In short
Technology entry routes vary widely. A support role, data internship and junior developer vacancy need different evidence even when all are labelled IT.
Choose a problem family
Map your modules and projects to software development, infrastructure, support, data, product or security. Build a small portfolio that shows finished work, documentation and decisions.
Describe your contribution clearly on group projects. Include tools only when you can discuss how you used them.
Apply with visible evidence
Link to a clean portfolio or code repository where appropriate, but keep the CV understandable without it. Explain the problem, your approach, the result and what you learned.
Prepare for practical assessments and verify that any test comes from the employer’s legitimate recruitment system.
Make one project easy to inspect and discuss
A useful junior technology project has a clear problem, your contribution, the tools used, a working or documented result and a short explanation of decisions. It need not be large; a reliable small application can be stronger than an unfinished copy of a tutorial.
Remove secrets and personal data, write a concise README and prepare to explain a bug or trade-off. The project then supports several claims at once: technical basics, problem solving, version control and communication.
Choose a technology problem to prove
A broad interest in technology is difficult to assess. Select a role family and show one relevant problem through evidence.
Are you targeting software, support, data, infrastructure, cyber, testing or technology assurance rather than every IT title?
Which project demonstrates a real input, method, tool, decision and result connected to that target?
Can another person run, inspect or understand the work through a repository, screenshot, report or clear explanation?
Have you removed technologies you only encountered briefly and prioritised the ones you can discuss under questioning?
Your practical action plan
- 1
Choose a target family—support, data, software, testing, infrastructure or security—and study real entry requirements.
- 2
Build or improve one role-relevant project with clean documentation, safe data and a clear record of your own work.
- 3
Map qualification modules, tools and projects to each vacancy without turning the CV into an unprioritised keyword list.
- 4
Prepare to demonstrate troubleshooting, learning and communication, then continue applying through verified employer channels.
Mistakes to avoid
Learning every tool at once
A coherent foundation and demonstrable project are more useful than dozens of beginner badges.
Publishing secrets
API keys, credentials, customer data and private coursework must never appear in a public repository.
Copying a tutorial unchanged
Be able to explain what you changed, why it works and what you would improve.
Application checklist
- Target role family
- Two relevant projects
- Readable portfolio
- Core technical fundamentals
- Problem-solving examples
- Verified assessment link
Questions people ask
Do I need a computer science degree?
It depends on the role. Some programmes specify a degree or diploma; others accept certifications, projects or equivalent evidence. Follow the advert.
How many portfolio projects do I need?
There is no magic number. One or two maintained, relevant and explainable projects can be more persuasive than many incomplete repositories.
Should I list every programming language?
List tools you can discuss and connect to evidence. Prioritise those used by the target role.
Can certifications replace experience?
They can support knowledge, but projects, labs and practical evidence show how you apply it. Employer qualification rules still apply.
Do I need a public coding portfolio for every technology role?
No. Portfolios are useful for some roles, but support, assurance, analysis and infrastructure applications may rely on projects, labs, reports or certifications. Use evidence suited to the vacancy and protect confidential work.
Official sources
Rules, fees and processes can change. Use these primary sources for the current position:
