Just Apply: You're More Qualified Than You Think
Send us Fan Mail You said you'd start applying once you finished the class. Then it was the cert. Then the second cert. That list never gets shorter and somebody with less on paper than you is getting hired right now. I got my first IT job by applying to anything with the word "computer" in the title. I didn't know what a computer operations role even was. That job started my whole career. In this one: Why waiting for everything to line up means you never start How to read a job des...
Key Takeaways
- Waiting to finish every class or acquire another certification before you start applying only delays your entry into the IT industry.
- Companies often post job descriptions with inflated requirements that they are willing to compromise on for the right candidate.
- Certifications are helpful for securing the interview, but they do not automatically guarantee you the actual job.
- Applying to jobs costs nothing out of pocket, and the absolute worst thing a company can do is remain silent.
- You likely already possess transferable experience that counts toward an IT career, even if you are not currently counting it on your resume.
You said you'd start applying once you finished the class. Then it was the cert. Then the second cert.
That list never gets shorter and somebody with less on paper than you is getting hired right now.
I got my first IT job by applying to anything with the word "computer" in the title. I didn't know what a computer operations role even was. That job started my whole career.
In this one:
Why waiting for everything to line up means you never start
How to read a job description and why companies post higher than they'll settle for
Why a cert gets you the interview, not the job
The experience you already have and aren't counting
Why applying costs you nothing worst case is silence
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to get your first IT job without experience?
Stop waiting until you feel 100% qualified or until you finish your next certification. Start applying aggressively to entry-level roles, even if you don't check every single box on the job description, and leverage any transferable experience you already have.
Do I need certifications to get an IT job?
Certifications are great tools to help you get noticed and land interviews, but they don't guarantee employment. Hands-on application and the willingness to apply are what ultimately secure the job.
Why do companies list unrealistic requirements on tech job postings?
Companies often list higher qualifications and more years of experience than they will actually settle for in hopes of finding a unicorn candidate. If you meet a good portion of the requirements, you should still submit your application.