5 tips for landing your next IT job

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The IT industry is one of the fastest-growing and most exciting fields to land a job in, with constant innovations shaping the way we live and work.

Whether you're an experienced developer, rookie data analyst, or just breaking into the tech industry as a generalist, finding the right IT role can be challenging, given both the competition and the ever-changing skill demands.

20 years, five tips, and your one goal in 2025: getting a tech job

I’ve had the pleasure of working with many different candidates in the technology industry over the last 20 years, assisting both contractors and full-time technologists on their career journeys.

Based on those two decades, here -- and exclusively for Free-Work -- are my top five tips to help you stand out and land your next IT job, writes Ben Broughton, managing director of technology staffing solutions agency Primis.

1. Tailor your CV to EVERY tech role you go forward for...

Your CV is often the first impression you make on potential employers/clients, so it needs to be tailored for each role.  

A generic CV that lists every job you’ve ever had isn’t going to cut it in 2025, where the market is competitive.

Instead, study the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experiences that align with the role.

The importance of showcasing measurable results

If you’re applying or going forward for a DevOps Engineer role, for example, focus on your experience with CI/CD pipelines, cloud infrastructure, and automation tools. Showcase measurable results, such as:

"Improved deployment efficiency by 30% through implementing Kubernetes."

Remember, hiring managers are scanning for relevance. A hyper-targeted CV increases your chances of making it to the interview stage.

2. Build a strong online presence

In the tech industry, your online presence can be just as important as your CV.

Many prospective clients and employers look for candidates on LinkedIn, GitHub, or other platforms to see their professional contributions and expertise. 

Profile and platform ‘must-dos’ when tech job-hunting

  • LinkedIn: Ensure your profile is up to date, professional, and reflects your CV. Use relevant keywords to make it easier for recruiters to find you. Post insights or share articles about trends in your field to establish yourself as an engaged professional.

  • GitHub/Portfolio: For developers and software engineers, showcasing your code and projects on GitHub is invaluable. Employers want to see what you can do, not just read about it.

  • Certifications: If you’ve completed certifications (e.g., AWS, Cisco, or Microsoft Azure), list them prominently on your profiles or platforms. This is particularly appealing in cloud and data-related roles.

3. Upskill and stay relevant in tech - or your niche

The tech industry evolves rapidly, but staying on top of trends is crucial.

Employers value candidates who demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.

So identify the IT skills currently in high demand.

Three 'hot' tech skills right now…

For example, as 2025 is underway and fast-approaching is 2025-26 (commencing April 6th 2025), the following three technology skills are ‘hot:’

  1. Data roles: Knowledge of Python, SQL, and machine learning frameworks is often essential.

  2. Cloud roles: Proficiency in platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud is highly sought-after.

  3. Cybersecurity: Certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CISSP can give you a competitive edge.

Remember, you don’t have to fork out a fortune to upskill in tech and stay relevant or at your skillset’s cutting-edge! Free or affordable platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Pluralsight offer courses that help you learn at your own pace.

Not only will the knowledge you pick up here boost your confidence, but it will also show employers that you’re proactive and adaptable.

4. Perfect your interview technique

Once you land an interview, preparation is everything.

IT job interviews often include both technical and behavioural elements

So it’s essential to prepare for both -- with the aim of excelling at both!

Practice; use ‘STAR,’ and don’t let the interviewer ask all the questions

  • Technical: Practise solving technical problems, especially if a coding test or live demonstration is part of the process. Use platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode to sharpen your skills.

  •  Behavioural: Be prepared to answer competency-based questions like:

"Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge."

 Also in behavioural interviews for tech jobs, use the ‘STAR’ method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and concisely.

  • Ask questions: Don’t forget – interviews are a two-way street!

Ask insightful questions about the team, tools, and organisation’s culture. This shows genuine interest and helps you determine if the role is the right fit for you.

5. Put a tech recruitment agency (like us!) to work

Working with a specialist recruitment agency can give you a significant advantage in your IT job search; that’s true in 2025 and in all the other years I’ve placed candidates in tech roles, both in the UK and the US!

Seek out genuine experts in the tech staffing field, because such agencies often have access to unadvertised roles by them leveraging long-standing relationships with hiring managers.

Not all agencies are equal, but here are 4 benefits of top tech recruiters

Here are four main advantages of an IT jobs agency -- particularly an agency that knows their Python from their C++!

1. Tailored support: The consultant should get to know your specific tech skills and career goals or aspirations, so you’re matched with only the suitable opportunities.

2. Market insights: The best agents have their fingers on the pulse of both ‘market rate’ and ‘salary expectations,’ yet know about trends too, including what employers are looking for RIGHT NOW and will pay a premium for.

3. Application guidance: From CV feedback to interview prep, the tech jobs agency you want comes forward with practical and actionable advice,  helping ensure you put your best foot forward, whether it’s a perm or contract opportunity you’re targeting.

4. Negotiation know-how: A recruitment agency can also be a powerful ally when it comes to negotiating salary, benefits, or contract renewal -- areas we’re seeing candidates still feel unsure about in 2025, or at least would prefer not to tackle alone.

My five tips in review: Landing an IT job in 2025 be like…

The tech industry offers life-affirming and lucrative opportunities for growth, innovation, and financial reward, but standing out in such a competitive market takes effort.

By tailoring your CV, building an online presence, staying updated on skills, preparing for interviews, and seeking the right support from a tech jobs agency ‘in the know’, you’ll put yourself in the optimum position to land your next technology job.

Written by

Ben Broughton

Primis

Ben Broughton is an experienced recruitment leader and business owner. In the last 20 years he has built and developed teams and businesses from £1million to £30million-turnover across the technology sector -- in both the UK and US. Ben specialises in client attraction and retention; the development of people and leaders and delivering solutions that match the ever-evolving IT sector. With Primis, Ben is on a mission to build a global, talent-centric organisation that ensures people are put first at every step of the journey. He studied at the University of Birmingham, graduating in Computer Sciences.

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