“I want to work in IT, but I have no clue on how to get started.”
Does this sound like you? Don't worry, CompTIA is here for you every step of the way. We're breaking down specific steps that you can take right now to get a job in IT quickly. Whether you're a recent grad, changing careers or a student, while your journey may look different, we've got you covered. Follow these steps to get working in IT fast.
Step 1. Don't panic: No experience, no problem. No college degree, not a problem either. A large portion of IT professionals do not have a four-year or even two-year degree. There are many branches of IT, but IT support is often the first step for entry-level professionals.
Step 2. Identify your strengths: There's an abundance of IT jobs out there. All you have to do is figure out which type of IT job suits you best. First, ask yourself a few questions.
Well, use CompTIA's free career quiz to match your existing skills and interests to actual IT roles. Next, read IT job descriptions. Do they sound like you? And lastly, reach out to IT professionals and ask them about their careers, or watch day in the life videos.
We've got several in this playlist that you can check out about IT support. Once you have a better sense of which roles interest you and how they play to your strengths, it's time to get your hands on the knowledge that you need.
Step 3. Tinker: Ever had an issue with a smartphone or a computer and searched online for a solution? That is exactly what IT pros need for trial-and-error troubleshooting. Here are a few tips to help get you tinkering.
Quick Tips:
Step 4. Study from home: CompTIA offers many options that allow you to learn new skills at home on your own time.
Step 5. Get certified: Your IT certification will show that you have the specific skills needed to excel in IT. In other words, if you're certified, the hiring manager will know that you're prepared. That's why almost 90% of HR managers use certifications as a screening tool or a hiring criteria.
If you're just starting out, the first certification that you should tackle is CompTIA A+. CompTIA A+ is foundational. It's considered the industry standard for establishing a career in IT because it proves your ability to perform critical IT tasks and think on your feet. And don't forget that to get CompTIA A+ certified, you'll need to take your A+ exams.
Step 6. Get hands-on experience: So how do you get real experience without a job? Easy, you can get real IT experience from volunteer positions, apprenticeships, part-time jobs and internships. There are also plenty of online resources that can help you get hands-on experience. Check out a few of them in the video we mentioned.
Step 7. Get the job: First, add your certification to your resume. Next, make sure that your certification is also listed on your LinkedIn profile. Check out the resume tips linked in the description. You'll then use the power of networking to connect with a hiring manager and other IT pros.
So how do you network with IT pros you don't already know? Well, there are many different ways. Try out one of these strategies and move yourself closer to getting that J-O-B.
One, scan your LinkedIn network. Find someone with an interesting IT career and reach out. See if they'll hold an informational interview.
Two, talk to friends and family about your IT career goals. They may know someone whom you can connect with.
Three, you can attend professional association events, networking gatherings and conferences. Who says networking has to be boring?
Four, find land parties or gaming nights where IT people get together for fun. You can also read more tips for your next job search linked in the description.
And there you have it. Follow these steps to get your hands on that IT job fast. If you want to discover what kinds of IT jobs and salaries a CompTIA certification can get you, check out the resources in the description to learn more.
Read more about IT Career Center.