Tips to Land You That Next Dream Job in Tech
Transitioning into tech
Now that 2018 has officially begun, have you started to tackle your list of new year’s resolutions?
2017 was an exceptionally tough year in the Canadian economy, especially for many Albertans who faced layoffs in the oil and gas industry. With gas prices tanking to a new low, many professionals feel the need to revitalize their resumes, refine their skills and some even made the decision to transition into completely different fields.
With all this talk about Amazon HQ2 and the recent surge in the tech industry, suddenly everyone wants to get a piece of this pie while it’s hot.
If you see yourself as being one of the professionals breaking into tech this year, then the following resources will come in handy to help you transition into a new career in tech.
Going Back to School
SAIT
Sometimes transition goes through multiple stages and some will choose to go back to school.
SAIT has fantastic Information Technology programs from 2-year diplomas to 4-year degrees. Whether you have aspirations to become an App Developer or you want to sharpen your administrative skills with more data related knowledge, SAIT offers a wide range of options for everyone in classroom or online formats.
Lighthouse Labs
Got a knack for problem solving? Perhaps you should give web development a try. Lighthouse Labs is an education and mentorship program originally started by a group of passionate software developers.
Today, Lighthouse Labs host web development workshops and bootcamps across Canada. Within 6–10 weeks living, breathing and dreaming about code, you can kick start your new career in a completely new field.
Networking
Ahh, the beauty of good ol’ fashioned networking!… Sometimes the best way to land a job is doing it the old school way; by making connections with key players, knowing the who in the company or organization and what can you do for them as a potential employee.
But times have changed and before you strike up that impressionable first conversation, you should arm yourself with proper information.
1. Research
Start by researching about the company you are interested in working for; arm yourself with proper knowledge about who they are and what they stand for. Many employers are beginning to see the value in culture, and are beginning to adapt to a fit-focused business model.
2. Refresh Your Resume
Your resume is a reflection of who you are and to make an impression in a fierce market makes it even tougher. During your research, keep a close look on certain keywords; especially in the job description if the position is posted online. With employers going through hundreds of applications, large companies are investing in certain softwares to help streamline the hiring process. These softwares will then scan applications in search for key phrases and words, and if you don’t include them, you won’t get an interview. By including this step in your job searching process, it will prevent your application from getting lost in the virtual abyss.
3. Reach Out To Your Network
Think of your own network as a plant, by planting the seed and putting the word out that you are seeking new opportunities it may trigger your network to help spread the word for you in their own communities; the point is you never know who other people may know and that personal introduction can take you a long way.
4. Attend Seminars and Networking Events
Sometimes the best way to land you that job is to be brave and step out of your comfort zone, which means approaching them in person — timing is everything!
Remember, you are at a ‘networking event’, you are there to make connections just the same as the other person — all you have to do is to have the courage to “brave the ask”.
Chic Geek is a great resource if you are seeking to transition or learn more about tech and entrepreneurship! Building a supportive and inclusive community for women crossed between the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship, they run MeetnTech, a fun networking and informative event in Calgary with a focused topic each month.
On February 21, the topic of discussion will be the exploration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; how can this new technology benefit businesses in the future?
