Finding Entry Level Jobs to Break into the Tech Industry
The tech industry is growing at a phenomenal pace, expected to reach a value of around $11.47 trillion by 2026. It’s also one of the most versatile environments for job seekers, offering roles in everything from web development to AI training and data analytics.
While some tech roles require years of experience and specific credentials, there are plenty of entry-level tech jobs you can consider if you’re just getting started in this space. Though the average salary for these roles can be a little lower, many lower-level positions are still extremely lucrative.
Plus, they give you a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills, and get your foot in the door of a rapidly growing industry. Here’s your guide to breaking into the tech industry, and finding the right entry-level role for your skills.
The Skills Required for Entry-Level Tech Jobs
The great thing about pursuing entry-level tech jobs is you don’t necessarily need a degree, or years of experience in your field. However, all entry-level jobs still have certain “required skills” you’ll need to demonstrate in interviews, and through your resume.
While the exact technical skills (hard skills) required for each role may vary, here are some of the things you should be highlighting on your resume:
- Communication skills: Excellent communication skills are essential in virtually any role. In an entry-level tech job, you’ll need to be able to communicate clearly with your colleagues, and work effectively as part of a team. You’ll also need to be able to convert complex technical topics into a language other people can understand.
- Organization skills: Another essential soft skill for tech professionals, excellent organization will be crucial to ensuring you can thrive in your role. You’ll need to excel at scheduling and prioritizing tasks, managing your team, and handling various different responsibilities. Organizational skills also include demonstrating reliability and attention to detail.
- Analytical skills: Many entry-level tech jobs involve working on projects that require people to collect data, report on information, and share presentations with others. You’ll need to be able to conduct extensive research, and learn from data. Great analytical skills will ensure you can resolve problems quickly, and help your business to grow.
- Digital literacy: It almost goes without saying, but in the tech industry, you’ll need a significant level of digital literacy. This basically means you should be comfortable using technical assets, such as computers, and databases. You should feel comfortable experimenting with new tools and technologies as they emerge in the market.
- Learning and adaptability: One of the most important things to remember as a tech professional, is your landscape is always changing and evolving. You’ll need to be able to adapt to new technologies, workflows, and concepts as they emerge in your landscape. You’ll also need to ensure you’re committed to constantly learning and developing your skills.
How to Find Entry-Level Jobs in the Tech Industry
If you have the core skills mentioned above, there are plenty of ways you can look for entry-level tech jobs ideal for your career path. One thing to keep in mind is some roles described as “entry-level” in the tech landscape still ask for a degree, or a certain level of experience.
If a job description lists 3-5 years of experience in the tech industry as a “requirement”, it may not be suitable for you. However, often these requirements aren’t “mandatory” but instead highlight the characteristics the ideal candidate should have. You can still potentially apply for an entry-level role if you don’t have all of the experience required.
Here are some great ways to start tracking down entry-level jobs in the tech space.
- Explore Online Job Boards
Probably the easiest way to start your job search is to browse online job boards in your landscape. There are plenty of well-known options out there, such as Glassdoor, and even the “LinkedIn” jobs section. Usually, you’ll be able to narrow down your search using filters to look for roles close to you, remote work jobs, or those with minimal experience requirements.
However, it’s worth going beyond the basic job boards you’re familiar with, to concentrate on sites dedicated to the tech landscape. You can consider options like “Otta”, “TechnoJobs”, or “Dice” – all of which are specific to professionals in the technology field.
- Work with a Recruiter
Another option, if you’re struggling to find the ideal role for your needs, is to work with a recruitment agency in the technology field. Though there may be fees to pay for some agencies, a recruiter can give you an incredible edge in your job search. They can help you find the right jobs to apply for based on your skills or priorities.
Plus, some recruiters can help with things like resume preparation, interview coaching, and even negotiating for the right salary. Look for a recruiter that already has plenty of relationships with high-paying tech companies in your landscape.
- Tap into Your Network
No matter what kind of role you’re trying to break into, or what your career path entails, your network is a valuable resource. The people you connect with in the tech industry can help you find roles that haven’t been advertised on traditional job boards. They can also give you an insight into what to expect from a role, and help you prepare for interviews.
Start by building your network both online and offline. Join tech-focused job forums and groups on channels like LinkedIn. You can also consider searching for a mentor in the tech industry. An excellent mentor can give you guidance on the tech landscape, and advocate for you to potential employers. Plus, they’re an excellent source of ongoing support and education.
X High-Paying Entry-Level Tech Jobs to Consider
As mentioned above, applying for an entry-level tech job doesn’t have to mean accepting a low-level salary. You can still earn a decent income in this industry, even if you don’t have a lot of prior experience, or a specific degree. Here are some great entry-level roles to consider.
