Last year, Per Scholas joined the Defense Department Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program and Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) for an induction ceremony and annual event in Alexandria, Virginia. Per Scholas joins more than 70 new partners to MSEP — bringing the number of employers to more than 700.

Military spouses have long struggled with maintaining employment due to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves and other challenges associated with military life. Unemployment among military spouses stood at 21%, according to the 2021 Survey of Active Duty Spouses. In 2022, overall civilian unemployment was 5.3%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

MSEP connects military spouses with hundreds of partner employers who commit to recruiting, hiring, promoting and retaining military spouses. Since its inception in 2011, MSEP employers have hired more than 275,000 military spouses. 

Providing opportunities to spouses for meaningful employment strengthens financial stability among military families, which promotes force retention and military readiness which are essential to national security.

“Per Scholas is proud to be part of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership through our Vets in Tech initiative. Our outreach goes beyond Veterans – we know the impact a thriving career has on military spouses and the military community as a whole,” states Per Scholas Director of Veteran Recruitment and Partnerships George Darby III. “This partnership will unlock key benefits and crucial support, and enable Per Scholas to enroll at least 1,000 veterans and military spouses over 3 years, of whom at least 80% will be people of color and 20% identify as women.” 

In order to effectively serve those who have served our country, Per Scholas is tailoring our proven program to meet the specific needs of veterans and military spouses through:

• Strategic Partnerships to recruit eligible veterans and military spouses, provide supportive resources, and assist with job attainment
• Targeted Recruitment Efforts that focus on customized recruitment materials, local partnerships, advertising on military platforms, and uncovering connections between veteran alums
• Learner Support to address the unique barriers that veterans and their families face
• Benefits Access for enrolled learners through GI Bill/VA Approval; Department of Defense Skillbridge; Army Career Skills Program (CSP), and Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) and this partnership

To learn more about Per Scholas Vets in Tech, click here!

As part of Per Scholas’ ongoing dedication to empowering veterans and military spouses, we are thrilled to share that Per Scholas recently received approval from the Department of Defense Skillbridge program, designed to support transitioning service members across all branches of the military, of whom there are 200,000 each year, by allowing service members to continue drawing their full salary and benefits while pursuing specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships to gain valuable civilian work experience during their last 180 days of service.

Thanks to the impactful connections we’ve built over the past year, our application was accelerated for approval in record time, allowing Per Scholas to begin empowering veterans and military spouses to launch thriving careers in tech. This approval applies to our most popular training track: IT Support, and we are actively seeking approvals for our remaining training tracks (Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and AWS re/Start). With a strategic rollout aimed at increasing awareness among service members that they may now access their salary while enrolled in our program during their last six months of service, we anticipate a marked growth not just in the number of applications we receive, but the conversion rate for active service members seeking to translate skills acquired during their service into high-quality careers.

Per Scholas aims to enroll at least 1,000 veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses over the next three years. In line with our commitment to diversity, we expect that at least 80% will be people of color, and at least 20% will be women. 

“The Skillbridge program approval is monumental for Per Scholas, veterans, and military spouses. Through our Vets in Tech initiative and Skillbridge approval, we will be able to unlock potential for the military community,” states Per Scholas  Director of Veteran Recruitment and Partnerships George Darby III. “This will unlock key benefits and crucial support, and enable Per Scholas to enroll at least 1,000 veterans and military spouses over 3 years and gain valuable civilian work experience during their last 180 days of service.”

In order to effectively serve those who have served our country, Per Scholas is tailoring our proven program to meet the specific needs of veterans and military spouses through:

• Strategic Partnerships to recruit eligible veterans and military spouses, provide supportive resources, and assist with job attainment
• Targeted Recruitment Efforts that focus on customized recruitment materials, local partnerships, advertising on military platforms, and uncovering connections between veteran alums
• Learner Support to address the unique barriers that veterans and their families face
• Benefits Access for enrolled learners through GI Bill/VA Approval; Department of Defense Skillbridge; Army Career Skills Program (CSP), and Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) and the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)

To learn more about Per Scholas Vets in Tech, click here.  

This week, all eyes were on the U.S. House of Representatives as they took potential action on the bipartisan A Stronger Workforce for America Act (HR 6655), legislation that brings a long-awaited reauthorization to WIOA. 

