How to deal with lack of technical skills when applying for jobs in IT?

Career Talk Job Search Queries 2 years ago

0 2 0 0 0 tuteeHUB earn credit +10 pts

5 Star Rating 1 Rating

Posted on 16 Aug 2022, this text provides information on Job Search Queries related to Career Talk. Please note that while accuracy is prioritized, the data presented might not be entirely correct or up-to-date. This information is offered for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and should not be considered as a substitute for professional advice.

Take Quiz To Earn Credits!

Turn Your Knowledge into Earnings.

tuteehub_quiz

Answers (2)

Post Answer
profilepic.png
manpreet Tuteehub forum best answer Best Answer 2 years ago


My career path is somewhat untypical. I switched into IT from another field. My first position in IT was a managerial one straight away. (The position is between business and IT but more on the IT side).

I mainly deal with technology X, which I know very well, but more on the high level. I.e. I know what can be done with it. I'm able to evaluate different options and chose the best one. I'm able to follow technical discussions among my team members and point the direction they should go. I do code reviews from time to time and I'm normally able to pinpoint where problems can lie.

However, not really to solve them myself quickly.

I've done some programming myself, but not that much and there are people who are much better in this respect than me. My main strength is seeing the big picture, being very analytical and logical - and the ability to design X in a way that perfectly reflects business needs. Basically, I'm a good PM, but I lack technical skills. I get excellent feedback on my team's performance.

Now I need to search for a new job and I find it difficult, since most managerial positions in X require very good technical knowledge of X (e.g. I just came across a position that requires you to be "master on programming in X").

I can't say I have it and I wouldn't like to make an idiot of myself if I'm invited to an interview and given a coding test.

On the other hand, developing the technical skills would take me months if not years. Also, I wouldn't like to go back and start with a junior position. In my career so far, I've proved I'm a good PM and boss.

How to deal with the lack of technical skills when applying for jobs related to X?

profilepic.png
manpreet 2 years ago

As @Dukeling said in a comment, you have a few options:

  • Skill up
  • Look for jobs that don't ask for these skills
  • Attend the interview and be prepared to do poorly on any coding component, and hope you can otherwise win them over

It can be quite difficult to write a job posting, and many companies will look at existing employees for guidance. It's a sad reality that many of the best coders become (okay) managers, so that is probably the template that are going off, even though it may not actually make sense for the role.

It never hurts to apply, but be sure that you are very clear about your limited programming expertise. Ensure you highlight you good qualities. Maybe they will rethink what they are looking for in a candidate, but I would act as soon as possible.


0 views   0 shares

No matter what stage you're at in your education or career, TuteeHub will help you reach the next level that you're aiming for. Simply,Choose a subject/topic and get started in self-paced practice sessions to improve your knowledge and scores.