You’ve seen the job posting. “Entry-level IT support technician. Requirements: 2-3 years experience.”

Frustrating, right? You can’t get experience without a job, and you can’t get a job without experience. This catch-22 has stopped countless talented people from entering IT.

Here’s what nobody tells you: those job postings are wish lists, not requirements. Companies write their ideal candidate description, then hire whoever can demonstrate they’ll figure things out. The experience requirement? Half of successful candidates don’t meet it.

This guide breaks down exactly how to land your first IT role—even when you’re starting from zero.

Why Entry-Level IT Jobs Seem Impossible to Get

The frustration you’re feeling isn’t imagined. Entry-level IT hiring has real problems that make it harder than it should be.

HR departments write job posts, not IT managers. The person listing “3 years experience” for an entry-level role often doesn’t understand what the job actually requires. They copy requirements from senior roles or competitor postings. IT managers reading your resume know this—they’re looking for potential, not checkbox perfection.

Applicant tracking systems filter too aggressively. Research from Harvard Business School found that ATS software rejects millions of qualified candidates who would perform well in the role. Your resume might never reach human eyes because you didn’t use the exact keyword variation the system expected.

The “experience” requirement is circular logic. Companies want proven candidates because training costs money. But someone has to train new people, or the entire industry dies. The good news? Plenty of hiring managers understand this and actively look for candidates who can learn.

Competition is real but exaggerated. You’ve probably seen claims about “hundreds of applicants per position.” While competitive roles exist, most entry-level IT jobs at mid-sized companies get 30-50 applicants. Stand out from that pool, and you’ve got a real shot.

Understanding these barriers is step one. Now let’s break through them.

The Roles That Actually Hire Without Experience

Not all “entry-level” positions are equal. Some genuinely welcome people with no IT background. Others use “entry-level” to mean “we don’t want to pay much.” Here’s where to focus:

Help Desk / IT Support Technician

This is the most common entry point—and for good reason. Help desk roles prioritize problem-solving ability and communication skills over technical depth. You’ll learn company-specific systems on the job regardless of your background.

What you’ll do: Answer tickets, troubleshoot common issues, walk users through solutions, escalate complex problems, document fixes.

What they actually want: Someone who can stay calm with frustrated users, follow troubleshooting steps logically, and write clear documentation.

Salary range: $40,000-$55,000 depending on location. Remote positions increasingly available.

Companies like managed service providers (MSPs) hire heavily at this level. They expect to train you. Yes, the work can be repetitive—but you’re building the foundation for everything else in IT. Our guide on what an IT career actually looks like covers the full trajectory.

Desktop Support / Field Technician

More hands-on than pure help desk work. You’ll physically touch hardware, visit different locations, and solve problems that can’t be fixed remotely.

What you’ll do: Set up workstations, install software, repair hardware, configure printers, run network cables, maintain equipment inventory.

What they actually want: Someone who can work independently, doesn’t mind driving between sites, and can troubleshoot physical equipment without panicking.

Salary range: $42,000-$58,000. Often includes mileage reimbursement or company vehicle.

Junior System Administrator

Harder to land without some background, but not impossible. Small companies especially need someone who can handle basic server maintenance, user account management, and backup verification.

What you’ll do: Create/disable user accounts, reset passwords, monitor system health, apply patches, maintain documentation.

What they actually want: Basic comfort with Windows Server or Linux, willingness to learn, attention to detail for repetitive tasks.

If you’re targeting sysadmin roles, our help desk to sysadmin guide maps the entire transition.

NOC Technician (Network Operations Center)

24/7 monitoring roles are often desperate for reliable people who can work odd shifts. You’ll watch dashboards, respond to alerts, and follow runbooks for common issues.

What you’ll do: Monitor network performance, acknowledge alerts, follow documented procedures, escalate outages, maintain logs.

What they actually want: Someone who can work nights/weekends, follow procedures precisely, and stay alert during quiet periods.

Salary range: $38,000-$52,000. Shift differentials can add 10-15% for overnight work.

Building Proof When You Have No Job History

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: you need to prove you can do IT work before anyone will pay you to do IT work. The good news is there are multiple ways to build that proof without a formal job.

Home Lab Projects

Nothing demonstrates “I actually do this stuff” like showing what you’ve built. A home lab doesn’t require expensive equipment—you can start with your existing computer and free virtualization software.

