9 Tried-and-Tested Tips on How to Land a Job in Tech in 2025

9 Tips to Land a Job in Tech  

Breaking into the tech industry requires a mix of skill-building, networking, and strategic planning. 

Whether you're a beginner or switching from another field, these nine tried-and-tested steps will guide you toward landing your dream tech job. 

#1. Take an Online Course 

Online courses are a great way to learn foundational tech skills at your own pace. 

Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer programming, data science, and cloud computing courses. 

For example, if you're interested in web development, you can take a course on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Many courses also provide certificates, which can add value to your resume. Depending on your experience level, start with beginner-friendly courses and gradually move to advanced topics as you build confidence.

#2. Build a Strong Online Portfolio 

Your online portfolio is your digital resume.

It showcases your skills and personal projects to potential employers. For example, if you're a web developer, create a personal website displaying your projects, such as a blog, e-commerce site, or even a weather app.

Use a platform like GitHub to host your code and include the project on your LinkedIn profile and resume to show you’re proactive. A strong portfolio can demonstrate your technical abilities, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

#3. Develop the Right Skills

Tech roles require specific skills, so focus on learning what’s in demand. 

For example, software developers need proficiency in languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript, while data analysts should master tools like SQL, Excel, and Tableau. Research job descriptions for roles you’re interested in to identify the skills employers are looking for. 

To give you an idea, here are some of the top tech skills for 2025:

#4. Work on Personal Projects 

Personal projects are a great way to apply your skills and stand out to employers. Hiring managers love candidates who do cool stuff in their free time; plus, they also show that you’re genuinely passionate about the field.

For instance, if you're learning data science, analyze a public dataset and create visualizations to share on GitHub. If you're into app development, build a mobile app that solves a real-world problem. 

These projects enhance your skills and give you specific examples to discuss during interviews.

Here’s an example of a personal projects section on your resume:

#5. Network With the Right People

The key to unlocking opportunities in tech is professional networking.

That said, you must maintain your network even when you aren’t actively looking for a job. That’s because networking in the tech industry can help build your reputation and lead to unexpected opportunities. 

Networking is pretty straightforward to master. You just need to:

• Attend industry events
• Join online communities like Reddit’s r/learnprogramming or Dev.to
• Connect with professionals on LinkedIn

For example, you can connect with someone in your desired role on LinkedIn and ask for an informational interview to learn about their career path. Building relationships can lead to job referrals, mentorship, and valuable insights into the industry.

#6. Consider Internships and Entry-level Positions 

If you're new to tech, internships are an excellent way to gain work experience and build up your resume. Many companies use internships as a pipeline for full-time hires, so treat them as opportunities to prove yourself and set the foundations for your career.

Such companies include Google and Microsoft, but there are also smaller startups that offer internship programs. Keep in mind that even unpaid or part-time internships can provide valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities you can leverage.

Alternatively, you could also aim for entry-level roles. Look for positions like Junior Developer, IT Support Specialist, or QA Tester, since they usually hire tech newbies with little to no experience. We recommend always including a cover letter so you can better illustrate why you would be a great addition to their team. 

Use platforms like LinkedIn, AngelList, or Glassdoor to find a role that matches your skills and aligns with your career goals.

#7. Stay Updated

The tech industry evolves rapidly, so it’s crucial to stay informed about trends and new technologies. This is the sector where skill obsolescence is accelerating the most, so you should stay ahead of the curve.

Follow tech blogs like TechCrunch, Hacker News, or Medium, and subscribe to newsletters like Morning Brew (Tech) or The Pragmatic Engineer. Join online communities like Reddit’s r/programming, Dev.to, or Stack Overflow to engage with other tech enthusiasts. 

Additionally, consider attending webinars, conferences, or local meetups to learn from industry leaders. Staying updated will help you in interviews and ensure that your skills remain relevant.

Want to have an eye-catching resume in minutes? Use our professional resume builder to breeze past any ATS and impress hiring managers!

#8. Create a Tech Resume

Your resume is your first impression to the employer, so you’ve got to make it count.

