Five Tips for New Tech Grads

Bill Rybinski
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Whether you have a computer science degree or an information technology degree, competition for jobs is fierce in the technology field. Recent graduates must know how to use the latest technology and respond to technology trends that change frequently. If you are searching for a technology job, follow these five tips for convincing employers that you have what it takes to work with the latest technology.

 



  1. One way to convince potential employers of your value is to get up to speed on the principles of cloud computing. Many companies are saving money by turning to cloud-based computing applications instead of software applications. Doing so helps businesses save money and eliminate the need to hire in-house team members to install software and troubleshoot problems. Cloud-based computing solutions use the latest technology to give businesses the applications they need without forcing owners to buy bloated software programs. If you expect to get a job in the technology field, knowledge of cloud computing could give you an edge over other recent graduates.

     
  2. Knowing the latest technology won't help you if your resume ends up in a recruiter's trash can. Avoid sending the same resume to every recruiter, as most recruiters can tell when you have not made any effort to customize them for their companies.

     
  3. You should also send custom cover letters to every recruiter because the cover letter is the best place to capture attention and convince a recruiter to read your resume.

     
  4. Another good tip for recent graduates is to be willing to move where jobs are available. If you live in Silicon Valley, there might be a number of jobs within a short distance of your home. If you live in a rural area, you need to be willing to relocate to an area where the latest technology is more prevalent.

     
  5. If you do not have the soft skills employers are looking for in programmers, help desk technicians, and other technology professionals, take some time to learn those skills before applying for jobs. A May 2013 article by Aleks Vickovich indicates that some employers value soft skills even more than they value technical skills. Soft skills include written communication, verbal communication, and time management. Taking the time to develop these skills will help you compete with hundreds of candidates who understand technology trends just as well as you.

 

Recent graduates have to compete with hundreds of other candidates and contend with the trend of outsourcing in the technology field. As a result, it is important to find ways to distinguish yourself from others and convince recruiters that your skills match their open positions. Follow these tips to set yourself apart from other candidates and make it more likely that you will land a job working with the latest technology.

 

(Photo courtesy of photostock / freedigitalphotos.net)

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  • Melissa Kennedy
    Melissa Kennedy
    Troy - Good luck on your mid-terms! Learning about the cloud is going to be essential for anyone planning to enter the technology field.
  • Troy V
    Troy V
    I think the learning about cloud is a good piece of advice.  I'm rfesearching so many things right now and have two midterms on Monday, but things are sure moving quick  thanks for the tips

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