonstrate that desire to learn — these are both crucial traits in the early stages of a career in tech..
Explore courses, join bootcamps, and work on certifications. You can enrol in a government-funded skills bootcamp, like the one offered by Tech Educators. This will give you the right skill set to move into a career in software development. As well as helping you connect with other members of the tech community.
Bootcamps are an affordable and practical way to build a strong foundation for a long-term career in the tech industry.
Making a career switch is an exciting and rewarding journey, and while it can be challenging, with the right approach it is achievable. Focus on building the appropriate skills, connect with your local community, and present your unique strengths.
Remember, every tech professional was once a beginner—and your ambition and dedication will help you through.
Ready to jumpstart your journey? Discover how our Government Funded Skills Bootcamp at Tech Educators can give you the support and training you need.
About the Author
Stephen, our Careers and Partnership Lead at Tech Educators, completed our MERN stack Bootcamp in 2023.
Before the bootcamp Stephen worked in Hospitality, and also has a history of Sales and Recruitment so he understands the challenges of making a career switch and is passionate about helping our graduates achieve their goals in tech as well as fostering valuable industry partnerships to help with these ambitions.
Outside of work he is a keen tabletop and card gamer and can be found in a gaming cafe most weekends playing anything that has the Star Wars IP.