Starter projects that impress:

  • Set up a Windows Server domain with multiple VMs
  • Configure an Active Directory environment (our AD tutorial walks through this)
  • Build a Linux file server with Samba shares
  • Deploy a network monitoring solution like Zabbix or Nagios
  • Create a documentation wiki for your setup

How to talk about it: Don’t just list what you built. Explain what problems it solved, what you learned from breaking it, and how you’d do it differently next time. Check our homelab resume guide for specific examples.

Use VirtualBox or Proxmox to run multiple systems on one machine. Both are free and widely used professionally.

Certifications That Actually Help

Let’s be direct: certifications alone won’t get you hired. But combined with practical experience (even self-directed), they prove you’ve studied the fundamentals.

CompTIA A+ remains the gold standard for entry-level IT. It covers hardware, software, networking, and security basics. Many job postings specifically mention it. Our CompTIA A+ guide covers the full path.

CompTIA Network+ makes sense if you’re targeting networking roles or want to differentiate yourself from A+-only candidates.

Google IT Support Certificate offers a cheaper alternative with Google’s brand recognition. Available through Coursera, it can be completed in a few months.

Skip advanced certifications for now. Security+, CCNA, and cloud certs are great for career progression, but they won’t help you land an entry-level role as much as A+ plus practical projects.

Linux Command Line Skills

Here’s a secret: most entry-level IT candidates can’t use a command line. Learning basic Linux commands puts you ahead of half your competition immediately.

You don’t need to become a sysadmin. Just learn to navigate directories, read files, search logs, and run basic commands. Platforms like Shell Samurai let you practice real terminal skills interactively in your browser—no setup required.

For deeper Linux knowledge, our Linux basics guide covers everything you need for entry-level positions.

Scripting Basics

Automation is eating IT. Even entry-level positions increasingly value candidates who can write simple scripts. You don’t need to be a programmer—you need to automate repetitive tasks.

Start with PowerShell if you’re targeting Windows environments. Our PowerShell guide cuts through the myths and focuses on practical automation.

For Linux environments, basic bash scripting knowledge sets you apart.

Python works everywhere and has the gentlest learning curve. Our Python programming guide explains why it’s worth your time.

Your Resume Needs to Survive the ATS

Your resume has two audiences: automated systems and human readers. Fail with either, and you’re done.

Beat the Robots First

Applicant tracking systems scan for keywords and formatting. Give them what they want:

Use exact keywords from the job posting. If they say “Active Directory,” write “Active Directory”—not “AD” or “directory services.” ATS systems are literal-minded.

Avoid fancy formatting. Tables, columns, headers/footers, and graphics confuse parsing algorithms. Use simple formatting: clear section headers, bullet points, standard fonts.

Include a skills section. List technical skills explicitly: “Windows 10/11, Active Directory, Microsoft 365, TCP/IP, Help Desk Support, Ticketing Systems (ServiceNow, Zendesk).”

Save as .docx or .pdf. Both work, but .docx parses more reliably across different ATS platforms.

Our IT resume examples guide shows exactly what works. For zero-experience situations specifically, our no-experience resume guide provides templates you can use today.

Then Impress the Humans

Once past the ATS, a human decides whether to call you. They’re skimming—give them reasons to stop and read:

Lead with relevant experience, even non-IT experience. Customer service roles prove communication skills. Any job involving troubleshooting (even fixing equipment in a restaurant) shows problem-solving. Technical hobbies demonstrate genuine interest.

Quantify whatever you can. “Resolved customer issues” is forgettable. “Resolved 50+ customer issues weekly with 95% satisfaction rating” is memorable.

Include your projects prominently. A home lab section showing you’ve actually done IT work matters more than listing responsibilities from unrelated jobs.

Write for scanners. Bold key terms. Use short bullet points. Put the most important information first in each bullet.

The Cover Letter Question

Most people hate writing cover letters. Most hiring managers don’t read them carefully. So why bother?

Because sometimes they do read them. A good cover letter can explain why you’re transitioning to IT, highlight specific interest in the company, or address gaps in your background. Keep it short (3-4 paragraphs), specific to the role, and focused on what you’ll contribute.

Skip the template phrases. “I am writing to express my interest in…” wastes everyone’s time. Start with something specific about why this role at this company interests you.

