So, whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional looking for a career shift, this is an excellent opportunity to enter the industry. 

But as sectors across tech continue to grow and evolve, how can you get your foot in the door with no previous tech experience? 

FDM comments: 

“For many individuals seeking roles in tech, there is a common misconception that you must have technical skills to enter the industry. But many soft skills across other sectors can prove invaluable in tech, including creativity, communication skills, project management, and problem-solving.”

“Looking for roles in industries you are already familiar with can be a great place to start since you already know the market. From there, you can scope out how your current skills may be transferable to other roles, as well as any training you may need.“

“With so many vacancies across the country, coupled with a growing skills gap, there is no better time to enter this exciting space. “

#1 - Pick an industry that aligns with your skillset 

Familiarity and interest in the industry, especially if you have little to no previous tech experience, will go a long way in your interview process. This gives you the chance to showcase any skills and knowledge you can bring to the table, as well as your enthusiasm to work in the industry. 

If you have experience or an interest in Finance, applying to jobs in FinTech may align well with your skillset. Or maybe you are a doctor or nurse looking to transition into tech, in which case, BioTech may be a suitable option for you. In essence, harness the skillset and knowledge you already have to give you an edge in the application process. 

#2 - Showcase your soft skills 

Many roles within the tech industry don't require technical skills. So, while you may not be a programmer or engineer, it’s likely that you’ll have an array of soft skills that could apply to a variety of roles. 

For example, jobs such as product managers have grown by 8x in the last year, showing the growing demand for non-technical roles within the sector (TechNation). 

A company can also always assist in training employees to obtain ‘hard skills’ but soft skills rely more on personality qualities that are specific to the individual. Therefore, it’s important to emphasise this in the application and interview process. 

Highlight your passion, personality, and knowledge throughout the hiring process. If you are a strong communicator, highly creative or extremely organised, these are all great examples of characteristics to highlight. 

#3 - Find a training programme 

Training programmes can make sure you are fully equipped to enter the tech industry by filling in any gaps in your knowledge. They can also be a great way to acquire any technical skills if you want to apply for roles that require certain skillsets, such as coding or cyber security. 

Technical programmes can also be an effective way to network and streamline the job process. Options such as FDM’s Technical Graduate Programme will place you with industry-leading clients, and provide you with the opportunity to work as a fully integrated member of their team and put what you've learned to practice. 

#4 - Harness the power of LinkedIn 

LinkedIn is a fantastic platform and tool for networking and job searching. Through LinkedIn, individuals can connect with relevant professionals, search for people who work in the industry and browse available job opportunities. 

Connecting with like-minded individuals in the tech industry on LinkedIn can also give you further insight into what skills you will need to be hired for that position, and allow you to prepare ahead of time. At the same time, you can ask questions and develop relationships with people in the tech space who may be able to help you in the interview process. 

Workers in the tech industry can also give you advice on how to tailor your CV and make your LinkedIn profile stand out to recruiters and potential employers. 

#5 - Take on technical side projects 

Working on side projects allows you to gain basic experience, explore what you like within the tech sphere, and add additional value to your CV. This way, you can try out different types of jobs before you commit to one path. Technical projects are also an effective way to network and meet new people who are also involved in the industry. 

There are loads of different kinds of tasks and responsibilities you can take on in the field as a tech side project. From tech support to technical writing and virtual assistant, there is plenty to choose from. 

Are you interested in getting into the tech industry? Visit FDM’s technical graduate programme page to see how you can get started.