How to Get Your First IT Job: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Information Technology (IT) sector in Australia is booming, offering diverse, challenging, and often well-paid career opportunities. Maybe you’re fascinated by how technology works, enjoy solving problems, or want a career with strong prospects. But if you’re starting from scratch, whether as a student, a recent graduate, or someone looking to change careers, taking the first step into your first IT job can seem daunting.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many successful IT professionals started exactly where you are now. The key to finding your place in the industry is to practice patience and persistence. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to navigate the journey from aspiring techie to landing your first IT role in Australia.

Step 1: Self-Assessment & Identifying Your Interests

Before diving headfirst into applications, take a moment to reflect on your interests. The IT field is vast, encompassing everything from software development to user support, so you need to understand what you’re passionate about. Do you enjoy tinkering with computer hardware? Are you fascinated by how networks connect the world? Do you get satisfaction from helping others solve technical glitches? Answering these questions will help you determine what type of role is suited for you.

Also, consider your existing skills, even from non-technical backgrounds. Are you a great communicator? Detail-oriented? A natural problem-solver? Do you have experience in customer service? These transferable skills are highly valued in IT, especially in entry-level support roles. Understanding your interests and existing strengths will help you identify which corner of the IT world might be the best fit for you to start exploring.

Step 2: Explore Entry-Level IT Roles

Now that you have an idea of what type of role you’re interested in, the next step is to start looking for entry-level positions. Understanding what jobs are available in the market will help you create a roadmap of the skills you’ll need to develop.

IT Support Officer/Help Desk Technician

IT Support Officers / Help Desk Technicians are the first point of contact for users experiencing technical issues. Their daily roles and responsibilities often involve troubleshooting hardware, software, and basic network problems, and logging issues. On top of providing technical fixes, they also excel at customer service.

Service Desk Analyst

Service Desk Analysts serve as a key part of the IT support team, handling incoming requests and incidents in line with defined processes. While similar to Help Desk roles, they often take on more complex responsibilities, including detailed ticket logging, tracking issue trends, managing escalations, and ensuring compliance with service level agreements (SLAs). Strong communication and time management skills are essential for success in this role.

Junior Network Technician

Junior Network Technicians work under the guidance of senior network professionals to ensure the smooth operation of an organisation’s network infrastructure. This includes assisting with the installation, configuration, and maintenance of routers, switches, firewalls, and cabling. They may also help monitor network performance and resolve connectivity issues, gaining hands-on experience with enterprise-level systems and tools.

Trainee IT Technician

Trainee IT Technicians take on a broad range of responsibilities, often rotating through different tasks to gain exposure across IT systems. Typical duties include setting up hardware and software, providing basic technical support, performing routine system maintenance, and assisting with user account management. They usually work under close supervision, making this an ideal role for developing foundational IT skills in a real-world environment.

Look up these roles on job boards like Seek or Indeed to understand their typical duties, required skills, and salary expectations. This research will help you target your learning and job search efforts effectively.

Step 3: Gain Foundational Knowledge and Skills

This is arguably the most critical step. While enthusiasm is great, employers need candidates with a solid grasp of IT fundamentals. At the end of the day, you need the knowledge to do the job, and there are two main pathways to acquiring these skills:

Self-Study

Self-study using online resources (like YouTube tutorials, tech blogs, vendor documentation) can be cost-effective but requires immense discipline and can leave gaps in your knowledge. Coding bootcamps offer intensive, focused training but can be expensive and often specialise in specific areas like web development, which might not align with entry-level support roles.

Formal Qualifications

Pursuing formal qualifications is one of the most effective ways for beginners to build a strong foundation in the tech industry. Beyond earning a degree, completing nationally recognised certifications demonstrates to employers that you meet key standards in both knowledge and hands-on skills. Information technology courses are an excellent starting point. These programs cover high-demand areas like cybersecurity, networking, and technical support, helping you become job-ready in a rapidly evolving field.

Step 4: Build Practical Experience & Your Portfolio

Employers love to see practical application, even without formal job experience. You need to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Set Up a Home Lab

This doesn’t need to be expensive. Use an old computer or virtualisation software to install different operating systems, experiment with network settings, practice command-line operations, or even set up a basic home server. Document your projects!

Work on Personal Projects

Build a simple website using HTML/CSS. Create a small database application. Automate a task with a simple script (Python is a great starting point). Configure a Raspberry Pi for a specific function. These demonstrate initiative and practical skills.

Volunteer

Many charities, community groups, libraries, or even schools desperately need basic IT support. Offer your time to help them set up computers, troubleshoot issues, or manage their website. This provides real-world experience and looks great on a resume.

Look for Short-Term Gigs

Check freelancing/job platforms for tech-related tasks. Try looking for projects in basic troubleshooting or data entry since these will serve as a great starting point.

