The tech industry added over 4 million jobs in the United States last year alone. And yet, thousands of qualified candidates walk away from applications feeling underqualified, underprepared, or just plain confused about where to start.
Here’s the truth: breaking into tech has never been more accessible. Companies are shifting away from rigid degree requirements, bootcamp graduates are landing six-figure roles, and remote work has opened doors to opportunities that simply didn’t exist five years ago. What hasn’t changed is the need for a clear, strategic approach.
This guide covers everything you need to know about finding, applying for, and landing a tech job in 2024—whether you’re switching careers, fresh out of school, or just figuring out where your skills fit.
What Counts as a “Tech Job”?
Before diving into strategy, it helps to understand what you’re actually aiming for. The umbrella of “tech jobs” is broader than most people think. It’s not limited to software engineers writing code at a startup.
Tech jobs span:
- Software development: front-end, back-end, full-stack, mobile
- Data & analytics: data analysts, data scientists, business intelligence
- Cybersecurity: security analysts, penetration testers, compliance roles
- Product & design: product managers, UX/UI designers, researchers
- IT & infrastructure: system administrators, cloud engineers, DevOps
- Tech-adjacent roles: technical writers, developer advocates, sales engineers
Knowing which lane you’re in shapes every decision that follows—from the skills you build to the companies you target.
Do You Actually Need a CS Degree?
Not necessarily. A growing number of tech companies, including Google, Apple, and IBM, have publicly removed four-year degree requirements from many of their job listings. What they’re actually screening for is demonstrable skill.
That said, a degree still carries weight at certain companies and for certain roles, particularly in fields like machine learning or enterprise software. The key is to research your specific target roles rather than making assumptions.
If you don’t have a traditional degree, you have several credible alternatives:
- Coding bootcamps: Intensive, skills-focused programs that typically run 3–6 months
- Online courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer courses from top universities and industry leaders
- Certifications: Google, AWS, Microsoft, and CompTIA all offer widely recognized credentials
- Self-taught portfolios: For many roles, a strong GitHub profile or live project speaks louder than a transcript
Building a Portfolio That Gets Noticed
Resumes open doors. Portfolios close deals.
For technical roles especially, hiring managers want proof. A solid portfolio demonstrates not just what you know, but how you think, solve problems, and communicate your process.
What to include
- Personal projects: Build something you’re genuinely interested in. Passion projects are more compelling than generic tutorial recreations.
- Contributions to open source: Even small contributions to established projects show that you can work within a real codebase and collaborate with others.
- Case studies: For design or product roles, walk through your decision-making. What problem were you solving? What did you try? What worked?
Keep it clean, make it easy to navigate, and link to it everywhere—your resume, LinkedIn, email signature.
How to Write a Tech Resume That Passes the Filter
Most large tech companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a human ever reads them. If your resume isn’t optimized, it may never reach a recruiter’s desk.
A few rules to follow:
- Use keywords from the job description: If the listing says “React.js,” don’t just write “JavaScript frameworks.”
- Quantify your impact: “Reduced page load time by 40%” is more compelling than “improved website performance.”
- Keep it to one page unless you have 10+ years of experience
- Avoid fancy formatting: Tables, columns, and graphics often confuse ATS software
Tailor your resume for each application. Yes, it takes more time. Yes, it makes a significant difference.
Where to Find Tech Jobs Worth Applying For
Job boards are a starting point, not a strategy. Here’s where to focus your energy:
Job Boards
- LinkedIn Jobs: Strong for mid-to-senior roles and networking
- Indeed: Wide volume, especially for entry-level positions
- Wellfound (formerly AngelList): Excellent for startup roles
- Levels.fyi: Useful for comparing compensation at top tech companies
- We Work Remotely / Remote OK: Focused on remote-first companies
Direct Applications
Many companies post roles on their own careers page before syndicating to job boards. Follow companies you admire, check their pages regularly, and apply early.
Referrals
Studies consistently show that referred candidates are hired at significantly higher rates than cold applicants. If you have any connection at a company—even a second-degree LinkedIn contact—reach out. A brief, genuine message asking for an informational conversation goes a long way.
Networking Without Feeling Awkward About It
Networking has a reputation for being transactional and uncomfortable. It doesn’t have to be.
The most effective networking is just having genuine conversations with people who do work you find interesting. Start small:
- Attend local tech meetups or virtual events
- Engage thoughtfully with people’s posts on LinkedIn (not just a like—a real comment)
- Join online communities like Slack groups, Discord servers, or subreddits relevant to your field
- Reach out to alumni from your school or bootcamp who work in tech
The goal isn’t to immediately ask for a job. Build the relationship first. Opportunities tend to follow naturally.
Preparing for Tech Interviews
Tech interviews vary significantly by role and company, but most processes share a few common stages:
Screening call
Usually with a recruiter. Expect questions about your background, motivation for the role, and salary expectations. Research the company beforehand and have clear, concise answers ready.
Technical assessment
For engineering roles, this often involves a coding challenge (LeetCode-style problems are common at larger companies). For other roles, you might complete a case study, portfolio review, or skills test.
Behavioral interviews
These assess how you work with others, handle conflict, and approach ambiguous problems. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
System design or portfolio review
For more senior candidates, expect deeper discussions about architecture, trade-offs, or past project decisions.
Practice out loud. Record yourself if you need to. The goal is fluency, not perfection.
Salary Negotiation: Don’t Skip This Step
A significant number of tech candidates accept the first offer they receive. That’s leaving money on the table.
Before any offer conversation, research market rates using tools like Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn Salary. Know your range. When an offer comes in, express enthusiasm and ask for time to review it. Then come back with a counter.
Most hiring managers expect negotiation. A respectful, well-reasoned ask rarely costs you the offer—and it can add thousands to your annual compensation.
Your Next Move
Breaking into tech is a long game, not a sprint. The candidates who succeed are those who stay consistent, build skills intentionally, and put themselves in front of opportunities rather than waiting for the perfect moment.
Start with one concrete action today: update your LinkedIn, start a portfolio project, or reach out to someone doing work you admire. Small, consistent steps compound over time—and the tech job market rewards persistence.
