There was a time when an entry-level job was probably the hardest one to get, especially a job which was well paid. However recruitment experts predict a major change in this regard in 2012.

The exact types of entry-level jobs that jobseekers will pursue are highly dependent on their chosen career. In some of the high tech careers where there is a great demand for a high degree of qualification and specialist training, there will be minimal difference between the job you do working as part of a team and the job you will do when you have more responsibility.

Therefore a high level of proficiency is required across all entry levels for any high tech job.

One the noticeable differences that separates working at a typical entry level job from a job that has a higher level of expectations and experience, is that your work will be supervised and you will be working as a member of a team. Jobs needing a greater level of responsibility will be given to those who have demonstrated a degree of capability at a more basic level first. Being able to exhibit your skills to work cooperatively with your co-workers, can set the wheels in motion for a promotion into a desired position that will afford you more responsibility to make decisions and execute directives.

The more generic and simple a job is, the higher the probability that it will be a low tech job. Often, these low tech low level entry jobs are offered to graduates with the intention of assessing the individual and trying to gauge their suitability for roles higher up in the organisation. Employers are very aware that highly specialised and dedicated employees are rare to find and difficult to replace. Thus, as a general rule, the level of entry-level job does not define your career or quality as an employee but having a strong work ethic definitely pays in the long run.

So whether you are starting your first career or embarking on a new one, now is the time to do it and if you’re looking for an entry-level job in IT, your timing couldn’t be better!

If you’re a recent college graduate with an honours degree in computer science or a graduate looking to get involved with a new technology firm or product, the possibilities for growth and employment are as numerous and varied as the fish in the sea. The worldwide credit crunch has affected prosperity across all job sectors, whilst the industry has continued to grow here in Europe whilst massive growth is predicted in the US in the coming years.

It just takes a little bit of persistence and determination to find these entry-level positions. As IT is booming, and with more entry level positions forecasted in this arena, the following are some tips when preparing you to pursue this career.

Decide on the specific entry-level IT positions you would like to pursue. These positions typically fall into the following areas: computer programming, software engineering, database and network administration, computer science and computer support.

Earn an Associate’s or a Bachelor’s degree in IT, which is sufficient education for most entry-level positions in IT. Focus your courses on the specific type of entry-level job you hope to obtain. These positions include web, application or database developer; business or database analyst; technical or systems analyst; or help desk technician.

Prepare a CV to submit to potential employers or recruitment agency advertising entry-level IT positions. Since you are looking for entry-level work, it is not absolutely necessary to have any previous IT experience but experience will give you an advantage over other applications that do not have an IT work background.

Search for entry-level IT jobs online and pinpoint entry-level IT positions. Also check the classified section of your local newspaper. Newspaper categories are often more broad, so you’ll need to do a little more searching.

Submit your resume, along with a cover letter, to all of the entry-level IT positions that look like they might be appropriate. Personalise the cover letter so it mentions the company name and shows a little bit of knowledge about its history and what it does.

This will help you to stand out from other entry-level applicants who send a generic letter. If you can find any specific information about the company’s IT department, work that into your letter.

Competition for entry-level IT positions can be fierce, as computers are a popular area of study and you’ll be competing against hundreds of other graduates. The only way to break into the field is to continue your search aggressively. The most important attribute of an entry-level job is the ability to learn, grow your network and figure out your long-term career goals. Regardless of the specific position jobseekers pursue this year some qualities will always be in demand.

Highlighting your soft skills like leadership, communications and team building, and point out experiences like living abroad that would help cultivate a global perspective.

The major benefit to entry-level jobs is that you don’t need any specific skills or experience. This may be the way to go if you’re starting out in a whole new field altogether. These jobs are easier to get and generally less pressure than positions higher up. They are great for people either looking for a quick fix to financial issues or looking to explore a particular industry or grow within a large organisation.

www.castilleresources.com

Mr O’Brien is a guest copywriter with Castille Resources Ltd, a local ICT and finance recruitment specialist.