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.

A recent Forbes BrandVoice article written on behalf of Stand Together by Per Scholas Chief Revenue Officer Caitlyn Brazill explores the best way to future-proof hiring strategies. With the tech industry facing a widening skill gap, companies like AST, an enterprise systems integrator, struggle to find qualified candidates. This article proposes a solution: looking for untapped talent, which involves training individuals from diverse backgrounds who have been overlooked in the traditional hiring process. 

AST faced a shrinking pool of qualified Salesforce administrators and needed to expand its entry-level talent quickly. By partnering with Per Scholas, we developed a customized training program tailored to their specific needs. This initiative not only filled open positions but also exceeded gender diversity goals (80% female) and increased workforce diversity (80% people of color). AST also experienced increased customer satisfaction due to the team’s diverse skill set. By following AST’s lead, companies can build a more diverse and skilled workforce, while also contributing to a more inclusive and thriving tech industry.

Read the rest of the article here to learn more about how Per Scholas can help your business hiring needs.

Per Scholas is proud to have been featured in the Center for an Urban Future and The Bronx Community Foundation’s report: “50 Ideas for a Stronger and More Equitable Bronx.”

Although The Bronx is overflowing with opportunity, the report’s creators wrote, many Bronx residents still face “grave affordability challenges, as well as gaps in access to health care, open space, technology, and financial services…[As well as] steep barriers to obtaining the well-paying jobs that are growing in today’s economy.”

The Center for an Urban Future and The Bronx Community Foundation are dedicated to addressing the borough’s biggest challenges, expand on its potential, and lay a foundation for a stronger and more equitable borough. Their “50 Ideas for a Stronger and More Equitable Bronx” report presents 50 concrete policy ideas for what the Mayor, City Council members, the Bronx Borough President, and other city leaders can do to “help more Bronx residents get on the path to the middle class, strengthen social infrastructure, address the affordability crisis, close longstanding racial and ethnic opportunity gaps, improve the health of residents, and bolster neighborhoods across the borough.”

Per Scholas was featured on the list amongst other innovative programs, organizations, and ideas, and was recognized for it’s ability to provide an accessible, cost free skills training program, available to Bronx residents.

Read the full report here.

Per Scholas is proud to announce that we’ve joined Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Impact Partner Grant Program, receiving management training, access to a new Customer First Measurement approach, and up to $300,000 in grants over the next three years. This partnership will directly support the expansion of our Career Accelerator programming, which provides Per Scholas alumni with additional technical upskilling and other professional development opportunities to support their career journey toward a thriving wage.

Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Impact Grant Program is built on the same belief that drives our work: investing in people and communities creates lasting change. We are thrilled to partner with Stand Together Foundation through this grant program that puts people at the forefront.

We kicked off our partnership earlier this month, where Per Scholas SVP of Learner and Alumni Success Jay Dierig, Per Scholas VP of Research and Evaluation Dr. Angelica Thompson, and Per Scholas SVP of Development Evelyn Chen attended Stand Together Foundation’s Impact Partner Summit in Carlsbad, CA. During three meaningful days, we had the opportunity to connect with two dozen other nonprofits to trade ideas and inspiration and to further develop strategies for how we can support at least 80% of Per Scholas alumni to attain a thriving wage within two years of their initial job attainment.

 

Our Catalyst Success Manager, Nick England, also visited us at our Bronx campus, meeting with staff and hearing from current cyber security learners about their individual journeys to Per Scholas and what lies beyond. 

We are so excited to be embarking on this journey together to expand the impact of Per Scholas’ Career Accelerator, unlocking the potential we know exists in every single one of our thousands of alumni.

As part of CNBC Make It’s Ditching the Degree series, Per Scholas Alumna Ayana Dunlap is featured as a woman who built a six-figure career without a bachelor’s degree. She shares with readers how the combination of the skills she built at Per Scholas and her transferable skills led to her transition from hospitality to her current role as the Assistant Vice President of Operations and Information Technology at the Bank Policy Institute. She’s now earning about $125,000 less than 4 years after graduating from Per Scholas, a salary that Dunlap says would have been “unimaginable” at this point in her career, had she stayed in hospitality.

Read the article to learn more about her journey.

 

Innovative Hiring Practices Will Prevail as Tech Roles Soar in 2024

With a quick start to the new year and looking back on 2023, we saw much movement in the tech industry. In a year that was predicted to see a slow in hiring and start of a recession, one industry prevailed: technology. While there were many tech layoffs, there were many more open tech jobs, so much so that the latest CompTIA report highlights the resilience of tech jobs in the labor market. 

