Breaking into Information Technology: How to Land Your First IT Job

The information technology (IT) field continues to expand as every sector—from finance and healthcare to entertainment and logistics—relies on digital systems and software. Yet for job seekers, especially those just entering the market or looking to pivot into tech, landing an IT job isn’t as easy as scrolling job boards and submitting resumes.

That’s because while demand is high, so is competition. Many roles attract hundreds of applicants, and automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) filter out resumes before a human ever sees them. In this environment, breaking in—or moving up—requires more than qualifications. It requires strategy.

Here’s what today’s IT job seekers need to know—and how platforms like Refer Me are helping tilt the odds back in your favor.

Why IT Jobs Remain in High Demand

The IT sector is broad, covering areas such as:

• Software development

• Cybersecurity

• Cloud computing

• Data analysis

• IT support

• Network administration

• DevOps

• Machine learning and AI

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology occupations are expected to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. That means nearly 700,000 new jobs are projected over the decade.

Remote work has only accelerated this demand. Companies now hire talent across borders and time zones, often valuing skills over traditional credentials.

But here’s the catch: this also means more global competition for each role.

The Hidden Gatekeepers

Many job seekers underestimate how hard it is to even get their resume seen. Most mid-to-large companies use ATS software to filter candidates based on keywords, format, and other criteria. If your resume isn’t optimized, it can get discarded without a second glance.

Even when it passes the filters, you’re still one of dozens or hundreds in a recruiter’s inbox. That's why internal referrals remain one of the most effective ways to stand out. A referred candidate is 4x more likely to be hired.

But getting referred requires knowing someone on the inside—which is where most applicants hit a wall.

Enter: Refer Me – Your Shortcut to Internal Referrals

Refer Me is a platform that flips this dynamic. Instead of endlessly applying on job boards and hoping to be seen, Refer Me lets you directly connect with employees at over 1,000 companies—including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple—who are open to referring qualified candidates.

It works like this:

1. Create a Profile: Upload your resume and details about your experience.

2. Browse Opportunities: Search for open roles across major tech companies.

3. Request Referrals: With one click, ask insiders to refer you for jobs that match your skills.

4. Get Support: The platform also offers AI resume reviews, builder tools, and guidance tailored for passing ATS filters.

In short, it helps you skip the line.

For someone trying to get into IT—especially without a big personal network—this kind of access can be game-changing.

The Skills That Matter in 2025

If you’re aiming to break into the IT field, here are the most in-demand skills today:

• Programming Languages: Python, JavaScript, Java, SQL, Go

• Cloud Platforms: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform

• Cybersecurity: Risk management, penetration testing, network defense

• Data Handling: SQL databases, data pipelines, visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau)

• DevOps & CI/CD Tools: Docker, Jenkins, Kubernetes, Git

• Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, adaptability—especially in remote or hybrid settings

While degrees can help, certifications and portfolio work often carry just as much weight. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and freeCodeCamp can help build these skills. But the step most people miss is positioning those skills for employers.

That’s where resume optimization, networking, and referrals matter just as much as the skills themselves.

Tips to Make Your IT Job Hunt More Effective

1. Focus on One or Two Roles Rather than applying broadly, choose 1-2 job titles (e.g., "Cloud Engineer" or "Data Analyst") and tailor your resume and LinkedIn around those.

2. Optimize for ATS Use keywords from job descriptions in your resume. Keep formatting simple (no columns or images). Refer Me’s resume tools are designed to help with this.

3. Leverage LinkedIn + Refer Me A good LinkedIn profile helps, but pairing it with Refer Me gives you something LinkedIn alone can’t: a way to request actual referrals without cold messaging strangers.

4. Build and Show Your Work Post a GitHub portfolio, contribute to open source, or write blog posts explaining technical concepts. Recruiters want to see proof you can apply your knowledge.

5. Don’t Rely on Job Boards Alone It’s fine to apply on Indeed, LinkedIn, or company sites—but don’t expect much unless you’re also networking, building projects, and using tools like Refer Me to stand out.

Final Thoughts

The IT job market isn’t broken—it’s just crowded. But if you’re strategic, you can absolutely land a role—even without a CS degree or years of experience.

The key is playing the game the way it works now. That means learning what matters to employers, packaging your skills the right way, and finding ways to bypass the resume pile.

Refer Me isn’t a magic wand, but it’s one of the most useful tools you can add to your job hunt toolkit. If you’ve got the skills and drive, it helps you get seen—and being seen is often the hardest part.

Whether you’re switching careers, just graduated from a bootcamp, or looking to level up, the right connections can make the difference. And now, you don’t have to leave those connections to chance.