How to Get an IT Job Without Experience

Information Technology jobs are some of the more sought after positions in today's economy, but how do you get an IT job without industry experience? In this video, I'll break down the four most important elements needed for any job hunt, and you'll learn some tips for getting some practical experience even if you've never held a formal IT position.

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[NoKapMan]

I got my first IT job because I was accidentally hired. The hiring manager sent an offer letter to the wrong person with a similar name, i accepted, and then (manager) was demoted. Upper management didn't want me but I heard through the grape vine they had trouble finding people they deemed "qualified". I was horrendously unqualified. No IT experience outside of building computers at home. I gave that position (networking) everything I had. Trial by fire. I had the belief i could be fired at any moment.... 2.5 years later I have a security+ cert. My current weekly salary is the equivalent of what my monthly salary was working as a manager in fast food. DONT GIVE UP!

[JerseyJeff]

I actually just landed my first IT job with little to no experience. On paper, I had no prior IT resume history, and only a four month technical college cert for IT obtained last year. I was so fearful about this exact topic, but the hiring manager told me that whereas ten years ago, he would have hired someone with years of job experience, that he now looks for soft skills first and he loved my personality and willingness to learn. So, I start in August. Nervous yet excited!

[Kakkoii_otoko]

I got an IT job without experience. All I had was Sec+ and a Clearance. Five years later, I am making $165, 000 and a contractor overseas. You have to start somewhere. Entry-level and work hard.

[blynthiathomas]

Im 55 years, just got hired August 18th 2021...no experience in IT but they're training me.. It's definitely a career change for me..but I really like my job...

[Longlegsdannydevito]

I had no experience in IT before I studied through your videos and others towards my A+ cert. My backround was retail and labouring. I got offered a job after my first (And only) interview. Got offered a 3 month contract initially to help on an Avaya project, then it was extended due to Covid-19 and I got moved to the service desk to help with the increase in demand from people working from home. I found out yesterday that I'm being given a permanent position, now. And there are opportunities for secondments in other fields, such as security.

I definitely believe that attitude and willingness to learn is more important than experience. We're a team of 9 and constantly learning from one another. Even as the least experienced person on the team, the guys will ask me for help if they know my knowledge on a particular thing is good.

[simongilson]

I got my first IT job with no experience. The way that worked for me was to study and put my self in every position possible to get the experience I wanted. I read the Comptia A+, Network+ and Security + to help answer the technical questions in interviews. I watched every Professor Messer video I could, I applied for apprenticeships at 30 years old. I also started the application process to join the British Army to gain experience in IT and Communications as this would have given me a free path to qualifications and experience. I applied for everything, and it was a random company found my cv and gave me the chance. 3 years in and I have gained 4 certifications and moved into a 2nd line position whilst working on moving into the Security field. If you want it dont give up. Also make sure you watch all of Professor Messers videos. I owe him alot.

[InvestedDetailing]

One tip is to use the jobs you have worked to demonstrate meta or soft skills related to the IT job you're applying for. For example if you've worked at a fast food restaurant or in retail during Black Friday then you have experience in customer service and working in a fast paced environment that can change at a moments notice.

[Electronzap]

Jobs are a weird thing. Some people stumble their way into their dream job which they might not have even know existed before they got it, and other people do everything perfectly and never get hired for the job thy want.

[Davidhxc]

Just passed my Sec + exam with 809 with your help! No previous experience besides doing things at home and now I’m job hunting. I pray I can find a good job soon.

[AldridgeNeto]

Im 49 and getting into IT since the Covid. Great video. Thanks.

[CoreyJ]

Just got hired with little to no experience and honestly I feel very unqualified. But I guess they saw something in me and I impressed them enough in the interviews. I start soon to hopefully everything works out

[bee]

I just passed my A+ thank you professor Messer. Now I'm trying to learn how to find a job

[JRMZ]

I landed an IT job with only 2/4 elements about 3 years ago - And the hardest part is "getting your foot in the door." I only had a little practical experience and knew someone who personally used to work for the company that had given me a recommendation. I truly believe one of the STRONGEST things to stress on your CV and within the interview, is your willingness to learn and grow within the industry. Even if you don't have any certifications, put something like: "Actively studying for Network+ certification", etc. I believe this can even carry more weight than a formal degree in a certain regard because IT is a NEVER ENDING journey of learning. And truly showing passion for that position speaks volumes to your commitment within the industry and your character.

[raygoff]

No experience here. Interview in about an hour for helpdesk. Good timing lol. Cross your fingers.

[georgejohnson]

I was sent this video link from the instructor of the Linux course that I'm currently taking, and I have to say that this video gave me so much relief, clarity and peace of mind. I have no formal IT training or experience whatsoever but I have always had an infinity for the behind the scenes or interworking of computers. Thank you so much Professor Messer!!!

[ptorafael]

Life is funny. I landed a job in IT without any experience in the area. I never imagined I would work in IT. Last year, an IT multinational found my resume in a website and offered me a help desk position. Why did they offer it to me? Language skills (I speak English and German, both are not my native language). They needed someone fluent in both these languages to attend to end users, and only very elementary knowledge operating Windows was necessary, they offered training on necessary skills in the help desk tool during the first weeks. I learned a lot about ITSM, Active Directory, and more. After some months, the help desk operation I worked in was terminated, but I was offered training and certification to work as an ITSM project developer. It’s being a lot of fun, and because the company offers vouchers for some great IT certifications, I’m paving my way into a nice career.

[abhaythakur]

I got my first IT job and I used your a+ videos to prepare for my interview tech questions as well. I am 30 yrs old and have a sales background. I applied for over 45 jobs and only 1 person called me and I got the job.

[AntivistDragz]

i was lucky enough to find a kind soul to hire me into an environment i have never experienced. never worked in a call center, no IT work experience. all i had was a degree in IT and he took a risk. only 2 weeks here but time passes so quickly in an environment like this

[kimwelpinili]

I was making bagels as my side job during college and got IT support right away after completing my course which pays 60k/year. Life can flip your life anytime for better or worse. So always work hard and be positive.

[Blecyn]

I landed my first IT job without any IT experience, nor computer science background. In fact I studied agricultural economics, I was in a totally different field to say the least. Being from Nigeria and living in Nigeria even makes it worse as we have very few It companies here. However, I managed to get into IT and landed a job in a Cybersecurity firm and it’s been an exciting journey. I will share most of my job soon on my YouTube channel. I really want to say a big thank you to Professor Messer. He truly helped my journey from A+ days. If you go through my YouTube you’d find videos that aren’t IT related, well I used those creativity as my escape from everyday Cybersecurity (not that I don’t like it) I just enjoy to cook and share my experience.