With our continuing reliance on technology, even post-pandemic, there is a wide variety of lucrative tech career openings for graduates with the relevant skills and knowledge – from designing and developing applications or systems, to problem-solving and technical support.
 
So how can you break into the burgeoning tech industry? Guest writer, Adele, suggests some strategies to make the job hunting process feel a little more manageable.
 
 

Photo: Christopher Gower on Unsplash

 
 
Our guide will help you get to grips with the essentials of graduate tech careers, and how to know the right path to choose.
 
 

Explore the type of role you’re looking for

 
Many recent graduates are put off from searching for tech jobs as they feel their degree isn’t specific enough to get into the field. A common misconception is that you need to have a computer science degree to even be considered for a tech position, but many employers will consider those with varied qualifications – especially if the business has a graduate scheme.
 
Some employers have a preference for graduates who studied a STEM subject (science, technology, engineering or maths) and others may require a graduate who has studied an IT-based degree. It’s worth double-checking the job specification if your degree lies outside of these fields.
 
If you feel passionate about a specific role, you may need to be prepared to upskill in some areas. Any graduate tech jobs require you to work your way up, so be prepared to work hard!
 
 

Write an impactful application

 
Before completing any applications, making sure your CV is tailored to suit the jobs you want is key. Applying for jobs can be a time-consuming process, but creating a CV can’t be a one-size-fits-all approach. You’ll need to tailor your resume for each position. Some ways to do this are:
 

• Scan the job description for keywords and use them throughout your CV
• Make the connection between your existing skills and the job requirements extremely clear for the recruiter
• Document your experience clearly in chronological order
• Include your achievements under each section and use metrics wherever possible to highlight your successes

 
Don’t be afraid to promote jobs you held in university as work experience for your CV. All the responsibilities you had, whether it be in a restaurant, child care or retail, taught you important professional skills that hiring managers are looking for.
 
 

 
 

Get savvy on job sites

 
A lot of job hunting is simply sifting through the noise, but plenty of recruitment sites allow you to set up alerts for specific keywords. Get into the habit of setting up notifications on job sites for keywords, for example, ‘software developer’. That way, you’ll get an email if a role pops up matching the description.
 
If you find the job sites aren’t returning the results you expected, don’t be afraid to reach out via your social media network.  Many companies are choosing to advertise roles via Twitter and Linkedin, and a well-timed connection request or direct message can make all the difference.
 
 

Stay organised

 
Once your job hunt is underway, it’s important to keep on top of your applications. Ensure you are regularly checking emails and job sites for responses and leave time to prepare for any interviews you may be invited to.
 
Researching companies extensively before an interview can also help you to determine whether the role will suit you. There are many resources online that can give you an insight into the business, and what it’s like to work for them.
 
Following a business’ social media accounts can also help you to get an idea of the most up-to-date news, company performance and culture.
 
After completing your research, keeping on top of your applications is crucial. We’d recommend creating a spreadsheet with key information, for example, the date you applied for the role, job title and some basic information on the business.
 
 

Pack a punch in your interview

 
Preparation is key for a successful interview. Reviewing the job description before the interview, and then preparing examples of how your skills apply to the role is a sure-fire way to impress your interviewers.
 
It’s vital in an interview to ask thoughtful questions. This not only demonstrates your curiosity for the role but is a chance to show off the research you’ve done too!
 
Finally, sending a follow-up thank you note to your interviewer will reinforce why you are the right person for the role and will leave a lasting impression.
 
 

 

About the author

This article was written by Adele, Marketing Executive at Novel, who are reputable providers of student accommodation in Glasgow. Passionate about setting students up to make the most of university experience and beyond, Novel offers a range of apartments and dedicated amenities.
 

Find out more:

Why & How to get into a Tech Career
A Director at a specialist technology recruitment firm, explains how to get into a tech career & why it should appeal to graduates

 
BP Graduate Profile: Software Engineer
The energy industry isn’t always top of mind for graduates who haven’t studied  STEM subjects. But there are plenty of openings, as you can find out from Hadi & his graduate colleagues at bp
 
Graduate Job Applications – Tips for Jobseekers
How to tackle job applications & succeed at each stage of the recruitment process
 

A guide to Tech grad schemes – Bright Network

 
IT Graduate Jobs – Prospects