Strategic Tips for Landing Your First Tech Role After Internship; A Guide for Career Transitioners
Upon the successful completion of your desired tech course and. internship, you may find yourself contemplating the transition to a paid position. Undoubtedly, the workplace is the best place to showcase your digital competencies.
As you prepare to embark on your professional journey, securing that first paid position can pose a challenge, particularly in the absence of prior work experience.
In this guide, we’ll spill the beans and provide exclusive insights to help you dazzle and snag your first entry-level tech role. Read on to equip yourself against multiple rejections and enhance your prospects for success in the professional world.
1. Update your Resume
Crafting a meticulously designed resume is pivotal for leaving a lasting impression on hiring managers and securing coveted interviews. In today’s competitive job market, standing out can be daunting, but a well-updated resume can set you apart from the competition.
Studies show that documenting your skills and achievements not only boosts confidence and self-awareness but also facilitates hiring managers in effectively assessing candidates based on their qualifications, traits, and skills. Opt for dynamic action verbs to articulate your experiences and maintain a clean, easily readable format for maximum impact.
2. Build a Strong Portfolio
Enhance your employability by spotlighting your skills and expertise through the creation of a comprehensive online portfolio. Building an effective portfolio tailored to your specific industry is a key strategy. Developers can showcase projects on Github, designers can establish a presence on Behance, and content creators can cultivate their social media profiles. This strategic presentation of your work in industry-appropriate platforms allows you to connect with the right audience, amplifying your chances of being noticed and hired.
Additionally, always ensure your portfolio website or platform includes contact information. This ensures potential employers can easily reach out, streamlining the process for them to take the next steps in considering you for the position.
3. Get Professional Mentor(s)
Condense four years of life lessons into one with the guidance of a proficient mentor. In the vast landscape of the tech industry, seasoned professionals generously share insights, resources, and diverse opportunities that can expedite your journey.
Take, for instance, David Herbert, a trailblazing UI/UX designer, Goodness Somtochukwu, a prolific copywriting coach, whose influence has propelled interns into their first jobs. Similarly, figures like Susanne Madsen and Elizabeth Harrin are making significant strides in the project management realm.
Beyond social media following, proactively pursue opportunities to glean knowledge from these experts. Seek mentorship programs, participate in tech events, and attend conferences hosted by industry leaders. Engage with them on social platforms, posing questions and seeking advice to enrich your learning experience.
4. Proudly flaunt your achievements
Enhance your visibility by boldly displaying your achievements online. Establishing a robust online presence across various platforms, including social media, is a powerful strategy. Platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn serve as excellent arenas to forge connections with fellow professionals and exhibit your expertise.
Demonstrate your commitment to growth by staying updated on industry trends and acquiring new skills. Highlight any certifications or courses you’ve completed. Take the initiative to proudly display your certifications on LinkedIn, GitHub, and Twitter. Share insights into your learning journey, internship experiences, personal projects, and other noteworthy details, steering away from mere entertainment. By doing so, you amplify your presence and attract the attention of those who appreciate your professional endeavors.
5. Proactively Pursue Opportunities: Don’t Wait for Job Openings.
In the tech industry, many agencies engage in talent hunting rather than posting job ads on social media. To stay ahead, take the initiative to showcase your skills to potential employers. Connect with multiple companies in your field, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn for streamlined access.
Gone are the days of waiting for responses after sending traditional emails. If you already have specific companies in mind, great! If not, take the time to identify and compile a list of companies in your field of interest, with a focus on startups that often seek additional talent. Reach out to hiring managers or founders directly, sharing your CV/portfolio.
Embrace the innovative approach of selecting 2–3 niche areas, creating insightful slides covering various aspects of the company, and sharing them with the hiring manager. This method adds a unique touch to your application strategy. Applying to multiple companies each week is a numbers game that can significantly increase your chances.
With persistence, a well-prepared portfolio, and creative strategies, you might find yourself securing that dream job sooner than you think.
6. Volunteer with Non-profit Organizations.
Beyond the altruistic aspect, volunteering with non-profit organizations offers a unique opportunity to cultivate skills crucial for your career. While waiting for your ideal tech job, consider engaging in one or two volunteer roles to stay active and gain valuable experience.
In the contemporary job market, companies highly value soft skills such as emotional intelligence, integrity, empathy, credibility, and effective communication. Volunteering not only contributes to society but also aids in developing these vital attributes, showcasing your commitment to making a positive impact.
Numerous non-profits and humanitarian organizations seek volunteers for various activities. Explore reputable programs like the MICROSOFT TEALS program, the US Peace Corps volunteer program, and the tech4dev program to kick-start your volunteering journey. Additionally, online platforms offer remote tech volunteer opportunities across a diverse array of tech-related fields.
7. Exercise Patience in Your Tech Journey.
In the dynamic realm of technology, it’s tempting to anticipate swift success. However, the reality is that achievement in the tech industry, akin to any other field, demands time and patience.
It’s possible that you won’t secure the desired jobs in the initial months of your application efforts. While this might be disheartening, it’s crucial to trust the process. Every success story has its waiting period, and valuable outcomes require time to materialize.
Indeed, the tech industry boasts a high success rate, but, as in any other sector, patience and consistency in your application and learning endeavors are key. Success will come, and the journey is an essential part of the process.
Final Reflections
In the fiercely competitive tech landscape, securing your inaugural job may seem daunting, yet it presents an exhilarating opportunity to ignite your career and establish a solid foundation for future triumphs. By adopting the right strategies, as outlined above, you can significantly enhance your prospects and pave the way to realizing your dream job in the tech industry. Remember, persistence, strategic networking, continuous learning, and a well-crafted presentation of your skills can make all the difference in steering your career towards success.
With so much love,
Victoria Olamide
