How to Get a Job in IT: 7 Steps

A job in information technology (IT) can allow you to help people, solve problems, and constantly learn new things. It’s a diverse field that can reward both the generalist and the specialist. 

Plus, it’s a growing field that offers solid entry-level salaries. Anticipated growth in hiring for the Indian IT sector is estimated to be between 8 and 10 per cent in 2024 [1]. The average entry-level base salary in IT is ₹5,55,555 as of June 2024, according to Glassdoor [2].

So, how do you go about breaking into the IT field?

How to get a job in IT

The IT sector encompasses a wide range of possibilities, including positions in software development, business analysis, data science, cybersecurity, and more. The following steps can help you start on your chosen career path. 

1. Know the space.

If you’re interested in IT work, it’s a good idea to know what that would look like and what kinds of jobs are out there. An excellent first step is to do the research to orient yourself in the IT space. Explore resources, which include several YouTube channels, podcasts, discussion websites (like Reddit or Quora), and blogs dedicated to helping you learn what IT work is like and what kind of IT job might be a good fit for you.

Try putting together a list of jobs that you’re interested in. Are you interested in helping an organisation’s computer networks function smoothly, or are you interested in developing websites? What sort of organisations are appealing to you? What positions sound like something you’d want to do?

This can help focus your job search. Plus, it’ll familiarise you with some of the vocabulary you’ll encounter throughout the process. If you’re unsure where to start, try reading about common entry-level IT jobs or explore what IT career paths are.

2. Polish relevant IT skills.

Specific skills that employers are looking for in IT workers can vary from role to role. Look through several job listings you’re interested in to see what specific skills you should sharpen.

Below are a few skills you might find listed in an IT job description.

• Operating systems: Familiarity with Mac, Linux, and Microsoft operating systems can prepare you to work with a variety of devices and broaden the organisations for which you’re qualified.

• Security: A fundamental understanding of computer and internet security, including concepts like encryption and firewalls, can be useful to an IT professional.

• Networks: Understanding the essentials of networking issues, such as network access and IP services, may give you a leg up in your job search.

• Communication: Communicating with others will likely be a crucial part of your work in IT. IT professionals often help other members of an organisation with technical problems or cooperate with team members to roll out new projects. Improving your communication skills can be a great boon to your professional life.

3. Get a certification.

Certifications can be a good way to earn a credential and learn fundamental IT concepts. If you're entirely new to the field, you can learn a wide variety of fundamental IT concepts by getting a general entry-level certification, like the CompTIA A+ certification. 

You can also earn certifications in specialised areas of IT, like cybersecurity or networks. These can be beneficial if you’re ready to get started in a specific field of IT.

Certifications usually require passing an exam. You can find coursework online or in person at places like community colleges that can prepare you for certification exams.

Keep in mind

Certifications can cost up to several hundred rupees. But if you feel confident about your decision to enter the IT workforce and need to get some experience and credentials, it could be a worthwhile investment. If you’re currently employed and think an IT certification would benefit you and your company, you may be able to approach your employer to see if they will pay the exam costs.

4. Build your experience.

Whether you’re trying to be a network engineer or system administrator, experience working in your field is likely to be one of your strongest assets when it comes to getting a job. You can gain experience in several ways, including:

• Coursework: Coursework, whether online or in-person, often requires you to complete hands-on projects or tasks. Some may also prepare you for certification exams. Are you still figuring out where to start? Take a look at the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, which prepares you for the CompTIA A+ certification. You may also find introductory IT courses at your local community college or elsewhere online.

• Personal projects: If you work well without too much structure, you can try learning through personal projects. Creating your own software, building a website for a friend, or tinkering with a computer network can put your skills to the test and give you something to point to in job applications.

• Internships: Internships may not require previous experience and can be an excellent opportunity to use your skills in a professional setting.

• Freelancing: Some professions, like web developers, can find work as freelancers. Freelancing can be a good way to complete small projects whilst looking for a full-time job.

• Volunteering: Many volunteer organisations are looking for support. Offering your skills can help you complete hands-on projects that you can refer to in a job application.

• Education: Most employers expect candidates to hold at least a bachelor's degree before applying for an IT engineering position. If you have the time and resources to pursue a bachelor’s degree, it’s a path worth considering. Opt for computer science or a related field, such as software engineering, as your major. 

5. Network.

Networking can be a valuable way to find out more about a job or company, introduce you to opportunities you wouldn’t have heard of otherwise, or get you a boost in the hiring process. Your network can include old coworkers, friends, family, alums of your alma mater, or people you reach out to through professional sites like LinkedIn.

Remember that successful networking doesn't always have to end in a new job. You can also network to learn more about what it's like to work in IT or get some advice about your job search process.

Check out Coursera’s guide on networking to get interviews for more on who to reach out to and how.

6. Look for entry-level positions.

An entry-level position requires minimal related work experience in almost any field. However, given the variety of responsibilities you can take on as an IT worker, there are many titles an entry-level position in IT might have. The following  are a few entry-level titles that you can look for in your job search:

• IT associate

• Help desk specialist

• IT assistant

• Computer support specialist

• System analyst

• Network associate

• System administrator

• Database administrator

7. Polish your interview skills.

In an interview for a job in IT, you’re likely to encounter both behavioural and technical questions. 

You can prepare for an interview by practising your answers to common IT interview questions. Read the job description to get a sense of what you’ll need to know. Have some stories ready about your past experiences, including times when things went well and when things didn’t go so well—and what you did about it. 

A few examples of questions you might run into, include:

• What are the main hardware components of a computer?

• What is RAM?

• What are some good security practices you would implement to protect a computer?

• How would you work through a problem you don’t know how to solve?

• Can you tell us about a time you accomplished a task as a part of a team?

Getting started on Coursera

IT is a diverse sector with steady demand for skilled professionals. If you like helping people and learning new things, a career in IT can be fulfilling. Get started by enrolling in programmes like the IBM IT Support or Google IT Support Professional Certificate—the first week is free.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)