To our new College Graduates who are seeking careers in IT
Ah, the joys of being a new college graduate in the year of our Lord 2023. It's such an exciting time to be alive, isn't it? With a degree in hand and a spring in your step, you're ready to take on the world and start your dream job in the IT sector. That is, of course, if you can find a job, and beat the competition. As it turns out, it's tougher than a two-dollar steak to actually land that dream job in today's market.
According to recent labor statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, new college graduates are facing some pretty stiff competition in the job market. Not only are they competing against each other, but they're also going up against tenured employees who are staying in the workforce longer than ever before. It's enough to make you want to crawl back into bed and binge-watch the latest season of "The Mandalorian" on Disney+.
But fear not, young Padawans, there are ways to overcome these challenges and grab the attention of the ever elusive eye of the Technical Recruiter. The first step is to stand out from the crowd. And no, I'm not talking about dying your hair purple and wearing a tutu to your next job interview (unless of course it’s required for the job). I'm talking about showcasing your unique skills and talents. Maybe you're a whiz at coding, or perhaps you're a social media maven. Whatever it is, make sure it shines through in your resume and cover letter; and be sure your CV is tailored to the job you want. If you're applying for a front-end web development job, highlight your experience with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. And for the love of all things tech, make sure your resume is in a readable professional looking font. And by that, I mean ditch the Comic Sans and save it as a PDF. Recruiters will thank you.
Networking is also key. Attend job fairs and industry events, and don't be afraid to reach out to alumni or other professionals in the field. Even if they don't have a job opening at the moment, they may be able to provide valuable advice and guidance, or even refer you to someone who does have an opening. And if you're feeling so bold, reach out and introduce yourself to professionals on LinkedIn for informational interviews.
“But what if I lack experience?”
领英推荐
No worries! Build up your portfolio by creating projects on your own or contributing to open-source projects. And if you're feeling extra ambitious, start your own tech blog or YouTube channel. Another option to address the “lack of experience” problem, is internships and/or part-time work. Don't underestimate these educational steppingstones. Even if it's not your dream job, taking on a relevant internship or part-time job can give you valuable experience and help you build your professional network. Plus, it shows potential employers that you're serious about the field and willing to put in the work.
Finally, make sure you're keeping up with the latest tech trends and skills. Recruiters want to see that you're not only knowledgeable but also eager to learn and grow with the company. You might consider gaining some additional certifications or training. Employers are always on the lookout for candidates who can bring something extra to the table. Whether it's a certification in a specific programming language or a course in project management, anything you can do to set yourself apart from the competition will be an asset.
In the words of my favorite tech genius, Elon Musk, "The first step is to establish that something is possible, then probability will occur." So, keep at it, keep learning, and keep believing in yourself.
To conclude, if you are a new college grad entering the IT sector; Yes, you will face some tough competition, but by taking some simple steps like cleaning up your social media, tailoring your resume, networking, building your portfolios, and keeping up with the latest tech trends, you can improve your chances of landing that dream job. And as Malcolm Gladwell wrote in Outliers, "it's not how much money we make that ultimately makes us happy...it's whether or not our work fulfills us." Keep this in mind as you strive towards a fulfilling career in the tech industry, and good luck!