Expert Tips to Get A Tech Job: Strategies to Build Skills, Network Effectively, and Secure Your Dream Job in a Competitive Industry
Breaking into the tech industry, especially in high-demand fields like AI, can be challenging. With top companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft attracting fierce competition, many job seekers struggle to stand out.
Holly Lee, a former recruiting leader at Amazon, Meta, and Google, who later transitioned to career coaching, shares four key strategies to help job seekers land a good tech job.
1. Start Small, Think Big
Many aspiring tech professionals dream of working at major companies, but those roles are highly competitive. Instead of focusing solely on big names, consider starting at smaller or midsize companies where you can gain hands-on experience, take on multiple roles, and develop valuable skills.
Fast-growing startups, especially those in Series B or C funding, can offer stability and career growth while allowing you to explore what excites you the most.
2. Master the Art of Learning
Tech is a constantly evolving field, and versatility is key. Instead of limiting yourself to a single role, look for opportunities to expand your skill set.
For instance, if you’re a web designer, take on side projects in user experience or graphic design. If you’re a software developer unfamiliar with Python or Java, learn one and leverage its similarities to grasp the other. The broader your skill set, the more appealing you become to recruiters.
Additionally, consider industries beyond traditional tech companies. Sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals are increasingly hiring tech professionals.
3. Network Like a Pro
Submitting countless applications online without connections often leads to dead ends. Networking is the secret weapon for breaking into the industry.
Start by reconnecting with former classmates and colleagues to see where they’ve landed. Join LinkedIn and Facebook groups relevant to your field and engage with hiring managers and professionals.
When reaching out, personalize your message. Instead of a generic request, say something like:
“I’ve been following your career growth and admire your work at Amazon. I noticed you previously worked at Microsoft—I’d love to connect and learn more about your journey.”
Building genuine relationships can open doors to opportunities you wouldn’t find through job boards alone.
4. Ace the Interview
If you’re securing interviews but not landing offers, your preparation might need improvement.
Technical interviews, especially for engineering roles, require problem-solving skills, coding expertise, and the ability to design system architectures from scratch. Practice these areas thoroughly.
Additionally, keep your responses concise. If asked why you want to work at a company, deliver a strong three-sentence answer instead of a long-winded response. Employers want to see confidence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.
The path to a tech job isn’t always straightforward, but with persistence, learning, networking, and a great interview preparation, it is very possible to position yourself for success. Just start small, build your skills, and stay proactive.
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