HR6655 passed the house in a roll call vote 378-26 and will now move on to the Senate. This vote marks a critical milestone in our government moving closer to creating opportunities for more Americans through skills training and workforce development.

For nearly 30 years, Per Scholas has helped to change the face of technology by providing immersive training that enables people who are often underrepresented in the tech field to launch thriving careers and connect them with employers who are seeking talent to grow. The Stronger Workforce for America Act, introduced this spring by Committee Chair Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) is an important step forward in supporting high-quality, cohort-based educational opportunities that directly meet employer demands. 

This legislation will:

• Reduce barriers for workforce development providers and participants, by allowing Eligible Training Providers to accept participants while their eligibility determination is still being reviewed by the local workforce board. 
• Streamline the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) and authorize conditional eligibility for workforce development providers that have demonstrated impact. This provision creates more efficiency in the ETPL process and encourages states to reduce the burden on multi-state providers.
• Require states to establish standards for Eligible Training Providers that clearly link to labor market outcomes. This makes it easier for effective programs to launch in new markets and helps workers identify educational options that are effective at helping launch new careers. 
•  Require that workforce boards spend 50% of WIOA funds on skills development, creating more access to needed training programs. 
• Encourage innovation by allowing states to use up to 20% of their funds through Critical Industry Skills initiatives. This will reduce red tape for states and workforce development providers to build effective partnerships through a competitive grants process and could be even stronger with the inclusion of Senator Bennet’s (D-CO) Better Jobs through Evidence and Innovation bill.

Per Scholas will continue to step up for our learners and technologists by advocating for more innovation in the workforce system. There are still critical resource needs, such as funding for effective workforce organizations to scale their efforts and develop new models that address emerging labor market needs— improving programs that general long-term economic improvements for the people that need it most. The impact of this bill is one that will transcend its initial purpose. Workforce development and opportunities for Per Scholas alumni empower them to thrive with new in-demand skills and experience. 

Per Scholas Columbus alumni Jenice Edmunds completed the IT Support and Software Engineering cohorts. As a mother of 6, she showed resilience throughout her life but needed an immersive training program to take her to the next level in her career. 

“Through this course, I learned that I knew more than I thought, and have more to share than I realized. When I started my previous Per Scholas training, I knew nothing at all, but as time went on, I gained knowledge and understanding. With this training, I was able to build on what I taught myself by filling in the knowledge gaps,” Edmunds recalled. 

Now, Jenice is an Agile leader and her son has started Per Scholas’ training, creating significant generational advancement for her family. She commends Per Scholas’ training as an invaluable program that has changed her life. 

This is but one example of the potential that HR655 has to impact American families in a life-changing way. In reshaping WIOA, we look now to the Senate to pass legislation that meets the demands of America’s ever-evolving contemporary workforce before Memorial Day. 

Per Scholas Selected by Stand Together Foundation to Become Catalyst Impact Partner 

Per Scholas joins the second cohort of Catalyst Impact Partners, receiving management training, access to new customer-first impact measurement approach, and up to $300,000 in grants over the next three years.

Bronx, NY, March 25, 2024 – Per Scholas is proud to announce it has been selected to participate in Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Impact Grant Program, an initiative cultivating a group of the country’s most transformative nonprofits that demonstrate a better way to transform individual lives and create lasting change.

The Catalyst Impact Grant Program awards each incoming Impact Partner with Principle Based Management™ coaching and consulting, access to a new customer-first measurement approach created by Stand Together Foundation to understand and differentiate their impact, and grants up to $300,000 over three years. By 2025, Stand Together Foundation’s goal is to invest in up to 100 Catalyst partners who have successfully completed the Catalyst Program, committing up to $30 million to accelerate nonprofit impact and transform how society thinks about addressing poverty and social barriers.

Per Scholas is one of 25 Catalysts selected to join the Catalyst Impact Grant Program’s second cohort, which officially kicked off in January 2023. Nonprofits selected have the key ingredients to break the cycle of poverty. They put people at the forefront, see the unique potential in every individual, and are changing the way the country thinks about, talks about, and tackles poverty. The grant program is designed to provide resources for increased effectiveness, including management training and customer feedback tools to help nonprofits grow, scale, and replicate their success. Click here to view a full list of the 2023 Catalyst Impact Partners.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Stand Together Foundation and the Catalyst Impact Grant Program to further empower our learners and alumni to unlock potential in their tech careers,” reflected Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala. “Stand Together Foundation’s support resonates with our mission as we continue to change the face of technology and uplift individuals and communities, meeting the needs of employers through our innovative tech training.” 

