Navigating the Tech Job Search? Experts Share Insights

Course Report recently hosted a panel discussion on Navigating the Tech Job Search in 2024 + 2025, and our Senior Director of Career Development Vinny Sanfillipo participated as a tech-career expert. The insightful discussion covered tips for navigating the current tech job search landscape, how leveraging AI can factor into the process, the value of networking, and much more.

You can read the full transcript and watch the recorded panel here, and we’ve included some discussion highlights below.

In-person work is often (but not always) expected, especially for beginners.

The panelists discussed the shifting nature of modern tech work. They said more companies are emphasizing in-person work lately, with less focus on remote jobs. Companies often want employees (especially junior software engineers) to work in-house.

Stable industries create tech opportunities.

Deeply-rooted, societally necessary industries like healthcare, education, government, manufacturing, and infrastructure are great options for software developers. Regardless of market conditions, these industries often need tech professionals as their tech capabilities and dependencies grow.

The importance of a quality resume.

Tech is evolving, but the importance of a good resume remains. A crisp, clean, concise resume is critical. Your skills should be listed at the top, and your work experience needs to be highlighted. Keep it within one page, and no need to add a headshot.

No college degree? NOT a deal breaker.

In the current tech job market, more employers are open to hiring candidates who don’t have a traditional college education. This trend is highlighted by the Tear the Paper Ceiling campaign, which encourages companies to hire STARs: people who are “Skilled Through Alternative Routes.”

AI’s impact on the tech job search.

Job seekers can use AI tools to help with researching jobs and responsibilities, writing outreach messages and cover letters, and updating social media profiles (especially LinkedIn, which is important for networking).  The panel discussion covers how to use these AI tools to ensure the materials sound like yourself and help you rather than hurt your chances.

An important thing to do after your coding bootcamp graduation.

After finishing a bootcamp, graduates are encouraged to keep working on projects that add to their portfolio. Picking up smaller projects through contract work helps a software engineer stay active and engaged.

Taking care of yourself is critical.

One of the panelists pointed out that taking care of yourself throughout the tech job search is critical. “The job search process is grueling,” said Ashley Ramos of Springboard. She added that “a lot of job seekers just get overwhelmed,” but support and community can help you while you’re looking.

Watch the recorded panel for more & a look into 2025.

Visit Course Report to watch the full panel discussion and/or read the transcript, which includes insights about what to expect from the tech job search in 2025.

And if you’re ready to start training, you can learn more about our coding bootcamps and get started today.