Going Digital How to Break Into the London IT Job Market
The UK is gripped by a recession. It seems like every single business sector or industry is suffering in the tough economic climate. Well, every sector except one. The IT sector is still growing year on year, as businesses embrace new technology and methods to cut overheads and improve efficiency.
But, as you can imagine, IT jobs in London are highly prized by jobseekers, looking for the security and prosperity that such a role brings.
With so many people looking to break into the industry, competition is fierce. And people are finding it hard to get a foot on the ladder. Fortunately though, this article will tell you what you need to know to begin your career move into the information technology sector in the UK's largest and most prosperous city.
So read on, follow our advice, and get ready. Because your career prospects are looking up
Research Potential Roles
If you're going to succeed in your new IT job, you'll need to research new things every day. Solving problems and coming up with new solutions will be a key part of your role, so you'll need to have a handle on finding things out.
And you can start by researching what your preferred role entails. Sites like LinkedIn, Twitter and even Facebook can all give you an insight into your new employers; start by looking for official company pages to get an idea of the business ethos and mindset. Then read up on the types of clients they deal with. Business-to-business companies will have client lists that you can research - and an idea of the problems which people in your preferred role will be expected to overcome.
This research will give you an edge when it comes to applying for your new IT job. Firstly, you'll know how your new employer works – allowing you to impress at the interview stage, and fit into the working environment straight away. Secondly, it'll show you which areas of your skillset you need to sharpen up.
Make Sure You're Qualified
If you're hoping to land a well-paid position, it goes without saying that your GCSE in IT probably isn't enough. Your research should have shown you just which areas of the IT industry your preferred employer covers, and from this you can find out which key skills you'll need to develop.
AdChoicesIf you're working with an online IT company providing website support, HTML and CSS skills will be a must, as these two languages account for the vast majority of code on the internet. An in-house IT support technician will need to be comfortable with the operating system a business uses – typically Microsoft or Apple – along with the relevant software required.
And if you're looking for a highly-paid software development role, you'll need to think bigger than night courses and online tutorials. To succeed at the highest level of the IT sector, you'll need years of experience in the field, or a degree in a relevant subject such as Computing.
Sort Out Your CV
While a working knowledge of the company, and skills in the field will start to give your application an edge, if you want to break into London's IT job sector, you'll need to make sure that your CV is tailored to the role.
When reviewing potential candidates, recruiters will want to see relevant experience, skills and qualifications. And while your qualifications and experience are fairly self-explanatory, you can use your CV to demonstrate the key skills which will make you a success.
IT recruiters want to see someone that can work quickly and efficiently, solve problems, and communicate complex ideas simply to clients or customers. That means you need to tailor your CV to showcase your skills in these three areas. So instead of listing all your summer jobs since the mid-1990s, take the time to select roles in which you've solved a problem to a deadline, and communicated your ideas effectively.
Enlist Professional Help
Qualifications and a strong CV should be enough to get you on the job ladder in London's IT sector, especially when you've put your research skills to good use. But sometimes, you need a little help breaking into a field, or finding a new opportunity to shine.
That's where professional recruiters come in. By enlisting the assistance of a professional recruitment agency in London, you'll be directed to positions that you may have otherwise missed. You'll also receive advice and assistance from skilled professionals, and access to their portfolio of IT sector clients. And a recommendation from a trusted agency will go a long way when it comes to getting your foot in the door.
So pick up the phone and call a London recruitment agency today. Take your first steps towards securing the IT job you deserve.
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Comments
the real problem is trying to find one which
is reliable and well connected with lots of clients.