Stand Together Foundation partners with the highest impact nonprofits around the nation, all committed to empowering the individuals they serve through a principled approach. This means that instead of treating people as problems to be managed with sweeping, top-down plans, these organizations help people realize their full potential through bottom-up empowerment and solutions that help individuals transform themselves and the world around them. Today, Stand Together Foundation partners with over 300 nonprofits across all 50 states.

Per Scholas was selected through an extensive vetting process and accepted into the program after a rigorous evaluation focused on impact, customer surveying, reach, and principle alignment. Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Impact Partner Initiative represents an investment in the diversity of nonprofits, audiences, and solutions as the way to end poverty. 

The 25 Impact Partners have diverse program models across the nation and are uniquely suited for rapid iteration and experimentation based on data collection and customer feedback. Each of these organizations focuses on relationships with their customers and prioritizes individual transformation rather than transactional services.

“Our Catalyst partners take a unique approach to helping people overcome barriers that is anchored in a strong belief in people,” said Evan Feinberg, executive director at Stand Together Foundation. “This initiative is about deepening our partnership so that Catalysts can scale their reach, better understand their impact, and ultimately transform the way society thinks about addressing social barriers. If these organizations continue to grow in their effectiveness, and everyone in the country hears about what they are doing, we can transform the entire social sector in America.”

Catalyst Impact Partners will be encouraged and supported to:

• Model a “customer-first” impact vision. Catalyst Impact Partners will participate in Stand Together Foundation’s pioneering measurement approach to understand impact through customer feedback.

• Advance a management culture that empowers employees. Catalyst Impact Partners will focus on leveraging Principle Based Management to empower their employees to empower the people they serve.
• Build the movement toward empowerment. Identify with and advocate for a culture of openness, dignity, mutual benefit, and empowerment among philanthropists, nonprofits, and the broader social sector.

Click here to learn more about Catalyst Impact Partners.

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About Per Scholas

For nearly 30 years, Per Scholas has been on a mission to drive equity and opportunity in the ever-advancing technology landscape by unlocking the untapped potential of individuals, uplifting communities, and meeting the needs of employers through rigorous tech training. By teaming up with dynamic employer partners, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to innovative startups, we’re forging inclusive tech talent pipelines, fulfilling an ever-increasing need for skilled talent. With national remote training and campuses in 20+ cities and counting, Per Scholas offers no-cost training programs in the most sought-after tech skills, spanning Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support, Software Engineering, and more. To date, 25,000+ individuals have been trained through Per Scholas, propelling their professional trajectories into high-growth tech careers with salaries three times higher than their pre-training earnings. At Per Scholas, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging aren’t just buzzwords—they’re in our DNA. 85+ percent of our learners are people of color, two in five are women, and more than half hold a high school diploma as their highest educational credential. Learn more by visiting PerScholas.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

About Stand Together Foundation

Stand Together Foundation is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty in America by driving change from within communities. We are building a community of social entrepreneurs who believe in people, work from the bottom up, and unite with anyone to do right. Since 2016, we have committed over $120 million and counting to fuel the innovation of nonprofits throughout the country to build stronger, safer communities where all people can learn, contribute, and realize their full potential. Our goal is to help nonprofit leaders maximize their impact to transform more lives out of poverty. Learn more at www.StandTogetherFoundation.org.

Per Scholas Detroit Alumni Terrell Hemphill discussed his training at Per Scholas during a presentation with CAEL -(Council for Adult and Experiential Learning) on Learnings from the Field: Worker-Centered Benchmarking Project. CAEL partners with entities across the adult learner ecosystem to help create actionable career pathways along the journey of lifelong learning and meaningful work.

Terrell interned with one of Per Scholas’ funders, Corporation Skilled for Workforce, and his experience and work as an advocate for workforce solutions has been highlighted with CAEL, Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the Aspen Institute.

Read more about his presentation here.

Watch the full presentation here.

