6 Strategies for Building Your Resume As a Beginner in IT

6 Strategies for Building Your Resume As a Beginner in IT

It's a well-known fact that the technology sector is booming. Between 2019 and 2029, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that computer and information technology occupations will add 531,200 new jobs. 

However, just because there are numerous IT jobs available does not guarantee that you will land one. You must enter the job application process with a strong resume — which means you must possess the training, skills, and experience that IT employers seek.

Getting started in information technology is not as straightforward as it is in other careers that follow a well-defined path. There are numerous paths to your first IT position, but some are more advantageous than others. Join us as we learn from IT hiring managers how to improve your resume and prepare for an IT career.

 

6 Resume building options for getting started in IT

While there is no foolproof way to ensure that you will land your dream job, there are some tried-and-true methods for enhancing your experience and building a resume that will attract employers' attention. Discover what you should be doing to help launch your IT career by speaking with our technology hiring experts.

 

1. Concentrate on specialization to the greatest extent possible

While many people approach entry-level IT jobs with generalist skills, some experts believe that having a specialty helps you stand out. “Information technology is always in need of specialized experts,” says Zohar Gilad, CEO and cofounder of InstantSearch+. “It will take time, but I believe it is the best course of action in the long run.”

Employers want to see job candidates who are committed to achieving their career objectives. Specializing in a particular area of IT, such as network support or IT support, can demonstrate to employers that you are capable of excelling in the position they are hiring for.

 

2. Accumulate experience

In the technology field, theoretical knowledge will only get you so far. If you truly want to hone your skills and demonstrate your ability to succeed in the real world, you must gain hands-on experience.

“Take advantage of any internship or part-time job opportunities in the field,” advises PurpleSec CEO Jason Firch. “Experiential learning is the most effective way to acquire the skills necessary for success in the information technology field.” Even if you are unable to secure an internship in your field, look for virtualization projects that will allow you to put your skills to the test. You can even assign yourself "homework" and work on your own unique projects.

 

3. Share examples of your work

Do not conceal the real-world experience for which you have worked so diligently. Demonstrate it on your resume! And this does not simply entail listing pertinent jobs and internships (although you should, of course). Employers want to see your work in order to assess your abilities.

“As a technology professional, you must demonstrate your expertise. You must demonstrate your ability to apply your technical skills to real-world problems,” says Paul French, managing director of Intrinsic Search. He suggests including a link to an online portfolio as part of your resume or application. There, you can showcase your previous work and include a brief description of your work process and the issues you resolved.

 

4. Showcase your soft skills

While technical skills are unquestionably necessary, don't overlook the importance of soft skills in technology. Employers are looking for new hires who are a pleasure to work with and demonstrate a sense of teamwork. Firch notes that many entry-level positions require interaction with customers, which requires you to be "personable, friendly, and upbeat."

French concurs, stating that "demonstrating superior soft skills demonstrates that you offer more than just technical expertise." He suggests emphasizing in-demand soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

 

5. Build your technical skills

Technical abilities, of course, are critical in this career field. The majority of serious candidates for IT-related roles do not walk into an interview with nothing but ambition—they bring a foundation of technical knowledge with them.

While the skills that are most important to you will vary according to the specialization you choose, there are some fundamental technical skills that many employers will seek. According to our experts, the following are some of the most in-demand technical skills you should brush up on:

• Cybersecurity
• Cloud computing
• Basic programming (HTML and CSS)
• More advanced programming (Python, Java and JavaScript)

 

6. Obtain certification

Unlike many other fields, information technology does not require new hires to have a four-year degree. Rather than that, when employers read your resume, they are looking for relevant technical certifications. Hiring managers want to know that you possess the necessary skills for the job, and technical certifications are an excellent way to demonstrate that you possess demonstrated knowledge.

“Certifications are the gold standard in information technology,” Firch asserts. “Your career path is strongly influenced by the certifications you earn.” The good news is that the majority of certification programs are shorter in duration and less expensive than traditional undergraduate degrees. Students enrolled in Rasmussen University's technology certificate programs can earn an online certificate in as little as six months and be prepared to enter the workforce.