By 2033, tech skills will be vital in all job sectors, and 75% of American workers are actively upskilling to meet this demand. While so many tech roles remain unfilled, it’s time for employers to turn to innovative hiring practices and recognize the benefits of creating a diverse, sustainable tech talent pipeline. When recruiting diverse talent, it’s crucial to create a work environment that is equitable and inclusive for everyone. This not only sets your business up for better performance outcomes but also drives increased results. By leveraging Per Scholas’ industry outlook and TEKsystems’ latest DEI in IT data, employers have the opportunity to innovate for the future with alternative hiring practices.

What does the tech industry look like now?

In the face of a potential recession and job loss, the tech industry remains a steadfast source of opportunity. However, the industry is not immune to the winds of change, which bring about new challenges and demands. Leaders must prioritize top projects and deliver results to stay ahead and thrive. In this landscape of digital transformation and tech strategies, diversity is a key element that elevates businesses to new levels of productivity and performance. With more than 350,000 technology job openings available, it is crucial to fill them with skilled and diverse individuals. This quest will bring balance to the workforce and promote economic equity for all.

The urgency to upskill and hire individuals with tech skills is fueled by rapid advancements in AI, compelling companies to adopt new technologies and emphasizing the critical need for upskilling to keep pace. According to this CIO Dive article, in-demand tech jobs such as Cloud/DevOps, digital transformation, security/privacy, AI, automation, and data analytics are on the rise. 

Where is the tech industry heading this year?

Artificial Intelligence integrations will remain a priority across industries, but they shouldn’t come at the cost of effective DEIB programs. Managing the cultural shift and transition to embrace AI is important as we consider the crucial need for diverse voices and representation in evolving technologies. The DEIB “trend” continues to move in the wrong direction as Indeed notes a 44% drop in related job postings.  

Investing in tech talent pipelines that are diverse and purposeful with DEI work and building those with upskilling opportunities and IT certifications, companies have an opportunity to lead in tech with increased innovation and productivity. Diversity is good for business, individuals, and the economy and this year offers another chance to put words into action by hiring skilled, productive, and diverse technologists for the thousands of open tech roles.

Companies that don’t innovate their hiring strategies will fall behind.

With an ever-evolving technology landscape, innovative hiring practices are imperative. Companies need to have sustainable talent pipelines available and ready, meaning upskilling and having a talent pool with specific tech skills has to take precedence. If all jobs will be tech jobs in ten years, leaders need a plan now. 

Together, TEKsystems and Per Scholas have opened up pathways for nontraditional IT talent, deepening diversity and equity in tech. We’ve combined our resources to equip learners with industry skills and connect them with employers who value their training. 

I look to industry experts, such as TEKsystems Executive Director of Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Franklin Reed, for insight into what it takes to intentionally recruit and retain an IT workforce with DEIB best practices in mind. “We’re seeing positive results across the board in DEI-focused recruiting strategies in IT.” Reed reflects. “But it takes daily effort and a sustainable approach. At the end of the day, it’s about people. Do your employees feel a sense of belonging? Have you audited your hiring processes to eliminate biases? Are your teams aware of the benefits of diversity and inclusivity at work? DEI in IT has a long way to go, but we are making progress.”  

This year, I anticipate that tech roles, including those focused on AI skills, will become more prevalent than ever as more industries and sectors require tech skills in various roles. Innovative hiring practices will become essential to companies that need to build sustainable talent pipelines and prepare for the increased demand for talent, and Per Scholas is training learners across the nation to be part of that solution.

Per Scholas Columbus Senior Managing Director Jenn Fowler Howard was featured in The Columbus Dispatch for her op-ed centered around embracing diversity in Columbus.

“The heart of Columbus’s tech success story shouldn’t just be about buildings or businesses; we must make room for diversity by empowering individuals from all backgrounds,” Fowler Howard writes. “For me, the future of Columbus’s tech workforce will embody inclusivity and diversity — unlocking hidden potential at every stop, so long as we do the work now to make it happen.”

Read the full op-ed here.

Working in Information Technology (IT) is all about innovation, opportunity, and challenge. Many people wonder what it is truly like to work in the field, and common myths and misconceptions can make it seem intimidating. 

People often picture IT professionals as workers buried under lines of code or constantly tinkering with hardware. In reality, there are many types of IT jobs, and not all of them involve chips, motherboards, or constant coding.

In this article, we aim to demystify the world of IT and provide a comprehensive glimpse into what it’s truly like to work in this dynamic field. To do this, we’ll draw upon the experiences of Per Scholas graduates who have successfully ventured into the tech industry.

Daily IT Tasks and Responsibilities  

Working in IT is far from being monotonous, and that’s one of its many charms. IT professionals often find themselves doing a wide range of tasks — from coding, troubleshooting, and attending team meetings to managing complex projects. 

While coding is a fundamental aspect of IT, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Troubleshooting and problem-solving are equally critical skills, as IT teams frequently collaborate to resolve complex issues.

