How to Land Your Dream Tech Job: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hi everyone! Today, we're diving into a practical guide to help you navigate your way into that coveted tech job. Whether you're a newbie in your first or second year of uni or a seasoned penultimate year student, we've got you covered.
Getting Started: First and Second Years • Insight Days: Early on, participate in insight programs. These opportunities are fantastic for dipping your toes into the tech world. They provide valuable experience to add to your CV.
Penultimate Year: The Time to Shine • Internship Hunt: Your penultimate year is prime time to snag an internship. Many applications open well in advance, so get cracking to ensure you don't miss out on exciting opportunities.
Cracking the Internship Code
Step 1: Building Your CV o Begin by bulking up your CV. Don't be afraid to showcase diverse experiences, even if they're not directly tech related. This might include part-time jobs, insight days or projects outside of your coursework. Highlight your uniqueness through hobbies and interests. The key here is brevity; aim to keep your CV to a single page.
Step 2: Online Application Forms o Get ready for the tedious yet essential part - filling out those online applications. While it may seem dull at first, it gets easier with practice. Expect to attach your CV and potentially answer job-specific questions.
Step 3: Online Testing o You might face technical questions on platforms like HackerRank, especially if you're eyeing a software developer role. For other positions, be prepared for situational judgment tests or numerical assessments.
Step 4: Virtual Interviews o Once you've cleared the online hurdles, brace yourself for virtual interviews. These could be live video calls or pre-recorded video submissions through platforms like HireVue.
Step 5: Assessment Centres and Final Interviews o If you've made it this far, congratulations! You may be invited to an assessment centre or another final interview. This is your last step before landing that internship.
Step 6: Offer o At this point you can decide to accept the offer of the internship or reject it if you have another internship offer that you would rather do.
Don't Be Discouraged • Rejection is a part of the process. Don't let it discourage you. Apply to multiple companies and learn from each experience. Keep pushing forward and remember there are countless opportunities out there.
An Alternative Path • If you haven't secured an internship, don't fret. Consider working on your own project during the summer after your second year. Build an app or pursue any tech-related venture, documenting your progress on platforms like GitHub. This hands-on experience is highly valuable to potential employers.
More Opportunities • Explore options like KURF (King's Undergraduate Research Fellowship) to delve deep into a subject of interest, adding another layer of experience to your portfolio.
Breaking into the tech industry may seem daunting, but with persistence and continuous learning, you can make it happen. Keep your head up, apply widely, and don't give up. Your dream tech job is within reach.
Until next time :)
Useful Links:
- Huzzle: https://www.huzzle.app
- Gradcracker: https://www.gradcracker.com
- Brightnetwork: https://www.brightnetwork.co.uk/pre-dashboard/
- Targetjobs: https://targetjobs.co.uk
- King’s CareerConnect: https://kcl.targetconnect.net/unauth?leap=https:%2F%2Fkcl.targetconnect.net%2Fleap%2Fjobs.html%3Fservice%3DCareers%2BService%26id%3D64274¤tUserLocale=en_GB
- Write your own blog: https://www.kcltech.co.uk/addBlog.php
Ashwina Kalanathan (Blog Manager)