1. Entry-level is the hardest it’s been in years
- Entry-level roles are extremely competitive right now
- Many companies reduced junior hiring after layoffs and cost-cutting
- You’re often competing with:
- New grads
- Career switchers
- Bootcamp graduates
- New grads
It’s common to see:
- 200+ applicants per role
- “Entry-level” jobs asking for 2–3+ years of experience
2. The market is split (this is key)
Right now, IT is not one market, it’s two:
Oversaturated:
- Help desk
- Junior developers
- General IT support
High demand (but harder to qualify for):
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud (AWS, Azure)
- AI / data roles
Companies are flooded with general applicants but still struggle to find specialized talent
3. Hiring itself is broken (not just competitive)
Even strong candidates struggle because:
- AI filters resumes before humans see them
- Many job postings are “ghost jobs” (not actively hiring)
- Hiring processes are longer and stricter
So sometimes it’s not you, it’s the system.
4. Tech industry is still recovering
- After heavy hiring during 2020–2022, companies overcorrected with layoffs
- Hiring is now slower due to:
- High interest rates
- Economic uncertainty
- Automation/AI replacing some junior tasks
- High interest rates
So… how hard is it really?
Very hard if you are:
- Trying to get your first IT job
- Relying only on certifications or a degree
- Applying online without networking
Moderate if you have:
- Some hands-on experience (projects, internships)
- A clear specialization (not “general IT”)
Easier if you are:
- Mid-level (3–5+ years experience)
- Specialized (cloud, cybersecurity, data, AI)
The good news (most people miss this)
- IT jobs are still growing long-term
- There are still talent shortages in key areas
- Once you get your first role, it gets much easier
The hardest part is breaking in, not staying in.
What actually works right now
People who are landing IT jobs are doing this:
- Building real projects (home labs, cloud setups, portfolios)
- Getting practical experience (internships, contract work)
- Networking (LinkedIn, referrals)
- Tailoring resumes for ATS systems
A degree or cert alone is no longer enough, you need proof you can do the work.
Bottom line
- Yes, it’s harder than 5 years ago
- No, it’s not impossible
- The game has changed from:
“Get a cert → apply → get hired”
to
“Show real skills → prove experience → stand out”