How to Get an Entry-Level Tech Job with No Experience

To get the job, you need experience. To get experience, you need a job. But to get a job…you get the idea.

It can be difficult to break into a new industry – but it’s certainly not impossible, especially in tech, where there’s a growing need for tech workers.

Once you have the tech skills you need for the role you’re interested in, there are a number of ways you can start your job search.

Here are a few ideas: 

Resources for Finding an Entry-Level Tech Job with No Experience

1. Visit Job Boards

Pros: Endless job listings
Cons: Big competition

You’ll find a ton of open roles on job boards and online listings. However, these resources also bring the most competition. You’ll see thousands of jobs, but also thousands of applicants. With a strategic, steady approach, however, job boards can be used to land your first job in tech. They’re a good place to get started and explore the types of roles and companies you’d be interested in.

2. Reach Out Your Contacts

Pros: People who know you can provide an inside track to open, interesting tech jobs.
Cons: Reaching out to people can feel pushy (but it’s not - people like to help!). 

Your network of personal contacts may be the best path to a tech job. If you know people working in technology or know managers and business owners who need technology support, reach out to these contacts. Even if you’re just reaching out to set up an informational interview to ask about their role, it’s a great place to start networking and letting people know you’re open to new work. 

3. Use Your Available Career Support System

Pro: Schools or bootcamps often have relationships with hiring partners.
Cons: Career support doesn’t come with any guarantees; it’s a piece of the overall job search puzzle. 

Most schools and bootcamps provide career support on top of training students with the tech skills they need for new careers in tech. This type of career support can prove vital for landing your first tech job. Tech Elevator, for example, provides a Pathway Program that includes 1:1 career coaching, introductions to hiring partners, resume building, and much more. Career services like this are a great way to access professional help to set yourself apart from other applicants and land the job you want. 

4. Complete an Internship

Pros: Add real-world experience to your knowledge and skills.
Cons: You may work for low or even no wages.

Internships are the traditional method for gaining real experience. While they don’t pay a massive amount (even today some pay nothing at all), they provide critical experience you may need to land an entry-level job. Also, many internships lead to job offers once the internship is complete. 

4 Tips for Landing the Job

The following skills and strategies will make your search more efficient and less stressful. 

1. Emphasize Your Soft Skills

Tech jobs require strong soft skills, including communication, analysis, creativity, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving skills. Emphasize these skills on your resume, in interviews, and on your LinkedIn profile.

2. Take a Course or Enroll in a Bootcamp 

Various certifications in different areas of tech can help you land an entry-level job. If you want a more immersive form of training, look into bootcamps that can train you quickly, effectively, and with career support built in.

3. Stay Persistent

Don’t give up – there’s a tech employer out there who needs you. You just need to find them and demonstrate your skills and readiness.

4. Start a Project-Based Side Hustle

To gain more experience and build your portfolio, be open to taking on projects, or even starting your own projects based on personal interest. This shows passion, initiative, and also helps you develop even more skills. 

No matter where you are on your job search journey right now, there’s a lot to look forward to. There are a number of entry-level tech jobs that don’t require prior professional experience in the field. Keep your head up as you search – and stay ready for the right role!