Five Tips for Getting a Job in Information Technology

Information Technology Job Tips

• Know What Kinds of Jobs are Out There
• Make Certain You Have the Right Training
• Get Experience
• Become a “Techie”
• Be Willing to Start at Entry Level

Whether you are a student working on an information technology degree, or someone in the job market, getting a job in information technology could be a high priority for you. With new technology being discovered practically every day, the competition for information technology jobs is vigorous. There are several things you can do to put yourself a step or two ahead of the pack waiting to interview for these jobs, though. Here are five tips for getting a job in information technology.

1. Know What Types of Jobs are Out There

Information technology is a large field. There are jobs in healthcare information technology, in corporate network management, in government and in other areas. The thing is, nearly everything in industry and the social network is run by computers today, and employers need capable people to run the machines. That means you can specialize. Not only can you choose the arena in which you work, you can choose the type of position you hold within that arena. In healthcare, for instance, you could manage a hospital billing system or work with patient electronic health records. Job requirements vary widely, so knowing where and how you want to work is important for preparing for your career and for having a successful job interview.

2. Make Certain You Have the Right Training

If you are still in school, begin taking courses specific to the area of information technology in which you want to work. To get a job in healthcare information technology, for instance, you should be familiar with terminology and systems used in that field. If you are in the job market, you can take online or campus-based courses while you work. You should attend some information technology organization meetings to get a feel for how corporate systems are set up and to network with people already employed in the field.

3. Get Experience

If you have some computer skills, you would be an asset to a local charity or business. Consider volunteering. You might take calls at a help desk or do some technology support. Current students should look into internships or summer job placements. If you qualify for a work-study program, you might apply to the school office or to other position where you can hone your skills.

4. Become a “Techie.”

Learn HTML. That is the basis for all information technology development. Learn Java Script as well, because it is one of the foundational languages of the Internet. You might install Linux on your computer so that you can become familiar with an operating system other than Windows. Read computer books. Immerse yourself in the language and in the world of the Internet. Write a program, and build a website. Use your skills and knowledge, not a template, to put it together and to publish it. Then use your website as a sample of your work in applications and interviews.

5. Be Willing to Start at Entry Level

It might surprise you that you can get an information technology job without a degree or even a high school diploma, if you have marketable skills. Of course, you won’t move up the ladder unless you add education to your resume, but you can get your feet wet in the industry. That low-level position will allow you to get experience while you take courses or even earn your degree. Let prospective employers know that you intend to become more knowledgeable and to get better computer skills. They might even be willing to help you financially or allow you leeway in your job schedule.

Related Resource: The 25 Best Online Bachelors in Information Technology Degrees

Information technology jobs are usually high-paid positions. Starting at ground level you won’t expect to earn a great salary, but with education and experience, you could land a job as a systems analyst with a median salary of $87,220 or a programmer earning an average of $79,840, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With a graduate degree, your income could reach six figures. These tips for getting a job in information technology are a starting place for you, if you are interested in working in the fast-growing information technology industry.

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