Main image of article Is There Really a Lack of Junior Tech Positions?

Tech professionals who are just starting their careers sometimes complain about a lack of job openings that require relatively little experience. Every job out there demands two or three—or five!—years in a previous role, they’ll say. But is that perception supported by the data?

Jobs website hackajob recently published a report, “Unveiling Emerging Tech Talent Trends in 2024 and Beyond,” that digs into that aspect of the job hunt. Based on data from its platform, the company found that the number of junior roles really was outnumbered by mid-level and senior positions. Take a look at the chart:

If you’re a tech professional in mid-career, this data is good news: more than 55 percent of the opportunities on hackajob’s platform were aimed at those with a few years of experience. Companies also continue to pursue senior tech professionals who have a considerable amount of skills and experience.

But what’s behind this relative lack of junior roles? “In some cases, the threshold to gain a junior role in the tech industry has become higher,” the report added. “With more people breaking into tech, junior roles have become more competitive whilst salaries haven’t always risen alongside. With more routes into tech than ever before, organizations are expecting more skills from junior candidates.”

As we recently broke down in Dice’s Ultimate Guide to a Successful Tech Career, even the most junior tech professional can highlight their experience in ways that intrigue recruiters and hiring managers. While someone who just graduated college might not have any formal job experience, for instance, they can still highlight the classes they’ve taken, as well as craft a portfolio of personal and school projects that highlights their ability to build software and manage teams.

If (and when!) you land the interview, also keep the following tips in mind:

  • Get your interview stories ready: Rehearse the tales that put your previous experience and skills in the best possible light.
  • Know your resume: You’ve hopefully tailored your resume to the position; make sure you can discuss everything on it in exacting detail.
  • Explain why you want that job: Hiring managers want to know what draws you to their specific company.
  • Do your research: Know as much as possible about your target company before going in.   

Earlier this year, Dice’s “Tech Connects” podcast sat down with hackajob CEO Mark Chaffey to talk about everything from the current job market to A.I.’s potential impact on hiring. Here’s that video for your viewing pleasure:

And don’t forget that soft skills count for a lot on the job hunt. If you can demonstrate that you’re a team player who can communicate effectively with other stakeholders throughout an organization, you’ll have an advantage when applying for jobs—no matter what your experience level.