Not to mention that hiring managers only spend an average of 30 seconds reading a resume before deciding if the candidate is worth giving a shot. So, it’s not an overstatement to say this document is your biggest chance to land your dream job.

Here are some tried-and-tested tips to perfect your tech resume: 

• Include working links in your contact information. Add links to your GitHub, LinkedIn, personal portfolio website, or a specific project you’ve worked on, such as a website or app. This makes it easy for hiring managers to explore your projects and skills. 
• Write an eye-catching resume headline. Make sure your resume conveys all the most important information at a single glance. Write a brief paragraph summarizing your experience and one-to-two achievements or highlight your most relevant skills and career objective.
• Focus on your work experience. Highlight relevant roles and impressive achievements, even if they’re from non-tech jobs. For example, “Managed a team of 5 to deliver a project ahead of schedule” demonstrates leadership and project management skills regardless of the field. If you don’t have enough experience to make this section pop, highlight your tech know-how and accomplishments in other sections, such as your education, personal projects, or internships.
• Tailor your resume to the role you’re applying for. Customize your resume for each job. For example, if you’re applying for a front-end developer role, emphasize your experience with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and showcase relevant projects.
• Include keywords from the job description. Improve your resume by incorporating keywords from the job ad, whether that’s “Python,” “cloud computing,” or “agile development”. Your resume will breeze past the applicant tracking system (ATS) and show the employer you’re a good fit.
• Stick to one page. Hiring managers skim resumes before they read them, so keep it concise. Focus on your most relevant experiences, skills, and projects, and avoid any unnecessary details.
• Use optional sections. Adding sections like certifications, hobbies and interests, or personal projects can add value to your resume and highlight additional qualifications. These can be industry-relevant interests like “machine learning” or certifications for tools you’re proficient in, such as Figma, Docker, or Tableau.

Now, let’s look at an example of a perfect IT resume:

#9. Prepare for Interviews

Tech interviews are thorough, often including technical and behavioral components.

Here are some examples of what to watch out for:

• For technical interviews, practice coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Codewars. Focus on data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving. 
• For system design interviews, study how to design scalable systems, like designing a URL shortener or a chat app. 
• For behavioral interviews, prepare using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to give comprehensive answers to questions like "Tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem." You can do mock interviews on platforms like Pramp or Interviewing.io to help build your confidence.

13 Top Tech Jobs for All Career Levels

Fortunately for you, the tech industry offers a wide range of opportunities for professionals at all levels. 

Here are the top 13 most in-demand tech jobs at the moment:

#1. Software Engineer

National average salary: $129K - $208K/yr

Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work on everything from mobile apps to enterprise systems, using programming languages like Python, Java, or C++. They often collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable and efficient solutions.

#2. Data Scientist

National average salary: $130K - $211K/yr

Data scientists analyze complex datasets to uncover trends and insights. They use tools like Python, R, and machine learning algorithms to build predictive models. Their work helps businesses make data-driven decisions, from optimizing operations to improving customer experiences.

#3. Cloud Engineer

National average salary: $123K - $194K/yr

Cloud engineers design and manage cloud infrastructure using platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure. They ensure systems are scalable, secure, and cost-effective, often working with DevOps teams to automate deployments and improve efficiency.

4. Cybersecurity Analyst

National average salary: $106K - $171K/yr

Cybersecurity analysts protect organizations from cyber threats by monitoring networks, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing security measures. They use tools like firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems to safeguard sensitive data.

5. AI/ML Engineer

National average salary: $154K - $254K/yr

AI/ML engineers develop artificial intelligence and machine learning models to solve complex problems. They work on applications like natural language processing, computer vision, and recommendation systems, often using frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.

6. DevOps Engineer

National average salary: $118K - $175K/yr

DevOps engineers bridge the gap between development and operations teams. They automate workflows, manage CI/CD pipelines, and ensure seamless deployment of applications. Tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins are essential to their work.

7. UX/UI Designer

National average salary: $93K - $163K/yr

UX/UI designers create user-friendly interfaces for websites and applications. They conduct user research, design wireframes, and prototype solutions using tools like Figma or Sketch. Their goal is to enhance user satisfaction and engagement.

