Main image of article Tech Unemployment Ticked Upward Last Month

Summary

The tech unemployment rate ticked up from 3.1 percent in March to 3.4 percent in April, according to the latest CompTIA analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Meanwhile, the national unemployment rate remained steady at 4.2 percent.

Tech employment dropped by an estimated 214,000 positions across the economy in April, even as employers posted 203,000 new listings for tech jobs. Despite that weakness, it’s clear that companies remain hungry for AI talent: employer hiring for either AI jobs or those requiring some combination of AI skills jumped 184 percent year-over-year. Top cities for hiring AI talent included major tech hubs such as San Jose, San Francisco, New York, and Seattle.

“It was not a great month of data, but expected given the circumstances,” Tim Herbert, chief research officer for CompTIA, wrote in a statement accompanying the data. “Employer tech job postings continue to hold up, so a possible sign that hiring will resume as companies find their bearings.”

Even in an economically uncertain market, there are still opportunities for skilled tech professionals; after all, organizations everywhere need to maintain and grow their respective tech stacks. The key to not just surviving but thriving lies in a proactive and strategic approach to your career. Here's how to ensure you're well-positioned to find great jobs and exciting projects:

  • Identify In-Demand Technologies: Research current and projected trends. Are your skills aligned with areas like AI/machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP), data science and analytics, or software development in specialized areas (e.g., mobile, specific frameworks)?

  • Invest in Upskilling & Reskilling: Don't let your skillset stagnate.
    • Online Courses & Certifications: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, edX, and industry-specific certifications (e.g., ones from CompTIA, Google, AWS) can provide valuable credentials.
    • Bootcamps: Consider intensive bootcamps for a rapid transition into a new high-demand field.
    • Hands-on Projects: Contribute to open-source projects, build personal projects, or participate in hackathons to gain practical experience and showcase your abilities.
  • Cultivate Soft Skills: Technical prowess alone isn't enough. Strong communication, problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability are highly valued by employers, especially in dynamic environments.

  • Leverage LinkedIn Actively:

    • Optimize your profile with relevant keywords, a professional photo, and a compelling summary.
    • Share insightful content, engage with posts from others in your field, and join relevant groups.
    • Don't just collect connections; build genuine relationships.
  • Attend Virtual & In-Person Events (Safely):
    • Webinars, online conferences, and virtual meetups are still prevalent and accessible.
    • As in-person events return, prioritize those that offer strong networking opportunities.
  • Informational Interviews: Reach out to people working in roles or companies that interest you. Ask for a brief virtual coffee chat to learn about their experiences and gain insights.
  • Tap into Your Alumni Network: Your university or bootcamp alumni network can be a goldmine for connections and job leads.

  • Targeted Applications: Move beyond generic applications. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each specific role, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the job description.

  • Build a Strong Online Presence:
    • Portfolio Website: Showcase your best work, projects, and case studies.
    • GitHub Profile (for developers): Keep it active and highlight your coding skills.
  • Explore Diverse Opportunities:
    • Full-Time Roles: Don't limit yourself to large, well-known companies. Explore startups, mid-sized businesses, and even non-tech companies hiring for tech roles.
    • Contract & Freelance Work: These can provide flexibility, diverse experience, and a bridge to full-time employment. Platforms like Upwork, Toptal, and Catalant list such opportunities.
    • Consulting: If you have significant experience, consulting can be a lucrative path.
  • Practice Your Interviewing Skills:
    • Be prepared for behavioral questions (STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result).
    • For technical roles, practice coding challenges and system design questions.
    • Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers.

  • Stay Informed: Keep up with industry news, hiring trends, and companies that are growing.

  • Be Persistent & Resilient: Job searching can have its ups and downs. Don't get discouraged by rejections. View them as learning opportunities.
  • Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback after interviews (if possible) or from trusted mentors to help you improve.
  • Focus on What You Can Control: You can control your skill development, networking efforts, application quality, and interview preparation.

Economic uncertainty doesn't mean a lack of opportunity. By staying agile (and keeping your Agile skills up-to-date), continuously learning, networking as often as possible, and refining your approach to the job market, you can discover neat opportunities—no matter how the market is doing.