- Junior Web Developer
Average salary: $79,223 per year
Web developers are the professionals responsible for creating the code that powers websites and applications. To thrive in this landscape, you’ll need a basic knowledge of programming languages like Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. There are plenty of courses online that can help you learn how to use these languages to your advantage.
As an entry-level or junior web developer, you’ll also have an opportunity to learn plenty of new skills as you work. You’ll generally work alongside other professionals in your field, and receive training that will prepare you for a senior web developer role.
- Junior Web Designer
Average salary: $59,142 per year
Web designers focus more on the appearance of websites and applications, rather than the back-end functionality. You might work as an assistant or apprentice to another designer on a team, helping to format newsletters, generate assets for projects, and designing smaller sites.
In this role, you’re likely to spend a lot of time working with HTML, CSS, and even programs like Photoshop to create mock-ups and wireframes. This could be the ideal role for you if you’re interested in combining your technical skills with a creative, artistic mindset.
- Customer Success Manager
Average salary: $72,753 per year
If you already have experience in the sales or customer success landscape, you could consider a role as a customer success manager (CSM). These professionals ensure services and solutions sold by a tech company run smoothly for a customer. They work closely with sales representatives, answer questions for customers, and create onboarding experiences for customers.
As a CSM, you’ll need excellent communication skills and a deep knowledge of the product or solution your company sells. However, you don’t necessarily need a comprehensive technology background. The key to success is ensuring your customers are happy.
- Help Desk Support Technician
Average salary: $44,500 per year
Another excellent entry-level job for someone with experience in customer support, a help desk support technician works alongside customers to resolve and troubleshoot issues. These professionals respond to customer concerns when someone reaches out with a specific problem.
In this role, you’ll need to be familiar with hardware, software, and network configuration components of the solutions your company sells. Plus, you’ll need fantastic interpersonal skills which allow you to empathize with your customers and preserve high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Digital Marketing Strategist
Average salary: $94,767 per year
If you have experience in the marketing landscape, particularly the digital marketing industry, a role as a digital marketing strategist could help streamline your transition into the technology space. Digital strategists are experts who collaborate with other team members on the growth strategy and development of a brand and its assets.
You’ll need a few tech skills in this role, to ensure you can use online assets like websites and content management systems effectively. You should also have a clear understanding of how to create content for the digital world, monitor metrics, and conduct market research.
- Social Media Strategist
Average salary: $58,403 per year
Similar to a digital marketing strategist, a social media strategist leverages knowledge and technology to help drive success in marketing campaigns. These experts focus specifically on social media campaigns, looking at opportunities to attract leads on channels like Facebook and Instagram.
In this role, you’ll need an in-depth understanding of how each platform works, and how to monitor KPIs and metrics from campaigns. Depending on the role you apply for, you may need analytical skills, writing skills, and design skills. You’ll also need to be able to collaborate consistently with other digital marketing experts and marketing managers.
- Data Analyst
Average salary: $62,447 per year
Some data analyst roles require years of experience and specific credentials. However, you can apply for a junior data analyst role as a beginner, and make a decent income. Data analysts collect data and find information to help with specific business strategies and campaigns. You might collect information through surveys, and using analytical and reporting tools.
You’ll need to be able to convert the data you collect into visual formats to share with other team members, such as charts and infographics. You’ll also have to be proficient with using databases, and leveraging programming languages like JavaScript and XML.
- Web Editor
Average salary: $61,684 per year
If you’re passionate about writing, editing, and content creation, and have some basic tech skills, a role as a web editor could be ideal for you. This is one of the best entry-level positions for people interested in technology who don’t have a lot of technical skills. Many sites publish content on a daily basis, and as a web editor, you’ll be responsible for uploading, formatting and optimizing that content.
In some cases, you’ll work as part of a larger editorial team, helping to create briefs for content creators, and revising articles for the digital landscape. You’ll need a strong knowledge of content management systems in this role, as well as a basic knowledge of UX design and SEO.
Getting an Entry-Level Job in the Tech Industry
Ultimately, the more skills and expertise you develop in the tech industry, the more likely it is you’ll be able to successfully apply for high-paying roles in your field. However, you don’t necessarily need a comprehensive background in technology, or advanced technical skills to get started.
There are plenty of entry-level roles in the tech sector that can pay you a fantastic salary, and help you to expand your knowledge with hands-on experience. As demand for technical skills continues to grow, many companies are actively investing in developing and educating entry-level staff.
Of course, you can always give yourself an edge in the job market, by investing in your own education. Join the Hard Skill Exchange today to learn technical skills, soft skills, and expand your network in the tech field.
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