Metadescription: A comprehensive guide for IT professionals looking to advance their careers in the UK, including tips on job search strategies and networking.
Technological transformation is a one-way street. Companies and individuals that don’t adapt to the changing digital landscape will be left behind. The result is that the IT industry has become one of the most in-demand and rewarding sectors to work in.
As an IT professional, you’ll have a range of career options available to you, with plenty of opportunities for advancement and personal development. This guide will take you through everything from choosing your first role after university to how to develop your skillset over time so that you can move into senior positions within large organisations or start your own business.
Getting started on your IT Career in the UK
Getting your first IT job is one of the most important steps in your career, so we’ve put together our top tips for nailing your first interview and deciding on your first IT role.
First, identify your career goals and the type of IT role you want to pursue. Indeed have a meaty list of 42 tech jobs and the kind of salary you can expect to receive for them for inspo. Whether you’ve got a taste for cybersecurity or you’re a developer at heart – tech is so diverse that there’s something for everyone.
Then, research companies that align with your interests and values, and learn about their work culture and job opportunities. Don’t limit yourself to big-name companies; smaller businesses can offer valuable experiences as well. Consider the location, salary, and potential for career growth. Be prepared to ask questions during the interview process to assess if the role is a good fit for you – and be prepared to walk away from the ones that aren’t.
Remember, your first job may not be your dream job, but it can provide valuable experience and open doors for future opportunities.
Job search strategies for progressing your IT career
Whether it’s your first, second, or umpteenth tech role – to progress your IT career it’s essential to develop an effective job search strategy.
Research the market and the career path that interests you
Start with the end in mind. Where do you want to be? And what skills and experience do you need to get there?
Create a targeted CV
Create a targeted CV template for the roles you’re interested in. Then tailor it even further for each specific job and business you’re applying to. No blanket canvassing allowed.
Build a portfolio
Building a strong portfolio of work is essential to progressing your IT career. Find ways to demonstrate your technical skills and knowledge in the form of projects, personal websites and blogs, or even open-source software you’ve built.
Proactively search for roles
To find IT job opportunities, you can search for graduate jobs on company websites or use specialist IT recruitment sites like Computerjobs.com, CWJobs, eFinancialCareers, IT Jobs, and Technojobs. Public sector IT jobs are available on websites such as jobsgopublic, NHS Jobs, and Public Sector IT Jobs. General job websites also list IT vacancies, as many employers across all sectors require graduates for IT and computing roles. Consider finding an IT apprenticeship to learn on the job while working towards a recognised certification. You’ll find many of our vacancies on these job boards – or your could cut out the middle man and take a look at our vacancies right now.
Find mentors
Whether within your current company or with other businesses. Look for opportunities to shadow someone who does the kind of work you’d like to do. Ask if they would be willing to talk about their job and how they got there.
Make connections with IT recruiters
Recruiters can be a great resource for finding jobs, but they’re also an excellent way to make connections. Work with recruiters in your area who specialize in the kind of work you’d like to do and build a relationship with them. They’ll often have insights into where the best opportunities are or what companies are looking for from candidates.
Don’t shy away from networking
Networking is an important part of the job search process. It’s a great way to connect with people who can help you land your dream job, find out about new opportunities, and even make friends.
It’s also an opportunity for you to get involved in the community–you never know when you might need someone else’s help down the line!
Here are some tips for networking effectively:
- Get out there and meet people. Join professional organizations or attend networking events. You can find a list of professional organizations here.
- Get to know people. Get involved in the community and take an interest in other people’s lives.
- Focus on others. Don’t ask people for favours right off the bat–try to help them first, then ask for their assistance later on down the road.
- Use a mix of online and offline networking. Use LinkedIn to connect with people, but also get out there and meet people in person. Keep records of your networking activities. Make a list of new contacts and follow up with them once a month to see how you can help each other.
- Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone else when you’re networking; this will only come across as insincere and fake!
There’s no shortage of IT career opportunities in the UK
Building a successful career in IT is down to your own personal drive and determination. There are more tech jobs out there than people skilled enough to do them. The opportunities are plentiful – just make sure you’re taking advantage of them!
Take your next step in your IT career by take a look at our current vacancies.
