The IT industry is one of the fastest growing and highest paid sectors globally. There have been many professionals who tried their luck by shifting careers in this field but failed a few times before landing their dream job because of their lack of preparation. Jairus Bondoc, CEO of NMG Resources, and Yvette Pagsambugan, HR Recruitment Associate Manager of Accenture share tips on how career shifters can be successful in their first IT job applications at a Code Your Future session, a partnership initiative of StackTrek and the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

1. Focus on one area in the tech industry

As a career shifter, it is essential to focus on a specific role in the IT industry. This will help you understand how your new job can be different from the old one and how your skills translate into the new role. It also allows you to demonstrate that you have learned from experience and improve yourself through experience-based learning techniques such as reflective practice or experiential learning. “Focus on a specific role, never stop doing coding or testing to acquire the job you want.” Yvette Pagsambugan said.

2. Attend training or courses online

There are plenty of coding bootcamps and courses that you can take online like the StackTrek coding courses or join the StackTrek Full Stack Bootcamp, which offers a Study now, pay later program. You can also attend workshops, seminars, and conferences in your local area.

3. Be committed to choosing a job

Be prepared to work hard and learn quickly. In today's competitive market, employers require candidates who have the potential to make an impact in their organization.

4. Expand your network

Networking is a key aspect of job search. Whether you are looking for work or are just interested in networking, there are many ways to build relationships and find opportunities such as; finding out about new jobs that may interest you; getting advice from an industry insider and learning about the latest trends in technology among others.

5. Ace your interviews

Prepare for the interviews. Interviews are a chance to demonstrate your skills, experience, and personality. You need to be prepared for these conversations if you want to get hired by a company. You have to put some effort into practicing what they're going to ask during their interview process. Do some research and according to Yvette Pagsambugan, “you have to be authentic and honest during interviews.”

6. Gain some experience

One step to becoming a successful career shifter is gaining some experience. This can be done by attending training and re-educating yourself to build a job-ready portfolio and earn a certifiable skill set. ”So, get a lot of training and do some projects that help you build up your resume or portfolio and your experience.” Jairus Bondoc said.

7. Never Stop Learning

Do not stop learning. Learning is a lifelong process, and you can not stop learning—you just have to find the right path for yourself. The best thing about learning is that it’s never too late to learn something new or complement what you already know.

8. Don’t give up and always try again.

If you have failed in an interview, do not give up. Don't be discouraged if you are rejected from a specific job application. There are many other opportunities out there waiting for your attention. Yvette Pagsambugan said, “Based on my experience I failed a lot of times before I land the job but for me, there’s nothing wrong with failure or mistakes because that experience will be your life lesson.”

Career shifters must be prepared to take risks, and build every opportunity to gain knowledge and skill in the tech industry. A career shifter needs to prepare for the job application process. As a career shifter, you have to be prepared and ready with the knowledge and skill set required by the company. You should also plan your interview answers before attending them. If you follow these tips, it will increase your chances of getting a position that is suitable for your skills and abilities. In finding a job you can search job portals, hiring events, social media, networking events, and job boards.

About the Contributors

This article is made possible with the contributions of the following Code Your Future panelists: Jairus Bondoc and Yvette Pagsambugan.

About the Author

Jessa Mae Gamlanga, an intern of Stackleague and attends as a BS in Computer Science student at the University of Antique. Jessa spends her break time watching entertainment videos and playing mobile games. She’s doing all her best to learn more to improve herself and become productive.