Honest Advice for Atlanta Tech Job Seekers
By SOLTECH
In March, Atlanta earned the number 3 position in Forbes’ list of US cities poised to become tomorrow’s tech mecca. Better still, Atlanta is the only city east of the Mississip’ to earn a spot.
It’s said that there are around 14,000 open IT jobs at any given time in Atlanta, but with 5.6 million residents in the Metro Atlanta area, you may be wondering how to get your foot in the door. At SOLTECH, we’ve worked with individuals to hone their skills and point them in the direction of excellent opportunities, for over a decade. Below are a few things we recommend to anyone looking to make their mark on the Atlanta tech scene:
Survey the Landscape
It’s important to get an idea of what the local market is in need of. For Atlanta, the hot positions are software developers and computer support roles.
When you are aware of what skills employers are looking for, you have a better understanding of which of your skills to emphasize.
Fill in the Gaps
You know that awful feeling you get when you read the requirements for a position you’d really love to have, only to realize you’re underqualified or lack the hands-on experience they’re looking for? Don’t get discouraged.
It’s important to continue educating yourself throughout your career, and there are workshops, training, and certifications you can earn to fill in those resume gaps. And, in combination with your experience and education, that can beef up your resume and help you stand out in the crowd.
Check out some of the local code schools, like The Iron Yard or DigitalCrafts.
Who Do You Know?
This tip can be used for not only the tech industry (or job searching, for that matter) but just about anything you’re looking to get into. They say, “it’s who you know”, and, that can be true.
Jump on LinkedIn and check out job openings – do you have any contacts who work there? Great. Hit them up for references, advice, and any questions you may have about the company.
Your professional pals can be great advocates for you – they’ve worked with you, know your skills, and experiences, and will be helpful in letting you know not only if you’re a match for a position, but also if the position is a match for you. 
Be Passionate
The job market is competitive, and aside from experiences and skills, hiring managers are looking for candidates who love to learn and are inquisitive by nature. Don’t just go into interviews reading back your resume, show them how interested in technology you are. How passionate you are! in your spare time can add to your credibility as a candidate for some tech jobs. If you’ve created a website or mobile app for fun, or built computers or robots, you can demonstrate your passion for technology, as well as some tangible, hands-on experience.
If you’re looking to work in a fun and creative environment, take a look at our open positions.
