TABLE OF CONTENTS
Probably one of the most popular searches on Google is "How to Start a Career in IT" or "How to get into tech with no experience," and this is not a surprise. The IT sphere beckons with its flexibility and variety of positions, and with the rapid development of technology, the number of these professions is growing. However, entering the IT industry can seem daunting without prior experience or a technical background.
Key Skills and Qualities Needed for Any Tech Role
Technical skills are the backbone of any IT professional's career. These skills are often specific to the job role and can include:
Knowledge of Programming Languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript, etc.
Understanding of System Administration. Dealing with system hardware and software, managing servers, and troubleshooting are crucial for roles in network and systems administration, often seen as entry-level IT positions
Basic knowledge of security protocols might be beneficial, especially for entry level positions.
Skills in managing databases, performing data analysis, and understanding data structures.
However, a career in IT is not just about computers and coding. IT jobs require excellent communication skills to work effectively with your team. From problem solving to expressing your ideas and opinions, you'll be constantly interacting with your colleagues. Plus, you'll need to be quick on your feet when it comes to dealing with any issues that arise during your daily calls.
If you're looking to make a mark in the world of IT, you need to have more than just technical knowledge. A winning combination of technical and soft skills sets professionals apart. This secret sauce helps them easily tackle challenges in dynamic tech environments.
Insight! From our experience, even if two candidates have the same technical expertise, it's often the one with the better soft skills who gets the job. Hiring managers prioritize soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability.
The advantage goes to candidates who not only have the technical know-how but also the interpersonal skills to work well with others and contribute positively to team culture. So, if you're on the job hunt, make sure to highlight your soft skills and show how they can make a real difference in the workplace.
Background Preparation for Beginner It Jobs
Whether through formal education or self-directed learning, acquiring the right technical skills through certifications can bridge the gap between you and your first IT job. This is indeed the most obvious way to enter the IT industry.
The career path of a newbie: go to courses, catch the idea, join this world and get at least minimal knowledge in the chosen field. Students already go beyond the minimum position experience requirement by taking courses, especially if they have had practical training and created a portfolio which can be shown to potential employers.
If you decide to take this approach, here's a helpful strategy:
Narrow down the list of professions you are interested in. This will help you decide on specialized programs, webinars, or additional training.
Choose reliable courses. Depending on your area of interest, earn certifications like CompTIA IT Fundamentals or Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals. These are proven courses that will definitely not hurt but will definitely bring you up to speed.
Showcase your achievements. Present them in your resume, portfolio and mention gained skills in an interview. This is a relevant experience that needs to be displayed.
However, it is very likely that after investing a significant amount of money in a course, you will realise that it’s different from what you expected. And maybe you have a greater interest in another area of IT but are stuck on the course. This can be a potential downside, especially if you are new to IT and are still determining your interests. Training can be costly so it’s important to consider your options carefully not to waste time and money.
Gaining Practical Experience with IT Jobs That Require No Experience
Theoretical knowledge is just the beginning; real-world experience is the bridge to a successful career. In general, we can distinguish 3 options that are available to everyone who starts their way in IT
Option 1. Stepping into an internship. Companies, even those offering senior tech jobs, look for interns eager to tackle project-based assignments. These roles often provide a pathway not just to valuable experience but to potential full-time employment.
Option 2. Getting to know freelance platforms. The freelance market is a dynamic field where those with no formal job experience can thrive. Platforms like Upwork or Freelancer are excellent for those seeking entry level IT jobs with no experience. Engage in projects ranging from simple website tweaks to complex software development, building a portfolio for your future serious position.
Option 3. Step into tech jobs with no experience. Some professions don’t require extensive studying or a diploma, and you can find entry-level positions for these roles. These jobs typically don’t demand much work experience, and recruiters may specifically mention that they are suitable for students.
And still, recruiters are looking for some essential qualities in candidates.
Insight! Skills like adaptivity, flexibility, curiosity, etc., indicate your ability to learn technical material quickly. This tells the recruiter whether you can learn quickly and advance the career ladder.
One of the perks for a student will definitely be visiting a cosy office, which is a must for most companies (at least a hybrid type of work, going there three days per week after studies). The office is about meeting new people, communicating ang beeing on track with the team. A young and energetic student with no specific experience can join a team of professionals, learn and continue to move forward in IT.
Now let’s look closer at an example of a real entry-level job opening and its requirements. Experience is not mandatory for this Data Operator role; however, the ideal candidate should possess a specific set of skills, including the following:
If you’re interested in this job opportunity, here are some tips on how to prepare for an interview:
Get ready for an English interview and review IT-related vocabulary.
Get the most out of free resources: for example, you can watch a 2-3 hour Excel course on YouTube.
Prepare a story about situations where you’ve demonstrated analytical skills, a “can-do” approach, and teamwork. Be ready to share those experiences during the interview.
The field of data operation is quite diverse, so what you do next will depend on your passions. Possible directions of career growth include but are not limited by:
Data Analyst
Risk Analyst
Office Administrator
Bank Officer
Information Systems Manager
Manager of Data Center
Entry-level positions are challenging, and at the same time, they offer tremendous potential for growth. One thing to be sure about is that companies are interested in training you, providing all the help you need and supporting your development.
Crafting Resume for Entry Level Tech Jobs
If you're new to the IT industry and on the lookout for a job, you need to have a well-thought-out plan to stand out from the crowd. This means researching the companies you're interested in and tailoring your approach to highlight how your skills, experiences, and personality can benefit them. Here's how to refine your resume to stand out as a promising candidate:
Customize your resume for each job application. This involves mirroring the language used in the job description and emphasizing the skills and experiences that align most closely with the position's requirements.
Write a cover letter. It is important, regardless of whether you have experience, as a cover letter is a chance to get shortlisted.
Highlight Relevant Experience. Include direct job experiences and transferable skills from non-IT jobs. For instance, if you managed projects or coordinated teams, these are all relevant to IT roles.
Include Personal Projects. List these if you’ve worked on software projects, contributed to open-source platforms, or developed useful tools or scripts. Explain the technologies used, the problems solved, and the impact of your solution. This displays your technical skills, initiative, and passion for IT.
Attach a link to your portfolio. It's not enough to just state your experience—a portfolio is a great chance to prove it.
Ask for references from your previous job or education to increase your credibility as a candidate. The references should be drawn up in accordance with the position, with the indicated skills and achievements.
It’s up to you to choose which option suits your lifestyle best. If you’re interested in starting your career in IT right now, see our career opportunities and try your hand at the IT industry.
