How to stand out in the competitive tech industry

Whether it’s information systems, cybersecurity, web development or cloud computing, careers in the tech industry are experiencing tremendous growth. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the addition of about 317,700 openings each year, on average, from 2024 to 2034 in roles that depend on skills like cloud computing and information security. 

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2024-2034 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.

Careers in the tech industry

Careers in the technology sector offer several other strong benefits outside the proliferation of roles. Many jobs in this industry offer pay that’s higher than the average for all careers, and many jobs can be done from home. In fact, remote jobs have been a major component of the growth of the technology industry. Remote work accounts for 67% of tech jobs. 

Here are some common tech jobs:

• Cloud Computing    
• Computer Programmer  
• IT Support Specialist  
• Machine Learning Engineer 
• Systems Administrator 
• UX Designer

The drawback? Although technology jobs are booming, they’re also competitive. Beating out other applicants for a role isn’t always easy. Often, more than one qualified candidate will apply for the same position at a company, especially if it’s a desirable role. 

Seven ways to stand out in the tech industry

Amid so much growth and competition, how does an IT professional you catch the eye of a tech company during a job search?

1. Stay up to date

2. Find a mentor

Mentorship is another powerful way to stand out from the competition. Partnering with a mentor means spending time with someone with experience in the technology industry — someone who can teach valuable lessons on how to reach goals in the tech industry.

Sometimes, this means regular connections on a phone call or in person to check in, gauge progress toward goals and ask questions. Other times, mentorship is simply a period of time to spend learning from someone who can share industry experience and insight.

Mentors can help reframe vision and take actionable steps toward goals. They can impart the confidence and education needed to take the next step in a professional career. They can also help expose mentees to unfamiliar perspectives while allowing them to learn from mistakes they’ve already made.

In the tech industry, mentorships are often field-specific: Those seeking a mentor should look for someone with experience in cybersecurity, information technology, machine learning, web development or another technology sector.

Once a prospective mentor is found, mentees can consider making a relatively formal request for mentorship by outlining career aspirations and identifying why they believe the mentor can help them reach their goals. If they accept the request, a mentorship can last for a set period or until one of the parties decides to end the relationship.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a mentor:

• Ensure the mentor holds the same values.
• Make sure the potential mentor understands career goals.
• Make it easy for the mentor to participate in the mentorship.
• Identify ways to make the mentor’s time worthwhile.

There are many places to find a mentor. Check current organizations or cast a wider net across social media.

3. Network with industry professionals

Developing a list of strong business connections can help someone in tech land a job, obtain a character reference or access job opportunities not widely publicized.

Networking in the tech sector can take many forms. Some tech organizations may prefer face-to-face experiences, where employees gather to socialize, exchange information and develop fresh perspectives on current trends.

In other cases, it takes place remotely. Through online networking platforms, direct messaging and related methods, networking with valuable tech contacts is possible without leaving your home.

Consider the following options for networking in the tech industry:

• Connect directly with co-workers — across departments — to discuss current projects and opportunities for collaboration.
• Participate in technology conferences to meet people in the field and get familiar with trends.
• Sign up for local networking events.
• Use a professional social media platform like LinkedIn®.*
• Look for internship opportunities or volunteer to help organizations with their technology needs.
• Connect with fellow alumni and professors at your alma mater.

Sometimes, networking in the tech space requires a little creativity. For example, if someone want to meet a particular contact in the tech space, they can try scheduling a call or a meetup with them. In other cases, contributing to a well-known technology publication can help get a tech professional's name out there to a broader network.

4. Find the right online platforms

Online platforms can provide valuable direction for employees at all stages of their tech careers. Whether someone is looking to find a new job, deepen their experience in a particular tech field or simply connect with industry contacts, online platforms can further support already successful tech careers.

Here are just a few:

• Platforms to help educate: Some online platforms are purely educational and can help sharpen skills in coding, IT, programming and other tech fields. Platforms like Udemy, Cloud Academy and DataCamp often offer free or discounted courses specifically for individuals in the technology industry.
• Platforms to help pursue a new tech career: Platforms like Dice.com remain popular in tech circles since they package together some of the hottest tech jobs in a single location.
• Platforms to deepen a tech network online: Platforms like LinkedIn^® and Fishbowl are great for general networking and delivering meaningful results after filtering networking partners in a particular tech field.

The online tech platforms to use will depend on goals, skills and specialties. For example, if someone enjoys deepening their relationships with relevant tech contacts, they'll likely spend more time networking. When looking for a career change, invest more time in tech job boards.

5. Play the numbers game

Even if someone is unlikely to be considered for a position, there’s no harm in applying to an opening at a company they like. Sometimes standing out means regularly applying to new openings when they arise — even if the job description is a little different from a current position.

Applying has several benefits, even when someone is somewhat satisfied with their current position. For one, applying to a new company requires regularly updating a résumé and cover letter. Each time someone adds a relevant skill or experience to theirresumé, they strengthen their candidacy for hire.

Applying for jobs also helps to expand a tech network. Even if someone is not accepted for a posted position, recruiters, hiring managers and company executives might note the experience they list on their resumé. When a job that suits that skill set becomes available, the employer might reach out directly to gauge the applicant's interest at a later date.

6. Cultivate informed opinions

Employees in the tech industry should aspire to develop a level of expertise on relevant technology trends, updates and events. Even independent professionals' opinions will shape their future in the technology sector. Developing knowledge about topics in a specific field will help round out a tech professional's character.

Beyond the job application process, relevant expertise can help project a confident professional image. A person's knowledge and ability help craft their persona — both at work and during personal time.

Developing relevant industry opinions and know-how takes time. Often, this process can be expedited by pursuing education in a related field. For example, students who obtain a BSIT degree will emerge with a strong background in cybersecurity, networking and other fields.

7. Regularly update portfolios

Anyone working in the technology industry should regularly update their portfolio. Skills evolve rapidly in this sector, and a résumé and portfolio should reflect how a job applicant has kept up.

A portfolio should serve as more than an explanation of skills, though. When possible, include work examples, job reviews and feedback; satisfied customer testimonials; and other elements that speak to capabilities in the office.

Even with minimal experience in the tech industry, a portfolio can be populated with educational credentials.

A portfolio should also tell the story of an industry professional. Candidates should include items that outline integrity and work ethic — anything that can help separate them from the competition in the tech sector.