How to Land a Tech Job

Table of Contents for First eBook

Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5

Chapter 1: The Dream Versus the Reality ………………………………………………………………… 7

The Major Leagues Analogy ……………………………………………………………………………….. 7

The Blue-Collar Side of IT ………………………………………………………………………………….. 7

Chapter 2: What IT Jobs Are Really Like ………………………………………………………………… 9

The On-Call Reality …………………………………………………………………………………………… 9

Chapter 3: Salary Myths ………………………………………………………………………………………. 10

What You Can Actually Expect ………………………………………………………………………….. 10

The Misinformation Machine …………………………………………………………………………… 10

Chapter 4: Evaluating Boot Camps ………………………………………………………………………… 12

What to Look For ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 12

Red Flags ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12

Chapter 5: Future Challenges in Tech ……………………………………………………………………. 13

Artificial Intelligence ………………………………………………………………………………………… 13

Offshoring ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13

Technical Obsolescence …………………………………………………………………………………….. 13

Chapter 6: Is Tech Right for You? ………………………………………………………………………….. 14

The Wrong Reasons ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14

The Right Reasons ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 14

Chapter 7: The Software Development Path …………………………………………………………… 15

Leg One: A Portfolio …………………………………………………………………………………………. 15

Leg Two: Certifications ……………………………………………………………………………………… 15

Leg Three: A Degree …………………………………………………………………………………………. 16

Leg Four: Real-World Experience ………………………………………………………………………. 16

Chapter 8: The IT Path …………………………………………………………………………………………. 17

Certifications First ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 17

Build a Home Lab …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 17

The Degree and Experience ……………………………………………………………………………….. 17

Chapter 9: The System ………………………………………………………………………………………… 18

Step 1: Identify Your Ideal Role ………………………………………………………………………… 18

Step 2: Build the Four Legs of Your Chair ………………………………………………………….. 18

Step 3: Prepare Yourself …………………………………………………………………………………… 18

Step 4: Look the Part ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 18

Step 5: Know Your Options ……………………………………………………………………………….. 19

Step 6: Automate Where Possible ………………………………………………………………………. 19

Step 7: Carve Out a Sacred Hour ………………………………………………………………………… 19

Step 8: Apply in Volume …………………………………………………………………………………… 20

Step 9: Visit Staffing Agencies …………………………………………………………………………… 20

Step 10: Talk to One Real Person Every Day ………………………………………………………. 20

Step 11: Follow Up …………………………………………………………………………………………… 20

Step 12: The Nightly Checklist …………………………………………………………………………… 21

Step 13: Did I Speak with Someone Today? …………………………………………………………. 21

Step 14: Did I Apply to at Least Ten Jobs? ………………………………………………………….. 21

Step 15: Did I Follow Up on at Least One Application?…………………………………………. 21

Step 16: Did I Spend at Least One Hour Looking for Work? …………………………………. 21

Step 17: Did I Practice Interview Questions? ……………………………………………………….. 21

Step 18: Did I Optimize My Profiles? …………………………………………………………………. 22

Step 19: Did I Expand My Network? ………………………………………………………………….. 22

Step 20: Repeat ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 22

Chapter 10: Apprenticeships ………………………………………………………………………………… 23

Chapter 11: The Inside Job …………………………………………………………………………………… 24

Chapter 12: Staffing Agencies and Recruiters ………………………………………………………… 25

Chapter 13: Government Job Boards …………………………………………………………………….. 26

Federal …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 26

State ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 26

Local ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 26

Military-Adjacent ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 26

Chapter 14: Using Maps to Find Employers …………………………………………………………… 27

Data Center Maps ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 27

Managed Service Providers ………………………………………………………………………………. 27

Census Bureau Maps ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 27

EPA Facility Maps …………………………………………………………………………………………… 27

Chapter 15: Additional Resources and Strategies …………………………………………………… 29

Vocational Rehabilitation …………………………………………………………………………………. 29

Optimizing for Recruiters …………………………………………………………………………………. 29

Volunteering …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 29

The Military Option …………………………………………………………………………………………. 29

Knocking on Doors ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 30

Reaching Out to Company Owners ……………………………………………………………………. 30

Career Fairs ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 30

Go to Any Fair …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 30

Contributing to Open Source …………………………………………………………………………….. 31

Finding a Mentor ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 31

Adjacent Roles …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 31

Chapter 16: The Power of Networking …………………………………………………………………… 33

Chapter 17: What It Takes to Get Hired ………………………………………………………………… 35

Chapter 18: You Got the Job—Now What? …………………………………………………………….. 36

Things Get Complicated Fast ……………………………………………………………………………. 36

Set Boundaries Early ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 36

Protect Your Information …………………………………………………………………………………. 36

Stay for at Least Two Years ………………………………………………………………………………. 37

Enjoy the Journey ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 37

Chapter 19: Starting Your Own Business ……………………………………………………………….. 38

Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 39

The Tech Certification Playbook

Table of Contents for Second eBook

Section	Page
Introduction	2
Chapter 1: How to Pass IT Certification Exams	4
Why Practice Questions Are Non-Negotiable	4
The Power of Keywords and Context Clues	5
The Art of Paraphrasing	5
Process of Elimination	6
Do Not Assume	6
When You Reach the Review Screen, Submit	7
Where to Find Practice Questions	7
Chapter 2: Are CompTIA Certifications Worth It?	9
The Honest Answer	9
The Ten-Certification Rule	9
Can You Succeed Without Certifications?	10
The Real Value of Certifications	10
Staying Motivated for the Long Haul	11
Chapter 3: Which Certification Is Right for You?	12
Setting Realistic Expectations	12
CompTIA A+: The Best Starting Point	12
CompTIA Network+: For the Networking Enthusiast	13
CompTIA Security+: The Government Gateway	14
My Recommended Order	14
Beyond CompTIA	14
Conclusion: Your Journey Starts Now	16