A recent CIO Dive piece, Unlocking tech innovation through DEI: Insights from TEKsystems and Per Scholas, examines insights from a 2024 TEKsystems DEI report, emphasizing the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done. While there has been increasing recognition of DEI’s importance, many IT professionals remain indifferent. This report identifies challenges, particularly in gender diversity and mentorship programs, and acknowledges that 66% of employees recognize that their organization’s DEI policies could be improved. This article further advocates for IT decision-makers to reaffirm the importance of diversity across their organizations and calls for collaboration between company leaders and HR to do so, including investments in diverse talent and establishing robust mentoring programs. 

 

Read the full article here.

 

Per Scholas hit a monumental milestone: 25,000 learners trained and counting! This remarkable feat underscores our organization’s dedication to empowering individuals with the skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving technology industry.

For more than twenty-five years, Per Scholas has provided comprehensive training programs designed to bridge the digital divide and empower individuals with the tools needed to pursue rewarding careers in technology, unlocking potential for themselvies, their communities, and businesses.

Our work extends far beyond the number of learners trained – each alumni represents a testament to the transformative power of education and opportunity. By nurturing talent and fostering a diverse pipeline of tech professionals, Per Scholas is not only changing the face of tech but also strengthening communities.

As the demand for skilled tech workers continues to rise, Per Scholas remains steadfast in our mission to provide accessible pathways to success for individuals of all backgrounds. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging, we’re providing companies with a skilled, diverse talent pipeline that fosters innovation and growth for more than 850 employer partners. We are proud of this achievement of training more than 25,000 learners and look forward to our next milestone!

Tech Job Market 2024 Forecast: Lasting Careers

As we ease into 2024, the outlook for the tech job market in 2024 may appear rough at first glance. For the last several months, a series of layoffs at numerous high-profile tech companies, such as Google, Amazon, Twitter, Salesforce, and Microsoft, as well as at smaller-scale tech companies, have rocked the tech industry. Layoff-tracking site layoffs.fyi reported that, in 2023 alone, over 400 tech companies have laid off a total of almost 120,000 workers from tech jobs. Furthermore, the future state of the U.S.’s economy also seems precarious: in December, a survey of economists predicted a 70% chance that the U.S. would enter a recession at some point in 2023. 

Such rocky news is enough to make any aspiring tech worker nervous about entering the industry. However, contrary to what one might expect, data seems to indicate numerous open tech jobs available, a fast hiring turnover rate for tech employees, low tech unemployment rates, and new roles available to tech workers in previously overlooked industries. 

Below, we will explore Per Scholas’ outlook on the tech job market in 2024, why now might just be as good a time as any to get started in tech, and how Per Scholas alumni can navigate this confusing time. 

The State of the Job Market in 2024

In 2023, the outlook for tech industry workers seems grim. Announcements of mass layoffs from all manor of tech companies filled the news. According to tracking site Layoffs.fyi, on average, approximately 1,600 tech workers were laid off every day in 2023, with numbers reaching 15% of the total number of tech workers laid off in 2022. 

Such news might lead one to believe that this is a bad time to be involved in the tech industry, but data actually seems to paint a different picture of what it means to work in tech right now. While tech layoff rates were indeed high in 2023, tech hiring rates are also very high, and tech workers are still in incredibly great demand. 

In job search site Indeed’s 2023 annual ranking of U.S. “best jobs,” eight of the top ten jobs were tech jobs, and the outlook remains the same for 2024. This ranking is based on job opportunity, meaning that these top jobs are in high demand from employers, and are rapidly growing. The ranking was as follows:  “full-stack (No. 1); data engineers (No. 2); cloud engineers (No. 3); senior product managers (No. 5); back-end developers (No. 6); site reliability engineers (No. 7); machine learning engineers (No. 8); and product designers (No. 10).” 

By 2033, tech skills will be vital in all job sectors, and 75% of American workers are actively upskilling to meet this demand, leading us to believe that 2024 will show hundreds of thousands of tech job positions open, with fewer technologists to fill those roles. A CompTIA analysis indicated an increase in employer job postings for potential future tech hiring, as well as low tech unemployment rates, which suggests that many laid-off tech professionals are quickly finding new work in the next year. 

Many tech workers also seem to be finding success landing tech roles at companies outside the tech sector. Tech work will always be in demand, especially now that many non-tech companies are continuing to digitally upscale in the wake of the pandemic. According to a ZipRecruiter survey, approximately 74% of laid-off tech workers found new jobs in tech, with the remaining 26% finding tech roles in various other industries. “Tech skills are in high demand across the economy, with government agencies, aerospace companies, health systems, and retailers frequently noting shortages of software engineers, cybersecurity professionals, data analysts, and web designers,” the survey stated. 

