5 Key Skills You Need to Get a Top Tech Job

If you’re looking for work in the booming but competitive tech industry, you need to ensure that you have the right skills and abilities—and be able to highlight what sets you apart from other candidates. So, whether you’re an aspiring tech newcomer or experienced professional, here are five key skills that will impress hiring managers and make you stand out from the crowd.

1. Programming language literacy

Programming languages are the foundations that all engineers use to build software, meaning programming and coding skills are now more important than ever. And even if you don’t plan on becoming a software engineer, it’s important to get a basic overview of coding terms. Having a beginner’s understanding of the function of programming languages (such as Python, Java, C++, React, and JavaScript) shows tech employers that you’re very interested in the field and increases your chances of getting an interview (and a job). Although boot camps, university training, and paid courses are common, you can find several free programming-related courses and videos online.

2. UI/UX knowledge

Having a solid understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) is essential to getting a top tech role. UI/UX knowledge helps designers create products and applications for users that are both visually appealing and functional. Good UI/UX design also makes a product enjoyable to use, which can lead to better customer satisfaction and higher sales. Having this skill and including it on your resume will convey to employers that you understand the significance of building user-friendly products and technology.

3. Experience with productivity software applications

Experience with productivity software applications is essential to get a top tech role because it demonstrates your familiarity with digital tools that many companies now use daily. Knowing how to use specific software also tells employers you’d need less training and can learn quickly in your new role. So, get familiar with and then include in your resume your experience with software like Trello, Asana, and Jira, communicating to employers that you know how to keep track of your time and deadlines. 

Of course, you should also have a working knowledge of common software applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and Adobe Creative Cloud. Having these skills will make you a more valuable candidate for tech roles that involve project management or content creation. Additionally, several of these programs have features for creating presentations, documents, and spreadsheets, which can come in handy if you’re pitching a new idea or proposal.

4. Growth mindset 

A growth mindset means you’re always looking for ways to improve your skills and take accountability for your mistakes. This type of mindset is critical for career success in any field but is especially important if you’re working in tech because the industry is constantly changing. With this positive attitude, you’ll be able to continuously learn and keep up with the latest trends and news as a tech professional. Also, employers will see that you’re not afraid of failure and happy to embrace new challenges—which might even lead to future leadership positions. 

5. Resourcefulness and problem-solving

In the tech industry, plans are always changing and evolving, so you’ll need to adapt quickly and develop innovative solutions. Whether it’s using new software tools, researching ideas online, or experimenting with different design approaches, having a go-getter attitude and an ability to take risks to solve problems sets successful tech professionals apart from the rest. So, prove that you’re more than capable by practicing resourcefulness now in whatever stage you are in your career, and then add it to your resume, showing employers that you can work independently and be proactive when facing new challenges.

Eva Chan is a Career Counselor and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) at Resume Genius, with a background in the education management industry. Eva graduated from the University of British Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in English.