The IT market tempts candidates with the opportunities it is offering. Jobs in this sector are very popular not only with graduates who are just starting their careers, but also among candidates who have experience in other areas. Despite the huge demand for IT specialists, less experienced candidates who want to embark on their career path in this direction face a number of challenges, compounded by the pandemic.
Postcovid reality
The situation of juniors in the market has worsened due to the pandemic. The number of job offers for this group has dropped significantly. According to No Fluff Jobs, they could count on 12% of the ads dedicated to them out of the total number of ads in 2019, and in 2020 there were only 5% of such ads. The situation improved slightly at the beginning of 2021, but it was still only 7.5% of all job offers. Therefore, it is not surprising that a number of candidates are still looking for their first job in IT.
Remote work
The sudden shift to completely remote working has been a major challenge for many companies. Creating new environments for existing employees became a priority, and preparing an onboarding model for new people, including juniors, receded into the background. The remote onboarding formula, even two years after the pandemic broke out, is not favorable for candidates looking for their first job. Sometimes an employer does not know what to expect from a junior – it is not known what kind of work culture he/she has, whether he/she can manage his/her time and tasks, and leaving him/her on his/her own due to remote work makes it difficult to gain the required competences.
Project implementation speed
The difficult situation affecting a number of companies in the face of the pandemic has also made them want to carry out their projects quickly, and for this they need people who have at least intermediate level experience and are able to work independently. In such a situation, employers rely on close-knit teams, as the arrival of new, inexperienced employees reduces the efficiency of the entire team.
Globalization
The pandemic has also accelerated the development of globalization, which, in addition to
creating new opportunities in the labor market, has also contributed to increased competition. Employers no longer have to limit themselves to the local market as they have broader access to qualified specialists, and so are less likely to hire and train less experienced candidates.
High requirements
Nowadays, much more is required from juniors than just a few years ago. The higher industry entry threshold is not only related to the pandemic, it is also impacted by other factors. Working in IT is becoming more and more attractive, and competition among people entering the industry is continuously growing. To improve their chances, candidates learn theory and gain practical experience even before starting work, thus increasing the demands placed on themselves. The set of tools and technologies that should be learned while working in a given area is also much broader.
Don’t give up!
Despite these difficulties, finding your first IT job is not impossible. In our next article you will find specific tips on how to improve your chances on the job market. See also our current job offers and apply for the selected position!
