Landing a job in IT.

Why on earth would you want a job in IT?? Only joking . IT is a really rewarding career choice that is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic fields today. From IT hardware, cybersecurity to software development or IT support, the demand for skilled professionals is ever-increasing. If you're looking to break into the IT industry or advance your current career, this blog may help you find that edge.

Self-Assessment: Identify your interests and skills

Determine Your Area of Interest

The IT field is vast, encompassing various roles such as IT support, software development, network administration, cybersecurity, data analysis, and more. Begin by identifying which area aligns with your interests and strengths. Consider the following questions:

• Do you enjoy solving complex problems and coding? Software development might be your path.

• Are you fascinated by protecting systems from cyber threats? Look into cybersecurity.

• Do you have a knack for managing and organizing data? Data analysis could be for you.

• Enjoy helping others with IT issues? IT support may be the way forward. It's also okay to not know what you want - most IT skills are completely transferable between different skill areas, so pick a skills area, try it and if you don't enjoy it - try to understand the bits you didn't like to move into another area thats more suited.
  

Evaluate Your Skills

Assess your current skills and knowledge. Identify any gaps that need to be filled to match the job requirements in your chosen field. This self-assessment will help you create a targeted plan for skill development.

Education and Certification: Build your knowledge base

It's often assumed you need a degree to work with computers, not at all. You need to have a passion for it - work hard on yourself and your skills. Given the choice of employing a fresh graduate or someone with 1 or 2 years practical IT experience, experience wins almost every time.

Formal Education

It's often assumed I have a degree in computers to work with them, nope, not at all. I didn't go to university - I always wanted to work in IT (read my Love for IT post!)... so I went straight to college then went for practical experience. I'm not saying don't go to uni - but just think about would it better spent working the ranks in a IT helpdesk to gain practical experience.

Online Courses and Bootcamps

If you lack a formal education, if you're looking to switch careers, or if you just can't get a break getting into IT - online courses and bootcamps are excellent ways to improve your CV. Platforms like YouTube, Alison, Reed and even the open university offer free training material.

Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your CV and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some valuable certifications include:

• CompTIA A+ (for general IT knowledge)

• CompTIA Network+ (Entry into IT networking)

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) for cybersecurity

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) for network administration

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect for cloud computing
  

Hands-On experience: Gain practical skills

Lets be honest - you need to start at the bottom and earn your stripes, as many jobs do. You won't be unleashed on a customers server on day 1, but little wins - every day you'll learn something and one day you'll be a senior tech taking the next apprentice under your wing.

Apprenticeships and Entry-Level Positions

Apprenticeships provide valuable on-the-job experience and can often lead to full-time positions. Even entry-level positions, such as 1st line help desk support, can be stepping stones to more advanced roles.

Personal Projects

Create your own projects to showcase your skills. Build a website, develop a small application, or set up a home network. These projects can be included in your portfolio and discussed during interviews to demonstrate your practical abilities and eagerness to progress and highlight your passion for IT.

Volunteer Work

Offer your IT skills to local non-profit organizations or community groups. This can provide real-world experience and networking opportunities, while also contributing to a good cause.

Managed IT Providers

Reach out to IT managed service providers in your area, like Pebble IT. ask if currently they are looking for any trainee 1st line techs. No harm in asking and it could lead to something - but be prepared, work on yourself and your skills, show you have already started to learn and can be trusted.

Networking: Connect with Industry Professionals

Attend Industry Events

Participate in conferences, meetups, and webinars related to your field. These events are great for learning about industry trends and making professional connections. There are so many of these online now and what a great talking point at your next interview.

Join Online Communities

Engage with online forums and communities such as Spiceworks, GitHub, Stack Overflow, and LinkedIn groups. These platforms allow you to interact with industry professionals, seek advice, and stay updated on job openings.

Leverage Social Media

Use LinkedIn to its full potential. Follow companies you’re interested in, connect with professionals in your field, and share your own insights and projects to build a strong online presence.

Crafting your CV and preparing for interviews

Tailor Your CV

Customize your CV for each job application. Highlight relevant skills, certifications, and experiences that match the job description. Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Don't forget to add in any home projects to talk about - show your initiative.

Prepare for Technical Interviews

Many IT jobs require you to pass technical interviews, which can include coding challenges, problem-solving exercises, and theoretical questions. Practice using platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, and CodeSignal.

Soft Skills Matter

Employers look for candidates who not only have technical skills but also possess strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Prepare to discuss how you’ve demonstrated these skills in past experiences. Have you been helping family members for years? mention it.

Keep learning and stay updated

The IT field is constantly evolving. Stay current with the latest technologies and industry trends by following tech news, reading blogs, and taking continuous education courses. This commitment to lifelong learning will keep you competitive in the job market.

Conclusion

Breaking into the IT industry requires a combination of passion, practical experience, and networking. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can build a strong foundation and increase your chances of landing your dream job in IT. Remember, persistence and a willingness to learn are key to success in this ever-changing field. Good luck on your journey to a rewarding career in IT!

If you would like a friendly chat on how we can help you with your IT requirements or want to find out more, please reach out at hello@PebbleIT.co.uk or contact us on the website.