10 Entry Level IT Jobs (And what you can do to get hired)
In a world that is becoming increasingly reliant on technology, there are many ways for jobseekers to “break into tech.” If you have already studied or taken courses to build a basic foundation of technology knowledge, here is some advice to help you take the next step and actually get hired in your first IT role.
The first step I recommend is that you take some time to think about what you enjoy doing. Steve Jobs once said that “The only way to do great work is to love what you do” and here at Needlefinder Recruiting, we wholeheartedly agree with that statement. If you’re forging a new career path, you should take the time to do some soul-searching and make sure that your new job will involve something that you genuinely enjoy. Once you’ve identified what you like to do- whether that’s analyzing data, solving problems, writing, or communicating- you can begin your job search.
Next, you’ll need to assemble your resume. A common mistake I encounter with individuals who want to break into tech is that they feel as if they should be open to any opportunity. As a result, these jobseekers often write their resumes and profiles broadly. However, we recommend focusing on one type of role. Tailoring your resume and cover letter for a specific position will make it easier for an employer to envision you in that job.
Once your application materials are ready to go, you can begin the job application process. Entry level positions are often posted on job boards and websites like Indeed and LinkedIn. It also doesn’t hurt to utilize and expand your professional network by attending events in your industry, joining online communities, and reaching out to established professionals. Networking can help you find new job opportunities, obtain referrals, and discover new mentors to help you navigate these early stages of your career.
It’s important to note that it doesn’t hurt for jobseekers who are looking to break into the tech world to reach out to agency recruiters and share their resume; but employers typically tend to fill their entry-level roles internally. With that being said, if their current employees are overloaded with work or they want fresh talent on their team, they might give you a chance!
Landing an entry-level IT role can feel daunting, but if you hone in on what you enjoy doing, focus your application materials on specific roles, and network with established professionals in your field, you’ll greatly increase your chances of landing a job in the technology sector.
Now that you have an idea on how to get started, check out some examples of common entry-level IT roles below.
1. Help desk technician: Help desk technicians provide technical support to customers and clients, troubleshooting and resolving issues with hardware, software, and networking. To get hired as a help desk technician, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of computer systems and some customer service experience. A degree in computer science or a related field can also boost your chances of landing this role.
2. Network Administrator: Network administrators are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining computer networks, including LANs, WANs, and the internet. Having a degree in computer science or a related field- and some hands-on experience with networking technologies- can increase your chances of getting hired as a network administrator. Industry certifications such as the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) can also be beneficial.
3. Systems analyst: Systems analysts work to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of computer systems within an organization. To get hired as a systems analyst, it is helpful to have a degree in computer science or a related field and some experience with programming and database management.
4. Software developer: Software developers design and create computer programs and applications. Having a degree in computer science or a related field, and experience with programming languages such as Java or C++, can increase your chances of getting hired as a software developer.
5. IT project manager: IT project managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing the implementation of IT projects within an organization. Having a degree in computer science or a related field and some experience in project management can be helpful to get hired as an IT project manager. A certification in project management, such as the PMP (Project Management Professional) certificate, can also be beneficial.
6. Technical support specialist: Technical support specialists provide technical support to customers and clients, troubleshooting and resolving issues with hardware, software, and networking. To get hired as a technical support specialist, it is beneficial to have a degree in computer science or a related field and some customer service experience.
7. Information security analyst: Information security analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from cyber threats. To get hired as an information security analyst, it is helpful to have a degree in computer science or a related field and experience with information security technologies and protocols. Industry certifications such as the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) can also help increase your chances of getting hired.
8. Data analyst: Data analysts analyze and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. Having a degree in computer science or a related field, and experience with data analysis tools and techniques, can boost your chances of landing a data analyst position.
9. Technical writer: Technical writers create technical documentation and manuals for software and hardware products. To get hired as a technical writer, it is helpful to have a degree in computer science or a related field and excellent writing and communication skills.
10. IT sales representative: IT sales representatives are responsible for selling IT products and services to clients and customers. Having a degree in computer science or a related field and experience in sales can increase your chances of getting hired for this role.
