Do’s and Don’ts When Applying and Interviewing for Tech Jobs

Do’s and Don’ts When Applying and Interviewing for Tech Jobs

You’ve made up your mind that you want a career working with technology. Whether you are just beginning your career, you have career experience in other industries or you work in tech and want a different job, you need to know how to apply for jobs in a way that helps you land interviews.

There are certain things you should and shouldn’t do during the process that is looking for a job, tech jobs being no exception. “What are some of those things?” you may be asking. Well, we’re glad you asked because we’ve compiled a list of dos and don’ts below to help your application get noticed, secure an interview and land a job. Good luck!

DON’T home in on just one company or a few different companies

There is no shortage of tech jobs in need of passionate applicants. Wanting to work for Google might be your dream job, but that doesn’t mean it has to be your first job; nor is Google the only tech company looking for employees. If you decide on having an unwavering staunchness in your unwillingness to work for any other employer, you might be waiting a while to get into the tech industry.

Be sure to diversify the companies you apply to and submit quality applications to each one. A wider net will typically result in landing more fish, or jobs, to choose from.

DON’T emphasize quantity over quality when it comes to applications

Notice how in the previous tip we mentioned submitting quality applications. Putting effort into a smaller number of applications for jobs you can truly see yourself doing will, more often than not, yield better success when it comes to getting interviewed for tech jobs, as opposed to blindly firing resumes at hundreds and hundreds of postings across the web.

Submitting a quality application and well-thought-out cover letter shares more about who you are with the potential employer than a simple resume ever could. It takes more time and effort to craft company-specific cover letters, and while it might not be the most enjoyable process, if you submit a few at a time on a consistent basis, your labor should yield more fruits in the form of job interviews.

DON’T hide your employment experience, even if it seems like it is not applicable

Your previous work experience is valuable when applying for tech jobs for a couple of different reasons. It allows prospective employers to see what you have been up to and what kinds of skills you can bring to the table.

Another reason to disclose your work experience is to harness the power of networking. They can see where you have worked or are currently working, which may lead to the discovery of some mutual acquaintances who, in turn, may be contacted to speak highly of you. Many employers fill jobs by hiring people they know or whom their employees know. IT and other tech industry jobs are no exception.

You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take, or so the old adage goes. Searching for a tech job is no different. Even if you think you might not be qualified and you still apply for the position, you have already increased your chances of landing an interview exponentially. If you have the knowledge needed to do the job but not a degree in computer science, it may be enough in some cases if you are able to demonstrate your skills.

Something on your application may catch the employer’s eye. And, if you never hear from him or her again, that’s basically the worst thing that can happen when you apply. You will not know if you don’t put in the effort and try.

DO differentiate yourself from other applicants

We hit on this earlier in the quality-over-quantity section, but it is important to stand out when applying for jobs in tech or any other industry. Writing a carefully crafted cover letter is a great way to do that. Cover letters allow you the opportunity to tell your future boss who you are, what makes you tick and, perhaps most importantly, why you would be a great fit at the company. Doing that would be rather difficult if you were to simply utilize a cookie-cutter cover letter template. Be yourself and make the most of your cover letters.

DO build your skill set

Are you interested in breaking into the tech industry but worry that you do not quite have the skills or knowledge to start your new career? You might not be as far off as you perceive yourself to be. The IT programs at Campus, formerly known as MTI College, are crafted to prepare qualified candidates for the current tech job market.

With a better understanding of what to do and what not to do in your hunt for a position in the tech sector, perhaps you are considering enrolling in an IT program.

MTI College can help you achieve your tech dreams

A stellar education can make all the difference in your pursuit of your dream tech job. Luckily for you, Campus in Sacramento is proud to offer two unique information technology programs to aid you in starting a rewarding tech career: Technical Support Specialist and Network Administration and Security Associate.

The IT programs at Campus provide comprehensive computer and information technology training that will help prepare you to be a competent employee in your respective tech specialty. Courses help prepare students for the successful completion of CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications. Network Administration students aim for Microsoft MCSA certification in Windows Server 2016.

As a student in Campus' IT programs, you will learn a crucial set of skills you can utilize on a daily basis in your future career. You will have the opportunity to learn from Campus' knowledgeable and experienced instructors who place an emphasis on your IT education.

Campus' full-functioning lab rooms, small class sizes, individualized attention, and resources from Microsoft Imagine Academy, CompTIA Academic Partnership, and LinkedIn's Lynda.com.

MTI College Career Services Department offers students a wealth of job placement assistance prior to the completion of their respective programs. Campus' job placement staff helps students and graduates in their quests for employment with resources such as:

  • Resume-writing assistance
  • Mock interviews
  • Other job-searching tools and resources

If you have a passion for working with computers and computer networks, one of Campus' IT programs might just be for you. Explore the advantages of Campus and begin your journey toward your diploma today.

Campus can help you realize your tech career dreams. Get in touch with us and start the process of beginning your new career.