Tech Exec shares 5 burning career tips every job seeker must know
Year after year, tech remains the most sought-after industry to work in. While demand for STEM professions continues to grow—with significant expansion projected between 2022 and 2032—entering and sustaining a career in the field has become increasingly challenging.
With a remarkable 396% surge in Google searches for ‘how to get a job in tech’ in the past month, we spoke with Maksym Prokhorov, tech pundit and co-founder/CEO of the business automation platform PLATMA to bring to you the five essential tips to consider before embarking on your job hunt in tech.
1. Tech landscape: vast but fiercely competitive
With years of seemingly endless growth having enabled IT and tech businesses to scale without limits, the market is now suffering from its own success. The economic downturn has forced employers to put the brakes on hiring, with 124,000 workers laid off in 2024, joining the 428,000 others who lost their jobs in the last two years. These workers have flooded the job market, creating a fiercely competitive environment and stacking the odds against even those with remarkable skills and years of experience.
2. Think big, go niche
Rapid technological advancement has maintained demand for talent—but mostly in specialized, cutting-edge fields such as AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. This paradox means that while there is no shortage of available roles, businesses struggle to find suitable candidates with the skills they need most. For those seeking jobs in IT, this means there is plenty of opportunity—but only for those willing to learn, adapt, and reskill.
3. Adapt or get left behind
During job market downturns, staying competitive requires more than just technical skills—It’s a matter of growing and adapting. Focus on modernizing your skill set, studying the market, and making yourself more desirable. You can learn a lot by looking at which roles are going unfilled. Despite the downturn, specializations in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI are still in high demand, and you likely already have many of the required skills to transition successfully. Combining continuous learning with the basics—attending industry events, networking with peers, taking courses, and finetuning your LinkedIn profile—you’ll land a new role in no time.
4. Build your brand, boost your value
Continuously expanding your skill set and earning new certifications ensures you remain relevant. But when competition is high, you can’t expect roles to come to you. While easier said than done in a field that tends to attract introverts, marketing yourself is so important. Keeping up with your peers and industry trends will boost your visibility and ensure you’re on top of your game when a hiring manager comes calling.
5. Stand out beyond the code
The biggest mistake you can make is relying solely on technical skills while neglecting everything else employers look for. It’s like writing flawless code and expecting an awful UI to show it off… With the job market saturated, you need a strong personal brand and impeccable soft skills, such as communication—and not just during interviews. If you’re sending out resumes you haven’t tailored to highlight how your skills align with the specific job requirements, good luck getting a callback.