While 2023 saw many layoffs, opportunities for tech jobs were prominent, and those roles will be fulfilled in 2024 as job seekers see technology role trends and openings soaring. As every job becomes one with technology skills required, many job seekers will look for ways to upskill with tech skills.

Rising Demand in Key Areas

Digital upskilling is how individuals transitioning into a job in tech are able to have relevant, in-demand skills for tech roles rising in popularity and availability. Anyone interested in digital upskilling should consider roles in the areas listed below. 

Courses to Consider

• System Support roles​​
• Cybersecurity expertise​​
• Full Stack Developers
• Data Science and Cloud Computing

The Continuation of Remote Work Trends

Remote work has become more than just a trend – it’s a fundamental shift in how we approach work. With advancements in communication technology and changing attitudes towards flexibility, remote work has reshaped job opportunities across various industries. Companies are increasingly embracing remote work models, opening up new avenues for professionals to collaborate and contribute from anywhere in the world. This flexibility not only enhances work-life balance but also expands the talent pool, providing access to a diverse range of skilled individuals regardless of geographical constraints.

Edge Computing and Sustainability in Tech

Edge computing, with its promise of faster processing and reduced latency, is revolutionizing the way data is handled and processed. As we harness the power of edge computing to drive innovation, there’s also a growing emphasis on sustainability in tech. Green computing initiatives aim to minimize the environmental impact of technology infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency and responsible resource usage. By embracing these new frontiers, tech professionals can contribute to building a more sustainable future while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital landscape​​.

The Human Element in Tech Support

While technology continues to advance, the importance of the human element in tech support roles remains paramount. Beyond technical expertise, effective customer service and human interaction are essential for delivering exceptional support experiences. In an age of automation, personalized interactions and empathetic problem-solving set tech support professionals apart, fostering trust and loyalty among customers. Investing in soft skills alongside technical proficiency is key to excelling in this critical domain of tech support.

Adapting to the 2024 Job Market

In the realm of technology, change is the only constant. As we step into 2024, the job market continues to shift, shaped by innovative trends and emerging technologies. To thrive in this dynamic environment, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve, embracing continuous learning and adaptability. Let’s explore some key themes driving the tech job market and how professionals can navigate these changes effectively.

Continuous Learning and Adaptability

In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, the ability to learn and adapt is non-negotiable. Continuous learning isn’t just about acquiring new skills – it’s about embracing a mindset of growth and resilience. Whether through formal education, online courses, or hands-on experience, staying updated with the latest technologies and industry trends is essential for remaining competitive in the job market. Embracing lifelong learning empowers professionals to pivot seamlessly in response to changing demands and emerging opportunities.

Navigating a Career in Tech Amidst AI and Automation

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation presents both challenges and opportunities for tech professionals. While automation streamlines processes and enhances efficiency, it also disrupts traditional job roles, prompting the need for upskilling and reskilling. Instead of fearing automation, tech professionals can leverage AI as a tool to augment their capabilities and drive innovation. By focusing on roles that require human creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, individuals can future-proof their careers amidst AI and automation.

Per Scholas: Preparing You for the 2024 Tech Job Market

Fortunately, our Per Scholas alumni are well-prepared for landing jobs in tech. We believe in taking a multifaceted approach to preparing our learners for entry into the tech workforce, which gives them an edge over other applicants in the field. 

Not only are learners equipped with top-notch technical skills, they also undergo rigorous professional development training to tailor and polish their resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles, practice mock interviews, and prepare to conduct themselves in a professional setting.

Upskilling and Professional Development

In the pursuit of staying relevant in the evolving job market, upskilling and professional development are invaluable assets. Programs like Per Scholas provide tailored training and resources aligned with emerging job market trends, equipping individuals with the skills needed to succeed in tech roles. By investing in upskilling initiatives, professionals can expand their skill set, enhance their employability, and seize new opportunities in the ever-changing tech landscape.

Alumni Success Stories and Employer Partnerships

We also partner with leading tech companies to bring industry experts and professionals into our classrooms who speak with our learners about what it is like to work in the tech industry, conduct mock interviews, and help our learners grow their professional networks. 

