Tips For A Career In Tech for Women

Tips For A Career In Tech for Women

If you have just entered into the tech job market, landing a job that best suits your skillset can sometimes be easier said than done, especially if you are a woman. When searching for an IT-related role, you will be glad to know that with the right knowledge, there are several things you could do (such as working your way up from an entry-level role or getting certified) that could help you land a job and break through the glass ceiling.

We spoke to Evolution Jobs, and they gave us some useful tips on how to find the perfect tech career – no experience needed:

CRAFT YOUR TECH CV

How much time do you spend writing up your application? Probably not that long. Right!

Well, by not tailoring your application to suit the role you are applying for, you are selling yourself short. This is not good considering that the recruiter has already clearly stated the type of candidate they are looking for in their job description.

So, consider the recruiter’s post description, build around that, and do your best to demonstrate that you have the skills they are looking for in your application.

Please note: When you send the same application every time you basically set yourself up to fail.

PREPARE WELL FOR THE INTERVIEW

Okay, so you have created a killer CV, and that is awesome, but that is only half of the battle.

If you want to increase your success rate, it is imperative that you prepare well for the interview to come. And that goes beyond getting your introductions and outfit right.

When preparing for an interview, start by thinking about some of the questions you might be asked. Tech interviews typically concentrate on both your skills and mindset and often test whether your tech knowledge is relevant to the industry and up-to-date.

If you do not have an idea of some of the questions that you might be asked, there is no need to worry. There are lots of guides available that can help you nail any tech or IT interview questions that might arise.

AIM LOWER

If you are having a hard time finding the right role, then chances are you have set your bar too high.

We are not saying that you undervalue your skills. No! However, if you know that you do not have a lot of experience, there are several entry-level jobs (apprenticeships and internships) available that could help you find your footing (work experience.)

Some good examples include Administrators and Testers, Helpdesk and Support positions, Junior Developers, and Designers. Apart from these roles being easy to get, they are also a great way to progress your career.

So, while your ultimate goal is to score a more lucrative tech role, taking up an entry-level job as someone new to the industry will allow you to work your way up the career ladder.

NETWORK

Building networks is not just limited to companies like Cisco.

People who work in the tech industry tend to stick together. Networking and meeting like-minded people will allow you to meet individuals who could be what you need for your career to go the direction.

As such, consider attending IT-related events around you and reach out to potential innovators or mentors on social media. Make yourself known.

The great thing about this is that you might end up landing a job with the next ‘hit’ tech start-up (Start-ups generally value cultural fit and skills more than experience.

EXPAND YOUR SKILLS

While you might be the best at what you do, it is still imperative that you always look for ways to grow your skills.

If you are proficient in only one coding language, learn a new one. If you are looking for a job in web design, polish up, and perfect your Photoshop skills. If you are having a hard time demonstrating your talent on your application, build a personal website, and include a link on all the CVs you send out.

Adding to what you have won’t only make you versatile, it’ll also help ensure your skills are always in demand, making you an irreplaceable hire.

GET CERTIFIED

Just saying you have the right skills is not enough. You must be able to show these skills.

Getting certified is one way of backing up all your attributes and helps put all that you have learned into perspective. Find a qualification, be it CSS, C#, CompTIA, or Cisco, that’ll add value to your job application.

Getting started does not have to be as difficult as you think. With so many discounted classroom-based and online courses available, there will always be something to suit everyone.