Main image of article When It Comes to Tech, 'Skills-First' Hiring is Key

If news of layoffs and economic turbulence has you worried about your job prospects, you can perhaps take heart in this bit of data: most companies expect to maintain their pace of tech hiring into 2024, including backfill and growth hiring.

That’s according to CompTIA’s new Workforce and Learning Trends 2024 report, which surveyed 1,200 HR and learning & development (L&D) professionals about their plans:

Moreover, it’s important to note that more HR experts are taking a “skills-first” approach to hiring. “This is evident in the number of prominent companies, such as Apple and Google, or states, such as Pennsylvania or Minnesota, that have announced they will no longer require job applicants to hold a four-year degree to apply,” the report added. “Data from employer job postings confirms this trend is occurring on a macro level with nearly 50 percent of openings for technology positions not specifying a four-year degree requirement among candidates.”

Although 48 percent of HR experts think that “skills-first” hiring results in increased time and cost to hire, and 40 percent believe that skills validation is a challenge, more companies are leaning into skills assessments to determine everything from candidates’ personality to their cognitive abilities:

If you feel like you have the skills for a particular job, but don’t possess the right mix of degrees or certifications, here’s how to write a resume that puts those skills front-and-center:

  • Tailor Your Resume: We’ve said this many times before: don't rely on a generic resume template. Research the specific company and role toidentify the relevant technical skills they seek. Mirror those keywords in your resume, using strong action verbs to describe your experience (if you don’t, you might be rejected by automated resume-scanning software). If you're looking for a free resume review, check out services such as this Dice/TopResume partnership, where you can access a free TopResume review via a Dice profile. 
  • Quantify Your Achievements: Numbers add power to your descriptions. Did you optimize a program and improve efficiency by 20 percent? Quantify your technical contributions to past projects.
  • Skills Section: Dedicate a specific section to technical skills. List programming languages, frameworks, and tools you're proficient in, along with your level of expertise (beginner, intermediate, advanced).

It’s not just about the resume, either: here’s how to build a reputation as a skilled tech professional who can execute on pretty much any project:

  • Build a Portfolio: Create a website or online portfolio showcasing your projects. This could include personal projects, contributions to open-source software, or freelance work. A well-curated portfolio allows employers to see your coding style, problem-solving approach, and the complexity of tasks you can handle.
  • Contribute to Open Source: The tech industry thrives on collaboration. Contributing to open-source projects demonstrates your coding skills, ability to work with others, and commitment to the field. It also allows you to network with experienced developers and learn from their expertise.
  • Certifications: While not a substitute for experience, industry certifications can validate your knowledge and commitment to continuous learning. Research certifications relevant to your desired role and consider pursuing them.
  • Engage Online: Join online communities, forums, and discussions related to your field. Participate in technical discussions, answer questions, and showcase your problem-solving skills. This online presence demonstrates your passion and keeps you updated on the latest trends.

If your resume and other materials sell your skills, you may find yourself plopped in front of a job interviewer. Here’s how to make sure your skills shine during the interview process:

  • Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Research common technical interview questions for your desired role. Practice coding challenges and prepare to discuss technical concepts in detail.
  • Ask Smart Questions: Don't just answer questions; ask insightful ones. This demonstrates your curiosity, initiative, and understanding of the technical landscape.
  • Highlight Your Learning Agility: Emphasize your ability to learn new technologies quickly. Tech is constantly evolving, and employers value individuals who can adapt and stay ahead of the curve.
  • Soft Skills Matter, Too: Even the most talented coders need to collaborate effectively. Highlight your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Good luck!