IT Workplace Environments

One of the remarkable features of the IT industry is its adaptability to different workplace environments. While in-person workplace settings are still popular, the rise of remote work has been especially prominent in the tech sector, allowing professionals to work from anywhere in the world. 

This transition to remote work has been supported by cutting-edge communication tools and platforms that facilitate collaboration. The collaborative nature of tech teams is a fundamental aspect of working in IT, regardless of whether professionals work on-site or remotely, and the option to seek out remote or in-person roles as desired is an attractive feature to many.

Continuous Learning and Upskilling

The ever-evolving landscape of technology demands continuous learning and skill enhancement and is an excellent option for those who love learning new things. 

To remain competitive in this rapidly changing environment, IT professionals regularly attend conferences and workshops, enroll in online courses, and engage in self-study. 

These educational opportunities keep them up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in the field. To see how IT pros stay updated through courses, explore Per Scholas’ diverse course offerings and witness firsthand accounts of their commitment to continuous learning.

Challenges and Rewards

Working in IT is not easy, but the challenges it presents are part of what makes it so rewarding. IT professionals often find a thrill in problem-solving, from debugging a piece of software to designing a never-before-used solution. 

They regularly face and overcome challenges, such as intense troubleshooting, creating novel solutions to problems, and updating their skill sets to keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements. Overcoming these hurdles provides a sense of fulfillment that makes the journey worthwhile.

Work-Life Balance in IT

In recent years, careers in IT have become increasingly flexible in terms of work arrangements. IT professionals have options for flexible working hours and often work remotely. Many tech companies have recognized the importance of supporting a healthy work-life balance for their employees, and this is reflected in the requirements of their roles. 

As such, working in tech can be a great option for those with families or otherwise busy schedules or for those simply seeking a greater work-life balance.

Community and Networking

Building a strong sense of community lies at the core of Per Scholas’ mission. We understand the importance of forming connections and nurturing relationships within the IT community, as well as the ways in which these connections benefit both personal and professional growth. 

Per Scholas actively promotes community in tech by providing mentorship opportunities and platforms for collaboration among trainees and alumni. This supportive atmosphere stretches beyond our training programs, fostering a spirit of togetherness that helps pave the way for our alumni’s success. 

Here, you can see the influence of community-building initiatives, such as our collaboration with TD Bank leader volunteers to offer mock interviews for Per Scholas learners.

Voices from the Field: Experiences of Per Scholas Graduates

How did your training at Per Scholas shape your initial experiences in the IT world?

“Throughout the program, you are working on being ready for the moment the program finishes. From week one, we were creating our LinkedIn profiles and working on resumes…we would have guest speakers that ranged in different fields in IT. We were able to make connections with them, pick their brains a little, and learn about the different paths and options in IT. As soon as the program was done, I had my LinkedIn with several connections, an idea of what type of IT I wanted to do, and my resume ready. What I think makes up a well-rounded employee is both soft skills and technical skills, and I think Per Scholas has really developed a great way to round those out.”

-Veronica Vergara, End User Desktop Support, Chicago, IL

 

“I am applying everything Per Scholas taught me. Coming in, I didn’t have a blueprint or frame of reference for the industry – but I have that now.” 

– LeClair Boone, Java Developer, Charlotte NC

 

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job in IT?

“I look forward to inviting others into this space, navigating the Google culture, and watching them grow within the company.”

-Tammy Johnson, Network Support @Google, Columbus, OH

 

“For me, it was important to have a good job and provide for myself and my family. I wanted better opportunities and a good work-life balance and to be paid fairly so I could afford things to take care of my family and myself. A career in IT seems to be more secure with better opportunities and salaries.”

-Elena Bilko, Cybersecurity, New York 

Do you have any advice for someone considering a transition into the IT sector?

“It’s huge knowing that I don’t just have a beginner skill set. I have a very focused skill set that is highly in demand. Per Scholas gave me the base of my knowledge to go out and be successful.” 

-Mira Winkel, Java Developer, Seattle, WA

Read more about our Per Scholas graduates here!

Conclusion: The Dynamic World of IT Careers

It’s clear that IT jobs come with their fair share of both challenges and rewards. With the right training from Per Scholas, anyone can excel in this ever-changing field. Whether you’re thinking about a career change or just curious about what working in IT is like, feel free to explore the options and see the opportunities that are out there. Welcome to the world of IT!

A Year of Roundtables: Helping Diverse Cultures Succeed in the Future Tech Force

Written by Omoanatse McCarther

In the dynamic landscape of technology, integrating DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives have emerged as a pivotal factor for fostering innovation and advancement. Throughout 2023, Diverse by Design hosted a series of thought-provoking roundtable discussions as part of our “Futures Month” initiatives. These sessions were meticulously designed to dissect success narratives and furnish pragmatic insights tailored for technology leaders. The overarching objective was to empower leaders to seamlessly embed diverse cohorts into their DEI frameworks, thereby fostering a more inclusive trajectory for the future.

