Land Your Dream Tech (or Any) Job Without Experience
Introduction:
The world of technology is a constantly changing and evolving landscape. This means that there are always new opportunities for those looking to break into the industry. However, for those without any prior experience, landing that first tech job can seem like an impossible task. But, fear not! Isaac believes that with the right mindset, preparation, and dedication, you can successfully land your dream tech job, even without any experience. In this blog post, we will explore some tips and strategies from Isaac to help you start your career in the tech field.
1. Build Your Online Presence
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential. Start by creating a professional profile on LinkedIn and keep it updated. Showcase your skills and projects, and make sure to connect with other professionals in your field. Another great way to build your online presence is by starting a personal tech blog on a website like Medium.com. Write about topics that interest you and make sure to share your posts on social media.
Isaac says, “Offer to do free work for friends to build up your portfolio. This is a great way to show potential employees or future customers that you have what it takes.”
2. Take Online Courses and Learn From AI
One of the best ways to gain relevant skills and knowledge is by taking online courses. There are a plethora of online courses available that cover a wide range of topics. Platforms like Youtube, Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare offer courses at affordable prices, and some of them are even free. By taking online courses, you can gain valuable skills you can showcase on your resume and during interviews.
As a college dropout, Isaac has used these platforms to teach himself many skills. He also now uses AI tools like Chat GPT to learn new skills rapidly. He believes this is a sea change that will continue to transform education. Get your skills up as fast as possible. This is the best way to spend your time and leapfrog yourself.
3. Attend Tech Meetups and Networking Events
Attending meetups and networking/association events can be an excellent way to make connections in the tech industry. Get on Google, LinkedIn, Eventbrite, and other platforms to look for events in your area that are relevant to your interests, and make sure to attend.
Engage in conversation with other attendees, ask questions, and show enthusiasm for the tech field. You never know; you may meet someone who can help you land your dream tech job or be your mentor.
Isaac has strategically used tech meetups to learn about new technologies and spot trends that he can use to set himself apart from the crowd. “When I was younger, I attended meetups in Washington, D.C. I met like-minded people who challenged me because they knew things I wanted to know. Looking back, this is how I realized I had what it took to become an entrepreneur.
4. Fearlessly Volunteer or Intern
Volunteering or interning at a tech company can be a great way to gain hands-on experience and build your resume. Look for opportunities online or reach out to companies directly. Even if the position is unpaid, the experience and skills you gain can be invaluable. Plus, it can help you get your foot in the door and potentially lead to a full-time job.
Isaac recommends using the following approach:
- Find companies that do what you want to do.
- Connect with the CEO and COO on LinkedIn.
- Contact them and offer to work for them for free or as an unpaid intern for 30 days to prove yourself.
- Tell them to provide you with specific objectives to hit over those 30 days.
- Ask to be mentored by the best person on the team for 30 days, and promise not to slow them down.
- Ask them what is the salary range for the position.
- Tell them you would like to receive an offer letter if you deliver with an offer at the top of that salary range.
- If you don’t deliver they can let you go and hire someone else.
- Repeat this process 100 times per week/month until you find a job
5. Showcase Your Passion and Enthusiasm
Always showcase your passion and enthusiasm. During interviews and in every conversation, highlight why you love what you do and are excited about starting a career in this field. Demonstrating your passion and enthusiasm can make you stand out from other candidates who may have more experience but lack the same excitement.
To effectively showcase your passion and enthusiasm during interviews and conversations, follow these steps:
Self-reflection: Take some time to reflect on why you are genuinely passionate about the field and the specific role you are pursuing. Consider the aspects that excite you, such as the impact of the work, the challenges it presents, or the opportunities for growth and innovation.
Know your strengths: Identify your strengths and how they align with the job requirements. Understand how your skills and abilities contribute to your passion for the field. This self-awareness will help you articulate your enthusiasm more effectively.
Research the company: Gain a deep understanding of the company, its values, mission, and culture. Find specific reasons why you are passionate about working for this particular organization and how your values align with theirs. This knowledge will enable you to express genuine enthusiasm during conversations.
Prepare specific examples: Think of instances where your passion and enthusiasm for the field shone through in your previous experiences. These could be projects, achievements, or even personal endeavors. Prepare anecdotes that demonstrate your excitement and dedication.
Tailor your communication: During interviews and conversations, carefully weave in your passion and enthusiasm into your responses. Connect your experiences, skills, and knowledge to the reasons behind your passion. Use positive and energetic language to convey your excitement. For example, instead of saying, “I like this field because it’s interesting,” say, “I’m incredibly passionate about this field because it constantly challenges me and allows me to explore innovative solutions.”
Be genuine and authentic: It’s important to be yourself and genuinely express your passion and enthusiasm. Authenticity is key in making a lasting impression. Avoid over-exaggerating or forcing excitement. Let your true passion shine through in your words and body language.
Show curiosity and eagerness to learn: In addition to showcasing your current passion, express your eagerness to learn and grow within the field. Demonstrate that you are open to new ideas, enjoy staying updated with industry trends, and have a hunger for continuous improvement.
Maintain a positive attitude: Throughout the interview process and beyond, maintain a positive and optimistic mindset. This positive energy can be contagious and leave a lasting impression on the interviewer or the people you interact with. Smile, maintain good eye contact, and engage actively in conversations.
6. Reverse Engineer Job Postings for Your Resume
Reverse engineering existing job postings can be a great way to build an effective resume tailored to your target tech job. First, look for job postings in the industry that match your skills and interests. Once you have identified the job, you would like to apply for, analyze the job description and determine the skills companies seek. Use this information to tailor your resume and make it stand out from other applicants.
Isaac says, “I would go find ten of the top jobs in my desired career and take the bullets they use for my rough draft resume. From there, I would tell my story using those bullets. It’s a great way to start when you don’t know how to create an attractive resume.”
After you have developed your skills, use the following prompts in Chat GPT to find the top careers to pursue:
What are the full career options for someone that needs a job that has a lot of [your first relevant skill] skills, [your second relevant skill] skills, [your third relevant skill] skills, etc?
7. Focus On Soft Skills
Finally, don’t forget to emphasize soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, leadership, and critical thinking in your resume. Employers often consider soft skills to be just as important as technical abilities. Showing that you have the necessary soft skills and can work well with others can be the key to getting hired for a tech job without experience.
Conclusion
Starting a tech career without any prior experience can be challenging, but with the right mindset and preparation, it’s possible to land your dream tech job. Start by building your online presence, taking online courses, attending tech meetups and networking events, and volunteering or interning. And, last but not least, showcase your passion and enthusiasm for the field. Keep in mind that landing a tech job may take time, but with persistence and hard work, you will get there. Good luck!
Isaac's Closing Questions
- Are there specific strategies or tips you found helpful in securing a tech job without prior experience?
- What steps can aspiring tech professionals take to stand out to employers and overcome the lack of experience in the industry?