“One of the biggest benefits of Per Scholas was them being able to put us in the room with people that we wouldn’t normally be in the room with,” said Matt Watkins, a recent graduate of Per Scholas St. Louis’ Cybersecurity course.

“We were in the room with CCOs and CEOs and big movers and decision makers in the corporate IT cybersecurity space. Without Per Scholas, I don’t know how I would have come to meet these people and connect and network with them. I’ve already had three interviews within the months since graduating, and all of them were a direct result of the connections I made during this program.” 

Read more of our alumni stories

Continued Support and Networking Opportunities

After graduating from Per Scholas, our alumni are also well-supported. For up to two years after graduation, alumni have access to our numerous resources including career coaching, financial coaching, and job placement assistance. 

Our learner support team aims to mirror an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by providing alumni with access to coaching regarding mental health and wellness, work-life balance, and financial advising. “We’re committed to providing continued access to skill enhancing learning opportunities that alumni can leverage during the job search and attainment process, and throughout their career journey,” said Sierra Harvey, Director of Alumni Engagement and Training at Per Scholas. “This is possible through our instructor-led and asynchronous course offerings as well as providing space and opportunity for alumni to connect with each other and with other industry professionals.” 

Per Scholas’ business solutions team acts as a liaison between Per Scholas alums and our employer partners by sourcing employment opportunities, supporting alumni as they find gainful employment, and helping foster employer connections. 

Our professional development team continues to be available after graduation to help alumni refresh their personal and professional knowledge and skills, including resume/ cover letter review, pitch and interview practice, and online presence review. 

Finally, our technical instructors are available to alumni for all technical questions and professional references. Alumni may also level-up their skill sets and earn more certifications through our alumni courses.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Tech Careers

In conclusion, 2024 will have competing challenges between tech job availability and the surge of AI, but we encourage you to still pursue a career in tech despite uncertainties and the fact that all job roles will require tech experience and skills in the next ten years. 

Bottom line: tech isn’t going anywhere, and while there may be layoffs from tech companies, there are still technology jobs available and an opportunity to upskill into those roles. If you are interested in launching your career in tech, apply now!

This Forbes article explains that lifelong learning is crucial in today’s rapidly changing world. It proposes the concept of the “professional student,” someone who continuously pursues education and skills development. Traditional education is shifting, making alternative paths like certifications valuable. As a result, businesses must adapt their hiring practices to value continuous learning and consider these alternative paths. Both individuals and businesses need to upskill to stay competitive in the ever-evolving technological landscape.

Read more about the importance of the Professional Student here.

How To Get A Job In Tech: Resume & Interview Tips

As Per Scholas continues to prepare our learners for thriving tech careers, our training does not simply stop at the technical skills needed to acquire a tech role. In fact, 20% of our training focuses entirely on communication, collaboration, continuous learning, giving and receiving feedback, and career navigation skills critical to landing that first job or moving up the high-growth tech ladder post-graduation. 

Within our training programs, we set aside an entire day each week to focus solely on professional development and career coaching for all of our learners, providing a holistic approach to starting a career in tech. Our professional development days often include resume reviews, mock interviews, and career coaching sessions with our excellent Career Coaches. We picked the brain of our Senior Manager of Career Solutions, Christel Grissett, to find out her top resume and interview tips on putting your best foot forward as you embark on your career in the tech industry.

Tips for writing an entry-level tech resume

Your resume should be concise, direct, and impactful. Typically, resumes should not be much longer than one page in length. It is likely that the hiring manager recruiting for your position will be looking at several resumes, so make yours stand out at a glance by highlighting only your most recent and relevant experiences. Include the most directly applicable at the top of your resume. Don’t be afraid to get creative if you don’t have employment experience that is directly related to the position you are applying for; classes, group projects, and even seemingly unrelated past jobs can all provide you with valuable and widely-applicable skills. 

Your resume is a live document

When it comes to creating your resume, keep in mind that you will want to tailor it specifically to each job that you apply for. Different roles require different skills, experiences, and expertise, so highlight applicable skills related to the particular role you are applying for. Another tip is to use keywords that appear in the job description throughout the document. “Creating a resume is not a ‘one and done’ deal,” Grissett warned. “Updating your resume for each job using the job description will help your resume come up within application tracking systems, so it does not become lost in the mix.” 

