If there’s any bright side to the layoffs among the biggest tech companies, it’s that industries starved for talent have more tech professionals to potentially choose from. Cybersecurity experts, data scientists, software engineers, and many more specialists are now considering roles in entirely new arenas, from manufacturing to retail.
But this “talent shift” is also increasing competition for open positions. If you’re on the job hunt right now, you should thoroughly research an industry before you apply—and take extra steps to stand out from other applicants during the hiring process.
To help you land a new job faster, here are three industries that are actively hiring technology pros, along with some tips for breaking in.
Healthcare
Where should you start looking for a new industry to tap into? At the top, of course. According to the BLS, healthcare is not only the fastest-growing industry in the United States, it will create 682,800 new technology jobs by 2031.
Since healthcare is often playing catch-up when it comes to technology, there’s a real opportunity to make an impact, noted Mike Silverstein, managing partner of healthcare IT & life sciences recruiting firm Direct Recruiters, Inc.
In addition to being insulated from the impact of the broader economy, healthcare includes many industries, sub-industries and companies, from major providers of health services to over 30,000 start-ups that are receiving billions in funding to develop a wide range of products.
Even though healthcare is heavily regulated, you can still enjoy the unique benefits that startups provide. You may also find the pace a little less hectic than at the biggest tech companies.
Some of the most in-demand skills within healthcare include data analytics, data architecture, SQL and Python, software development and communication. Healthcare’s expansion from B2B to B2C solutions has increased the demand for mobile development, UI/UX and entrepreneurial skills, as well.
Tips for Breaking In: Tech professionals who successfully transition into this industry demonstrate an understanding of the differences between big tech and healthcare environments.
Showing your ability to adapt during the onboarding process is crucial. For instance, you need to be very clear about the things you’ve built from the ground up because, with many healthcare companies, you won’t be walking into a well-oiled machine—you’ll be building the machine, mostly on your own, Silverstein noted. To reinforce your proclivity for independent work, remember to walk evaluators through your thought processes and solutions when confronted with a whiteboard problem during job interviews.
Academic experience also won’t carry water, noted Kasey Kasier, partner at Direct Recruiters. Consider developing a web app from scratch or building up your GitHub portfolio to show independence and initiative to prospective employers. Becoming well-versed on HIPAA and the industry’s data privacy regulations can help you discuss issues in ways that reflect the environment, as well.
Government Agencies
If you’ve had enough of layoffs, working for the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Health and Human Services, or the Department of Transportation could eliminate your fear of losing your job anytime soon, explained Tony Beaman, president of Hacking Solutions.
Dozens of federal agencies are set to receive additional funding now that the budget has been approved. They are looking to fill positions in cybersecurity, systems administration, programming, project management and more, especially during the fourth quarter that begins July 1.
Most projects are funded for 10 to 20 years; however, if you get restless, you can always transfer to another agency once you get your foot in the “federal” door.
How can you identify projects and positions that match your skills, interests and passions? “Follow the money,” Beaman advised. Projects that receive funding are described on sites like GovTribe, SAM.Gov and the Federal Procurement Data System. You can also gain insights into the environment, hiring process and projects by networking with tech managers and workers at in-person or virtual events that support federal hiring.
Tips for Breaking In: Studying the agency’s mission and weaving that language into your resume and talking points will show that you’ve done your research. But explaining how your skills will help them achieve that mission will definitely elevate you above other candidates.
One thing to consider is that getting a security clearance takes an average of three to four months. If your bank account is running low, you can obtain sponsorship from a cleared U.S. contractor and work on a contract basis while you continue to search for full-time opportunities.
Professional Services
Data from Dice and CompTIA confirm that tech consulting firms need additional talent to help their clients bring software development in-house, drive digital transformation, improve business processes and more.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), management consultant/analyst jobs will increase 11 percent from 2021 to 2031. Moreover, the IT consulting industry generated a whopping $620 billion in revenue in 2022.
If working for a big consulting firm isn’t your thing, many boutique and mid-size firms are hiring, too. But if money is your thing, note that consulting paid one of the highest average salaries ($131,995) in our latest Dice Tech Salary Report.
Generally speaking, consulting firms need project leaders and managers, engineers, analysts, and consultants as well as individual contributors on a full-time or contract basis to work in a variety of practice areas.
Tips for Breaking In: The catch is that consulting requires people with T-shaped skillsets. The consulting industry is famous for using case studies to see if applicants possess these skills. To “ace the case,” you’ll need to show that you have the ability to view technology-related problems from both the business and technology angles and work collaboratively with others to apply your knowledge and create the best solution.
While applying a standard five-step approach can help you succeed, offering real-life examples of how you have dealt with similar problems in your past job experiences can set you apart from other applicants.