These virtual roundtables transcended mere anecdotal accounts, offering actionable guidance. Each session distilled pivotal takeaways, practical strategies, and implementable tips. The intention was to create a roadmap, deciphering invaluable insights that can equip technology leaders to cultivate teams that are more diverse, inclusive, and primed to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.

Black Futures Month Roundtable

Our inaugural roundtable featured esteemed panelists, including Athenia Figgs from EY, Damien Howard from Per Scholas, and Oche Idoko from Barclays. The focus of this dialogue centered on the imperative of cultivating mentorship programs for Black technologists. Emphasizing the reciprocal benefits inherent in participating as both mentors and mentees, the discussion underscored how such engagements foster meaningful connections and facilitate pivotal opportunities crucial for career advancement. Access to these programs was underscored as a transformative gateway for Black individuals navigating the tech landscape. All while acknowledging and celebrating Black Futures Month, highlighting the extraordinary achievements of black technologists.

Women’s Futures Month Roundtable

We celebrated the contributions of women in tech during our Women’s Futures Month roundtable, highlighting Dr. Marian Croak’s groundbreaking work while echoing the revelation that only 15% of engineering jobs are held by women, underscoring the imperative for change. In our Women’s Futures Month Roundtable, we celebrated the achievements of women in the tech industry while casting a forward-looking gaze. Despite women comprising a mere 19% of the tech workforce, the conversation pivoted towards fostering greater opportunities not only for women but also for other underrepresented demographics in the tech domain. Central to the discourse was the imperative of dismantling barriers obstructing women’s progression into tech roles and leadership positions. The emphasis was not solely on recognizing challenges but on catalyzing actionable measures to engender a more open and inclusive tech ecosystem conducive to the flourishing of women professionals. A notable highlight was the commendable increase in women technologists from 33% to 41% in 2022, signaling promising strides forward.

Pride Futures Month Roundtable

During our Pride Month roundtable, the spotlight illuminated avenues for enhancing opportunities for diverse technologists through collaborative efforts with employers and the establishment of supportive environments tailored for underrepresented groups. The dialogue shed light on strategies employed by Per Scholas and other entities to address the underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ individuals in recent diversity initiatives within the tech sector. Key considerations encompassed the use of inclusive language, avoidance of assumptions pertaining to gender identity or sexual orientation, and the provision of dedicated resources for employee groups. These initiatives are geared towards fostering connectivity and advocating for diversity while urging companies to champion LGBTQ+ inclusion in the tech workforce actively.

Hispanic Futures Month Roundtable

We concluded our series for 2023 with a celebration of Hispanic and Latinx voices in the tech community. The remarkable contributions of leaders like Elizabeth Agosto, Laura Gomez, and Karla Monterroso underscored the pivotal role Hispanics play in building the global tech landscape. With Hispanics constituting only approximately 8% of the tech workforce (as per a Pew Research Center report), our speakers imparted invaluable insights on empowering and uplifting Hispanics in the tech realm. The discussion underscored the significance of bilingual resources wherever feasible and underscored the imperative of acknowledging alternative educational pathways, recognizing that not all individuals have equitable access to traditional four-year college education. These insights underscored a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for Hispanics, ensuring equitable opportunities for success irrespective of background. 

Looking Ahead in 2024

The preceding year’s roundtables served as a poignant reminder of the transformative potential of diversity within the tech industry. They underscored the necessity of embracing diverse perspectives and backgrounds as catalysts for innovation and progress. Let us not overlook the fact that diversity is not merely a moral imperative but also a potent driver of business success.

As we express gratitude for your unwavering support throughout 2023, we extend an invitation to join us in shaping a more diverse and inclusive future in technology. Let’s carry the momentum of this year into the next, united in our commitment to fostering change. Join us on February 29 for “Diverse by Design Presents Securing the Future: Embracing Diversity in Cybersecurity,” where we will delve into how diversity in action yields tangible outcomes, particularly within the cybersecurity domain. Register now to be part of this transformative dialogue.

A recent Forbes article written by Per Scholas’ funding partner Stand Together discusses the challenge of finding qualified job applicants. Stand Together suggests  innovative financing models can bridge the gap between workforce needs and individual aspirations. These models tie tuition to employment outcomes, incentivizing education providers to deliver relevant skills and students to invest time in programs that lead to high earning potential. Per Scholas is specifically highlighted as a successful example of an innovative financing model offering free IT training and career support, helping individuals achieve career goals debt-free.

Read about the innovative education finance models here!