What do you do if you want to enter the IT services industry without any experience?

1 Identify your goals and interests

Before you start looking for IT services jobs, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to do and why. IT services is not a one-size-fits-all career path, and there are different types of roles, sectors, and specialties that you can pursue. For example, you might be interested in web development, network administration, cybersecurity, cloud computing, or data analysis. You might also want to work for a specific industry, such as healthcare, education, or finance. Identifying your goals and interests will help you narrow down your options and focus on the most relevant skills and opportunities.

2 Learn the basics and beyond

Once you have a general direction for your IT services career, you need to learn the basic skills and knowledge that are required for your chosen field. You can do this by taking online courses, reading books and blogs, watching videos and podcasts, or joining online communities and forums. You don't need to spend a fortune or enroll in a formal program to learn IT skills, as there are many free and low-cost resources available online. However, you should also go beyond the basics and try to apply what you learn to real-world problems and projects. You can do this by creating your own portfolio, participating in hackathons or competitions, or volunteering for a non-profit or a small business.

3 Network and connect with others

Another way to enter the IT services industry without any experience is to network and connect with other people who are already in the field or who are looking to hire. Networking can help you learn from others' experiences, get feedback and advice, find mentors and peers, and discover hidden opportunities. You can network online by joining social media groups, forums, and platforms that are relevant to your IT services niche. You can also network offline by attending events, workshops, meetups, and conferences that are related to your IT services interests. When you network, you should always be respectful, curious, and genuine, and try to offer value and help to others.

4 Showcase your skills and achievements

To get hired in the IT services industry without any experience, you need to showcase your skills and achievements in a way that impresses potential employers and clients. You can do this by creating a professional resume, cover letter, and online profile that highlight your relevant education, training, projects, and accomplishments. You should also include a link to your portfolio, where you can showcase your work samples, testimonials, and case studies. Your portfolio should demonstrate your ability to solve problems, deliver results, and communicate effectively. You should also update your portfolio regularly and keep track of your progress and feedback.

5 Apply for entry-level or freelance jobs

Finally, you need to apply for entry-level or freelance jobs that match your skills and interests. Entry-level jobs are those that require little or no experience, but offer training and growth opportunities. Freelance jobs are those that allow you to work independently and flexibly, but require more initiative and self-discipline. You can find entry-level or freelance jobs in the IT services industry by searching online platforms, job boards, and websites that specialize in IT services. You can also find jobs by reaching out to your network, asking for referrals, or cold emailing potential employers or clients. When you apply for jobs, you should tailor your application to the specific requirements and expectations of each job, and follow up with a thank you note and a follow-up email.