The technology sector is constantly growingwith an annual projection of 13% through 2030 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, for those just starting out, this world can be overwhelming. Many novice professionals make mistakes that, while common, can stunt their growth. In this article, we explore the 5 most common mistakes when starting a career in technology, and how to turn them into opportunities to advance your career.
One of the first challenges when starting a career in technology is the lack of focus. The sector is so broad that it is easy to feel lost among so many options: web development, data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence... Too many opinions and too many options. At the beginning, many people try to learn a bit of everything, but without a clear direction, which leads them to become scattered and not go deeper in any specific area.
In order to avoid this, it is crucial to investigate and explore the different technological areas. Take time to identify what you are passionate about and what skills are most aligned with your interests. Define a short-term goal, such as learning frontend development or mastering the basics of machine learning. From there, create a learning plan that allows you to progress in a structured way. Remember that your interests can evolve, and it's okay to adjust your goals as you go along.
One of the most common mistakes when starting a career in technology among first-time tech jobseekers is not using the right tools to find opportunities. Many people limit themselves to choosing a single platform, such as LinkedIn or InfoJobs, but this is a mistake. How many more search engines The more jobs you use, the more offers you will be able to cover. Why? Because not all companies want to spend resources to pay for LinkedIn licences, so they also use alternatives such as InfoJobs. In Latin America, Computrabajo and Tecoloco are also commonly used. In addition, there are specific platforms for technology talent, such as TicJob, which focus on this niche market.
Set up job alerts on all platforms to receive notifications about new opportunities in your area of interest. Don't forget that many companies also post jobs on their own websites, so it is useful to keep track of those you would like to work for.
Your CV is your first chance to make a good impression. If you don't take care of it, you run the risk of recruiters passing you by without even considering your profile. It's like a photo on Instagram: we don't just upload any photo, but the one we look our best in. It would be weird to do it the other way around, wouldn't it? The same is true when candidates include irrelevant or cluttered information, which makes it difficult for recruiters to quickly identify your potential.
To avoid this mistake, keep your Clear, concise and tailored CV to each job offer. Highlight your technical skills and relevant projects, and use keywords aligned with the job description. If you don't have work experience, highlight personal projects, open source collaborations and certifications. Also, use modern formats and tools such as Canva or Novoresume to enhance your visual presentation.
In a sector where the hardskills are so important, having a portfolio that showcases your projects and achievements is essential. However, many beginners neglect this tool, which hinders their ability to stand out from other candidates. To avoid this mistake, start creating personal projects that reflect your skills. It doesn't matter if you have no previous work experience; even small projects can demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
Contributing to open source projects is also a great way to gain visibility and experience. Make sure that your portfolio is accessible online, either through GitHub or a personal website, and that it is well organised so that recruiters can easily see your work.
While your skills are crucial, professional connections can open doors that would otherwise remain closed. This is also true when starting a career in technology. To build a strong network, attend events, lectures, conferences and technology sector meetups.
Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your area of interest and don't be afraid to ask for advice or mentoring from more experienced people. You will find that people respond very positively as long as you are not trying to sell them a product. Try messages such as: "I loved your DevOps talk. I'm implementing CI/CD in my project and would love to get your feedback on my GitHub Actions pipeline".
Remember that networking is not just about asking for favours; it is an opportunity to learn, share and grow with other professionals. The relationships you build today can be the ones that open doors for you tomorrow. Don't underestimate the power of connecting with others as often what seems like a casual conversation can turn into a valuable collaboration or even your next great job.
Take every opportunity to expand your network, share your knowledge and, above all, be willing to learn from those who have come before you. In the world of technology, growth is not only measured by technical skills, but also by the community you build around you.
English (UK)