Seek Relevant Internships

Don’t underestimate the value of even short-term, unpaid work experience or internships if you can manage it. This provides invaluable exposure to a professional IT environment. Remember to document everything you do – what the project was, the problem you solved, the technologies you used, and the outcome. This forms the basis of your portfolio or experience section on your resume.

Step 5: Craft Your Job Application Materials

With knowledge and some practical experience under your belt, it’s time to showcase it effectively.

Resume / CV

Since you’re entry-level, focus on skills. Start with your contact details and a brief, tailored professional summary or objective clearly stating your career goal and key strengths. Create a prominent “Technical Skills” section listing operating systems, hardware knowledge, software proficiency, networking concepts, and any specific tools you’ve learned.

Detail your projects and volunteer work under an “Experience” or “Projects” section – describe what you did, the skills you used, and the outcome. List your education and certifications clearly, giving prominence to qualifications like the ICT30120. If you have previous non-IT work experience, highlight transferable skills like customer service, communication, and problem-solving. Use keywords found in entry-level IT job descriptions. Aim for 1-2 pages, ensuring it’s clean, professional, and easy to read.

Cover Letter

Never send a generic cover letter. Customise it for every single application. Address it to the hiring manager if possible. Briefly introduce yourself, state the role you’re applying for, and immediately highlight 2-3 key skills or experiences from your resume that directly match the job requirements. Express genuine enthusiasm for the specific company and the role. Explain why you want to work there. Keep it concise and professional – one page maximum.

LinkedIn Profile

Treat this as your online professional presence. Ensure it’s complete with a professional photo, a compelling summary, detailed experience (mirroring your resume but potentially adding more detail), a comprehensive skills list (ask connections for endorsements), and any certifications.

Step 6: Network Effectively

Networking isn’t just for salespeople; it’s crucial in IT too. Many job openings are filled through referrals or aren’t advertised publicly, so it’s important to start building your professional network as early as possible.

Use LinkedIn

Connect strategically with recruiters working in the IT space, people holding the types of roles you aspire to, and individuals working at companies that interest you. Don’t just collect connections – engage with posts, share relevant content, and participate in groups. Over time, your network may become cluttered with connections that no longer serve your goals. Knowing how to remove connections on LinkedIn can help you keep your professional circle relevant and purposeful.

Attend IT Events

Look for virtual or in-person industry events, webinars, workshops, or local tech meetups. These are great places to learn and meet professionals in the space.

Informational Interviews

Politely reach out to people in interesting roles and ask for a brief chat (15-20 minutes) to learn about their career path and experiences. This is for gathering information, not directly asking for a job, but it can lead to valuable connections.

Step 7: Search and Apply Strategically

Now it’s time for the active job hunt. Regularly check major Australian job boards like Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, Jora, and Glassdoor. Also, explore specialist IT job boards and the career pages of companies you’re interested in. Additionally, you can also check in with recruitment agencies that specialise in hiring for IT roles.

As you explore these platforms, make use of specific keywords related to the entry-level roles you identified (e.g., “IT Support,” “Help Desk,” “Service Desk,” “IT Trainee”). Set up job alerts to get notified of new postings and focus on applying for roles where you meet a good portion of the essential criteria. Remember, quality over quantity – tailor each application rather than mass-applying with a generic resume. Keep track of your applications in a simple spreadsheet.

Step 8: Prepare for Interviews

Getting an interview invitation is a big step forward—but it’s just the beginning. To stand out, you need to take a proactive approach to preparation. Fortunately, there are several small but impactful things you can do to increase your chances of success.

Research the Company

Once you’ve secured an interview, your top priority should be learning about the company. Understand their business model, values, workplace culture, and any recent news or developments. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

Practice for Different Interview Formats

Interviews can vary widely, so it’s important to prepare for multiple formats. Some employers may just opt to do a quick call, while others may require you to take an assessment exam. Moreover, employers may ask you about behavioral situations, so be prepared to discuss topics like teamwork, conflict resolution, or problem-solving.

Prepare Questions to Ask

Always bring a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. Inquire about the role, team dynamics, company culture, or growth opportunities. This shows curiosity, engagement, and preparation.

Confirm the Logistics

Double-check the interview time, location, or virtual platform details. Know who you’ll be speaking with, and plan your commute or test your technology in advance to avoid last-minute hiccups.

Take The First Step to a Successful IT Career!

Landing your first IT job requires a combination of acquiring the right knowledge, gaining practical experience, effectively showcasing your potential, and persistent effort in your job search. It might seem like a lot, but by breaking it down into these manageable steps – self-assessment, learning, practicing, crafting your applications, networking, and preparing for interviews – you can systematically build your path into this exciting field.

The journey requires dedication, but the demand for skilled IT professionals in Australia remains strong. Start today by identifying your interests and exploring learning options. With consistent action and a positive mindset, that rewarding first IT role is well within your reach. Good luck!