It can be tricky to know where to start when looking to start work in software development, but if approached in the right way, you could prove yourself worthy to fill one of the 129,000 IT positions available on the jobs market each year.
First of all you must have a clear idea of what you are looking for. There are a wide range of software development opportunities out there, but not all of them will necessarily be the right match for you. So ask yourself these questions; do I want to work as part of a small or large team? Am I more suited to a niche agency or a multi-national company? The way you want to work and the kind of company you see yourself working for is a simple yet critical starting point. Specialist agencies such as Cititec.com are there to help you find not just a job, but a position that suits your working style and preferences.
Another important factor to consider is how much responsibility you are willing to take on. You may want to expand your knowledge and grow with a company, taking on high levels of responsibility. Or you may want to operate mainly at a level you are comfortable at, being happy to take a role with less focus on growth and more on the task in hand. Similar to the first step, this will help you and any recruitment company/future employer weed out the roles that may not be best suited for you, and help you to pursue the right opportunities.
Now you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to consider your skill set. Most employers want to see a certain level of knowledge and experience when it comes to software development positions, whether it be in Java or multi-threaded programming, you should include all of this on your CV. Click here for a checklist of the typical skills required by employers. If you think you may be missing things from your itinerary or feel that maybe your skills could be expanded, then don’t hold back! After all, this kind of role often includes handling sensitive information, so employers need to know that you can produce code which is not only reliable but accurate.
With the right skills under your belt and a well thought out strategy, you should be able to approach your job search with confidence. Remember, careful planning and preparation is just as important as an impressive CV!