Spell check your resume

Maintain a clean, legible, and professional font throughout your resume document. Create curb appeal by listing your skills and a summary of your accomplishments at the beginning of your resume. Grissett recommends against using premade resume templates because they are often flagged in applicant tracking systems. Save your resume as a PDF to send to the company and name it as your name and the position title so it will be easily found by both you and the company.

Include your soft skills

Soft skills, such as time management, leadership, and interpersonal skills, are all transferable across any job industry. Many of our Per Scholas graduates are looking to make career changes in a new job sector, and soft skills learned in previous roles are always useful and can be appealing on a resume. Be sure to include your soft skills to show the skills and experiences you have that could be applicable to any market.  

Preparing for an entry-level tech interview  

Research the company 

Besides just researching the company, check out who will interview you on LinkedIn. Review what they post, like, and share – this could spark conversation and reduce any nerves you are experiencing since you will know who you are interviewing with beforehand. 

Practice common questions & attend mock interviews before the interview

Practice makes perfect, but you don’t want to sound too rehearsed! One of the advantages of our training at Per Scholas is that our professional development days often include mock interviews – an opportunity to practice interviewing and become familiar with this part of the hiring process. 

You can help yourself prepare for an upcoming interview by researching and brainstorming your own answers to some of the most commonly-asked interview questions. Common questions include “tell me a bit about yourself,” “what are some of your greatest strengths and weaknesses?” and “where do you see yourself in five years?” Having an idea of what to expect and what you will say beforehand can help you feel more relaxed, prepared, and confident going into the interview and can ensure that you give more satisfactory well-thought-out responses.

Give yourself a background check 

Background check yourself! Whatever you see when you search yourself online or on social media will be what the recruiters see as well. A good recruiter will check your presence on social media to evaluate what you are projecting there and ensure that your online image aligns with company values. While job searching, take some time to make sure that the content of your social media accounts is something you would be comfortable with a potential future employer seeing.

If presented and leveraged correctly, your social media profiles can even be a powerful tool to elevate your application by demonstrating relevant experiences, interests, and values.  

Consider this a conversation more than an interview

To help settle your nerves, consider the interview more of a conversation. “This is an opportunity to get to know who you could work for and if the company is right for you as well,” mentioned Grissett. Grissett also recommended leaving the interviewer with a question that prompts you to reveal more about yourself, such as, “is there anything I can disclose or speak to that shows my fit for this position?” 

Ask questions and learn something new 

Make sure to ask your interviewer plenty of questions. This can not only promote dialogue and help you and the interviewer get to know each other better, but it also demonstrates your interest in the position and helps you learn more about what can be expected from the position itself.

At some point during almost every interview, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. It is wise to prepare a list of questions before going into the interview. The questions may be answered naturally throughout the course of the interview, or you may bring them up when prompted, but asking questions about the position is an excellent way to show the interviewer that you are interested in and curious about the job, the organization, and its employees.

Asking thoughtful questions can also show the interviewer that you have done your research on the organization, but make sure you have actually done your research – don’t ask questions that could be easily answered by a quick online search!

Most importantly, asking questions is the best way to inform your own decision about whether or not you actually want to work in that particular position. Remember, while the interviewer will be evaluating you to determine whether or not you are a good fit for the position and company, you are also evaluating the position and company to determine if they are a good fit for you. The interview is a great opportunity to learn about the company, workplace culture, and the specifics of the role you will be taking on.

Some examples of good questions to help make an impression as well as learn about the responsibilities of the role you are applying for include: 

• What does a typical day/week look like in this position?
• What are some skills and experiences that would be most helpful for someone in this position to have?
• What are some of the biggest challenges in this position?
• What are the growth opportunities for this position?
• What do you like about working at this company?
• What are the current goals that the company is focused on, and how does this team work to support hitting those goals?
• What is the workplace culture like at this company?

Regardless of whether you are selected for the position you are applying for, each interview can be viewed as an opportunity to learn something new about the company, workforce, and industry you are looking to join.

If you keep these interview and resume tips in mind, we know that you will be set up for success as you embark on your career in technology. A great resume and strong interviewing skills can get you far in the job application process! Many of these tips are reviewed in greater depth during our cost-free training as part of the professional development curriculum with our career and business development coaches, who dedicate one day a week of classes to career development training. To learn more about our upcoming training, visit our website.