5 tips to land a job in Utah’s tech sector

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A recent Cyberstates report found Utah to be the top state in the nation for percent change in tech occupation growth between 2020 and 2030. Simply put: expect Utah’s tech economy to continue to boom.

This projected increase in tech jobs has many expected effects, including more high-paying job opportunities for Utahns.

In order to land that great job in the tech industry, however, you’ll need the right educational background and a good set of job application skills. Here are some tips to help you find your next job in Utah’s tech industry.

Find out what training you need

For many tech jobs, experience or a college degree is a must to render you qualified to apply, but the exact field of study preferred will depend on the job you want. At Biofire Defense, a medical technology company based in Salt Lake City, a research position is open, and the education and skill requirements are flexible. To learn more, visit their website.

To determine whether your training or education qualifies for your chosen job posting’s requirements, it’s advisable to contact the Human Resources department of your target company for more information.

Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for

Crafting a well-written, proofread resume is an important step most job seekers know to take, but the most effective resumes will go a step further and be tailored to fit the specifications of a particular job opening.

Indeed recommends reviewing resume examples for your industry, and including keywords from the original job posting. Not only will you have an idea of how to structure your resume, but you will also be using the keywords that employers will be scanning for.

Utilize online job boards

You have a couple of options when it comes to submitting your resume online. Some companies prefer to have you submit an application directly to their Human Resources department. Others will post their opening to an online job board like Monster, indeed, ZipRecruiter or Glassdoor. In the latter case, you’ll be able to apply directly to the company through the information they provide through the board.

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If you aren’t sure what job you want, you can also upload a general resume and make it searchable by job recruiters. When a recruiter searches for characteristics in an ideal candidate, your resume could then appear in their search results based on your qualifications and training and the keywords you use in your resume.

Learn how to interview remotely

In today’s climate, being able to interview well remotely is a key component to any successful job search. This means having a reliable internet connection, a webcam and computer or other reliable video streaming technology and knowing how to use an online video conferencing platform.

Ideally, you would test the interview link in advance of your interview, set up a clean, non-distracting background, dress professionally, and be prepared for contingencies (i.e. if someone walks into the room, you get a phone call, your internet connection is unstable or you lose audio during your interview).

All the other elements of a good interview still apply, including making good eye contact (though this means looking into the camera when you’re interviewing remotely, rather than your interviewer’s eyes), researching the company so you understand its mission statement and goals, and rehearsing how you might answer common interview questions.

Use the fact that you’ll be able to see yourself during your interview to your advantage. Check your posture, examine your clothes for wrinkles or stains, notice when you start wandering off-camera, and make sure you look as enthusiastic and engaged as you can throughout your interview.

Monster.com recommends having your answers ready. Seek out potential interview questions online, and make note of how you’d answer them. Be prepared and make a good impression.

Be positive

One of the best things you can bring to your job search is a good attitude. Having confidence in yourself and your skills will help you stand out to interviewers. Positivity will also help you recover from the inevitable rejection that will occur when job applications don’t work out. Being able to persevere in the face of adversity is an important characteristic for any job seeker, especially in today’s climate.

To find out more about the exciting job opportunities available at Biofire Defense, visit www.biofiredefense.com/about-us/careers/.