How to Get an IT Job: Succeeding in Your IT Career: 20 Tips
There’s never been a better time to start a career as an IT professional, particularly with the tech market booming and showing no signs of slowing down as is discussed over at runrex.com. If you are looking to get started in this field, find an IT job and succeed in your IT career, here are 20 tips that should help you do just that.
- What is the difference between a resume and a CV?
Before you update your resume or CV, it is important that you know which one between the two companies prefer. The main difference between the two is that while a resume is typically limited to one page, a CV is usually 2 or 3 pages at the most as discussed over at guttulus.com. This means that resumes tend to be concise and more to the point while CVs allow you to expand on your qualifications, focusing on education, experience, research, awards, and publications.
- Make a good first impression with your resume or CV
Given that your resume or CV will be the first impression a potential employer has about you, you must take the time to ensure that your resume or CV paints a complete and positive picture of who you are. Also, as explained over at runrex.com, proofread your resume or CV checking for typos and errors and making sure it is professionally written before sending it out.
- Be balanced
According to the gurus over at guttulus.com, it is also important that you find the right balance between talking yourself up and embellishing your achievements when crafting your resume or CV. Make sure that everything you include on your resume is valid and is backed up by a reference, working knowledge, or accolades.
- Tailor your resume for each job
Another tip worth mentioning is how important it is to tailor each resume to the job you are applying for. Avoid using the same resume for every position you apply for. Also, include power words ad relevant keywords in your resume to make it stand out from the rest.
- Be relevant
Remember, potential employers, are mostly only interested in the experience you have had that pertains to the job you are applying for. This is why you must ensure your relevant skills and qualifications stand out above the ones that have nothing to do with the position you are applying for.
- Make sure that everything on your resume is backed up
According to the subject matter experts over at runrex.com, it is also important that you ensure that everything on your resume is accurate and valid. You will be asked questions about your work experience, education, and any skills you have listed on your resume, and you want to be able to exemplify all the knowledge you claim to have.
Interviewing tips
If you manage to secure an interview, the following tips should help ensure that it is a success.
- Research interview questions and prepare
You must do your homework and research for possible interview questions as far as the job is concerned, with sites like Glassdoor being an excellent resource as far as this is concerned as discussed over at guttulus.com. Also, try and hold mock interviews with friends or family to prepare and be ready for the interview.
- Research and know the company
Also, properly research the company so that you can feel confident when going into your interview. This includes making a list of questions you want to ask during the interview. This will show how interested you are in the job and prove that you have done your research as discussed over at runrex.com.
- Know the dress code
When doing your research, you should also find out the company’s dress code so that you can dress appropriately during your interview. This will also show that you took the time to do your research and learn about the company’s culture.
Tips on Networking
- Take advantage of LinkedIn
If you want to succeed in your IT career, then a LinkedIn profile is a must. Make sure that you complete your profile and use a professional profile picture. Also, don’t forget to add highlights of your accomplishments as well as links to projects you’ve been a part of or papers you’ve written.
- Know who can help you
Make sure you exchange business cards whenever you meet someone new, especially if they work in the IT industry. Additionally, as discussed over at guttulus.com, don’t be afraid to talk to your friends and family and ask them if they have connections that they would be willing to introduce you to.
- Be authentic
According to the gurus over at runrex.com, the key to success as far as networking is concerned is being authentic and looking for ways through which you can also help someone else out. It’s all about giving and taking and not just one-way traffic if you want to keep and nurture your connections.
These are some of the tips to consider as far as networking is concerned, keeping in mind that networking is a continuous process and you should always be networking to have a successful IT career.
- What are the best degrees for IT professionals?
As is discussed over at guttulus.com, most universities offer degrees in computer science allowing one to gain an in-depth and thorough knowledge of the IT field. Additionally, almost every university offering online courses has a computer science program that is often referred to as a Master of Information Technology, and these online programs are an excellent option whether you are looking to get started in the IT field or improve your existing skills.
- What are some of the best universities to attend?
Given that having a degree in IT is crucial and can help you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs, it is important to know some of the best universities to consider for the same. If you are considering earning a Master’s in Information Technology degree, then you should consider Penn State World Campus, Arizona State University, the University of Illinois in Springfield, Drexel University, just to mention a few.
Tips on IT tools and resources
- LinkedIn and other digital platforms
If you want to succeed in your IT career, then you will need to lean heavily on LinkedIn which is one of the most powerful networking tools at your disposal. It will allow you to connect with people who are interested in or are already working in the IT field, as well as those in other fields which can be beneficial as opportunities can come from anywhere. Other platforms like Facebook and Twitter can be beneficial too in your search for IT positions.
- Job search engines
Job search engines like Indeed and CareerBuilder are yet another excellent resource when looking for IT jobs as per the gurus over at runrex.com. Many technical jobs are posted on these sites daily and you should take advantage of these platforms when looking for an IT job.
- Don’t limit yourself to online resources only
When looking for a job in the IT industry, while online resources such as LinkedIn and job boards are important, it is crucial that you don’t limit yourself but that you use all the resources available to you as is explained over at guttulus.com. This includes offline resources such as career fairs, asking your friends and family for positions, traditional media, and so much more.
- Keep up with all the latest developments
Given that the IT field is always changing, you will need to find a way to keep up. You should follow industry experts on social media as well as popular blogs and websites that will keep you in the loop with up-to-date information on what is happening in the industry.
- IT conferences
You should also make sure that you are aware of any upcoming IT conferences so that you don’t miss out on any important ones near you. Over at the excellent runrex.com, there is a comprehensive list of upcoming conferences in the IT industry that you shouldn’t miss out on.
- Certification and training courses
Finally, certifications are a great way to level-up and boost your skills and knowledge in the IT industry, increasing your chances of finding a job. There is no shortage of certifications and training courses within the IT field, with the choice you make here depending entirely on your IT position as different jobs require different skills and knowledge.
These are some of the things to consider when looking for an IT job and are aiming to succeed in your IT career, with more on this and other related topics to be found over at the excellent runrex.com and guttulus.com.