Want to land a job in tech? Here’s how to get your foot in the door (and the best jobs going, including at Netflix)

Work from anywhere in the world? Jobs for the taking? It must be tech (Picture: Getty Images/Science Photo Libra)

Not only is the UK number one when it comes to European tech dominance, the digital sector here has grown hugely over recent years.

In fact, the industry has grown by around 7% annually – faster than the rest of the UK economy – and in 2022, it employed more than two million people. That’s 6.3% of the entire workforce, according to CompTIA’s State of the tech workforce UK report.

On top of that, the UK has birthed more unicorns (a company with a billion-pound valuation) than its rivals in France and Germany combined. The plaudits don’t stop there: the nation is also a world leader in new and emerging technologies such as AI, advanced semiconductor design, and quantum computing.

And as these new technologies emerge, that means more and more job opportunities, so it isn’t surprising that savvy workers are looking to the tech sector for their next role.

Still, if you aren’t traditionally techie or possess skills in software development or data science, can you break into this growing – and lucrative – industry?

In short, yes.

Squiggle careers

As the rise of the ‘squiggle career’ emerges, where workers throw out the notion of the consistently upward career trajectory, more and more people are stepping sideways or switching industries to craft a bespoke working life that’s exactly right for them.

Pivoting to a career you love is not out of the question (Picture: Getty Images)

You can do this by firstly taking a look at your existing skills and competencies. The tech industry offers many more opportunities outside of purely technical jobs and those with experience in marketing, content, sales, finance, project management, administration and social media (and more), are all sought by firms.

It’s clear that it’s possible to take your existing work experience into the industry, but what’s the situation if you want to develop your career in a technical direction?

The government has a range of free Skills Bootcamps offering flexible courses that last up to 16 weeks, giving you the chance to develop in-demand skills. There are also courses available at organisations such as Code First Girls, which has already helped more than 150,000 women learn to code.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the value you can bring to a tech company via your soft skills. Those with skills in communication, listening, empathy, negotiation and problem-solving are highly sought after.

It goes without saying that if you’re ready to try your hand at a tech company now, the Metro Job Board is the place to begin. It contains a host of sales, finance and marketing jobs at top firms – discover three jobs that are available right now below.

Finance Accountant – UK, Netflix, London

Netflix is growing rapidly. Right now it needs a passionate and talented Finance Accountant – a great opportunity for the right person to move to a fast-paced tech firm.

You will report to the Finance Director EMEA in Amsterdam and will work closely with the rest of the finance and tax teams in London and Amsterdam, as well as various other stakeholders in EMEA and across the globe.

You’ll need an accounting background, and can assist with reporting and financial statements compliance obligations for Netflix’s UK entities, including assisting with the UK statutory accounts preparation, having an understanding of UK filing requirements and supporting statutory audits.

To apply, you should be a self-starter, a great communicator, and will have five or more years of relevant accounting and finance experience.

Get all the details here.

UX Researcher – UK, IBM, Hursley

For design or research pros who are looking to pivot into tech, UX offers a gateway. Designers at IBM work to create experiences that work together, work the same, and work for clients, and in this UX Research role, you’ll be passionate about making a difference in the world through responsible, data-driven innovations.

As a member of a global user research team, you will join an established and impactful team of user researchers responsible for leading and driving user-centered research initiatives.

A solid understanding of UX principles, design thinking, and human-centered design processes is required, as are excellent communication, presentation, and storytelling skills. You will have demonstrated experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams, a passion for user-centered design, and can show a portfolio containing demonstrated UX Research experience.

Put your name in the hat here.

Sales Executive, Zuto, Manchester

The UK’s fintech industry is rapidly on the rise, and car finance company Zuto is a part of this growth, with a mission to revolutionise the industry.

If you’d like to move to a growth sector and you have 18 months of experience in a sales-related role, great attention to detail, are highly organised, and have a consultative approach to sales, this could be a great fit.

Your day-to-day as a Sales Executive will involve supporting customers in their car-buying journey from start to finish. You will manage your pipeline effectively to maintain contact with your customers, proactively make calls to qualified customers, dealerships and lenders and ensure that your calls are compliant.

See all the details on this position here.

Start your tech job hunt today on the Metro Job Board

Your next big career move may be right around the corner.