8. Full-Stack Developer

National average salary: $94K - $169K/yr

Full-stack developers work on both the front-end and back-end of applications. They build end-to-end solutions using technologies like React and Node.js and databases like MongoDB. Their versatility makes them valuable in startups and large companies alike.

#9. Blockchain Developer

National average salary: $114K - $190K/yr

Blockchain developers create decentralized applications and smart contracts using platforms like Ethereum or Solana. They ensure the security and efficiency of blockchain networks, often working on projects related to finance, supply chain, or digital identity.

#10. Product Manager

National average salary: $151K - $264K/yr

Product managers oversee the development and launch of tech products. They work with engineering, design, and marketing teams to define product requirements, prioritize features, and ensure timely delivery. Strong communication and leadership skills are key.

#11. Data Engineer

National average salary: $111K - $164K/yr

Data engineers build and maintain data pipelines to collect, store, and process large datasets. They use tools like Apache Spark, Hadoop, and SQL to ensure data is accessible and reliable for analysis by data scientists and analysts.

#12. IT Project Manager

National average salary: $129K - $198K/yr

IT project managers lead tech projects from conception to completion. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, and ensure deliverables meet quality standards. Certifications like PMP or Agile can enhance their credentials.

#13. Technical Writer

National average salary: $69K - $117K/yr

Technical writers create clear and concise documentation for software, hardware, and other tech products. They write user manuals, API guides, and FAQs, often collaborating with developers and engineers to ensure accuracy.

9 Benefits of Working in Tech 

The tech industry continues to be one of the most dynamic and rewarding fields to work in. With rapid advancements in technology and increasing demand for skilled professionals, here are some of the top benefits you can expect:

1. High Salaries. Tech roles consistently offer some of the highest salaries across industries. For example, the average salary for a software engineer in the U.S. is $120,000 per year, according to Glassdoor.
2. Remote Work Opportunities. Many tech companies offer flexible or fully remote work options, allowing employees to work from anywhere. A 2023 report by Buffer found that 98% of remote workers want to continue working remotely.
3. Career Growth. The tech industry is known for its rapid career progression. Roles like data scientist, AI engineer, and cloud architect are expected to grow by 15-25% by 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
4. Innovative Work Environment. Tech companies often foster a culture of innovation, offering opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies like AI, blockchain, and quantum computing.
5. Job Security. With the increasing reliance on technology across industries, tech professionals enjoy strong job security. The demand for software developers alone is projected to grow 22% from 2020 to 2030.
6. Work-Life Balance. Many tech companies prioritize employee well-being, offering perks like unlimited PTO, wellness programs, and flexible schedules.
7. Diverse Opportunities. The tech industry spans various sectors, from healthcare to finance, providing opportunities to work on meaningful projects that impact society.
8. Continuous Learning. Tech professionals have access to endless resources for upskilling, including online courses, certifications, and hackathons, ensuring they stay ahead in their careers.
9. Global Impact. Working in tech allows you to contribute to solutions for global challenges, such as climate change, healthcare, and education, through innovative technologies.

Key Takeaways

That’s all there is to know about landing a job in tech! Hopefully, now you feel more confident and ready to go and make a name for yourself in the industry.

But before you start trailblazing across GitHub, let’s do a quick recap of what we covered:

• The tech industry is one of the most diverse and rapidly evolving fields, so you need to keep up with all the latest trends and technological developments.
• If you’re just getting started with tech, take courses and build a strong online presence. Your LinkedIn profile and online portfolio will make or break any job application.
• Focus on learning the most in-demand skill for the specific role you’re after. This is going to be different depending on whether you want to be a frontend or backend engineer, a data analyst, a cybersecurity expert, or something else entirely.
• Consider starting with an unpaid internship or a part-time job. Every bit of hands-on experience can help you build a strong tech resume and eventually land a great, high-paying job down the line.
• Make sure to leverage a professional resume builder to create an eye-catching job application that reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
• There are many benefits to working in tech, including more opportunities for career growth, better work-life balance, and job security.