Where to Actually Find Entry-Level IT Jobs

Not all job boards are equal for entry-level positions. Here’s where to focus your search:

Job Boards That Work

Indeed remains the largest aggregator. Set up alerts for “help desk,” “IT support,” “desktop support” in your area. Apply to new postings within 24-48 hours—early applicants get more attention.

LinkedIn matters for networking more than job applications. Many IT roles get filled through referrals before they’re publicly posted. Optimize your profile (our LinkedIn guide for IT pros explains how), then connect with people at companies you want to work for.

Company websites directly. Mid-sized companies often post jobs only on their careers page. Identify 10-15 companies in your area with IT departments and check their sites weekly.

Dice and CyberCoders specialize in tech hiring but skew toward experienced roles. Worth checking, but Indeed will have more entry-level options.

The Hidden Job Market

Here’s where it gets interesting. Many entry-level IT jobs never get posted publicly:

MSPs (Managed Service Providers) hire constantly. These companies provide IT support to multiple clients and always need people. Search “[your city] managed service provider” and reach out directly, even without a posted opening.

Staffing agencies place IT roles. Robert Half Technology, TEKsystems, and Insight Global all place entry-level IT candidates. They’re motivated to find you a job—their pay depends on it.

Local IT user groups and meetups. Networking feels awkward, but it works. Attend a few events, ask genuine questions, and you’ll learn about opportunities before they’re posted.

University and community college IT departments often hire students and community members for help desk roles. Check local institutions even if you’re not currently enrolled.

The Application Numbers Game

Let’s talk expectations. Landing an entry-level IT job typically requires:

  • 50-100 applications submitted
  • 5-10 phone screens
  • 2-5 in-person interviews
  • 1 offer

These numbers vary wildly by market, qualifications, and luck. But if you’re submitting 10 applications and getting zero responses, the issue is likely your resume or target roles—not the market.

Track your applications in a spreadsheet: company, role, date applied, response received. Patterns emerge. If certain types of roles never respond, pivot. If you’re getting phone screens but no second interviews, practice your interview skills.

Nail the Interview When You Get One

You landed an interview. Now comes the part most candidates blow: demonstrating they can actually do the job.

Technical Questions to Expect

Entry-level IT interviews focus on fundamentals and problem-solving approach. Common questions:

“Walk me through troubleshooting a user who can’t access the internet.”

Show your methodology. Start with the basics (is the cable plugged in?), then work through network layers systematically. They want to see you think logically, not that you know every possible cause.

“What’s the difference between a router and a switch?”

Know your networking basics. A switch connects devices on a local network; a router connects different networks. Our network engineer career guide covers the fundamentals if you need a refresher.

“Describe DHCP and DNS.”

DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses to devices. DNS translates domain names (like google.com) to IP addresses. Be ready to explain why these matter to end users.

“How would you handle a frustrated user?”

This tests soft skills as much as technical knowledge. Acknowledge their frustration, ask clarifying questions, explain what you’re doing in plain language, and follow up after resolution.

Our interview mistakes guide covers the errors that sink most candidates.

Behavioral Questions That Matter

Entry-level IT interviews heavily weight “will this person be good to work with?” Prepare for:

“Tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem.”

Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Our STAR method guide explains how to structure these answers.

“Describe a situation where you had to learn something quickly.”

Show you can pick up new skills. Technical specifics matter less than demonstrating you learn systematically and don’t panic when facing the unknown.

“How do you handle competing priorities?”

Help desk work means constant interruptions. Show you can triage, communicate about delays, and stay organized under pressure.

Questions You Should Ask

Interviews go both ways. Asking good questions shows genuine interest and helps you evaluate the role:

  • “What does a typical day look like in this role?”
  • “What’s the team structure? Who would I work with most closely?”
  • “What are the most common issues the help desk handles?”
  • “How do you measure success for someone in this position?”
  • “What growth opportunities exist from this role?”

Avoid asking about salary, vacation, or remote work in the first interview. Those conversations come after they decide they want you.

What to Do After You’re Hired

Getting the job is just the beginning. The first 90 days determine whether you’re seen as a promising hire or a hiring mistake.

The First Month

Learn the ticketing system religiously. Whether it’s ServiceNow, Zendesk, Jira, or something proprietary, master it. Your productivity is measured by tickets, so efficiency here matters.

Document everything you learn. Write notes on how to solve common problems. This helps you learn faster and becomes valuable reference material. If your company doesn’t have good documentation, you just found a way to add value.

Ask questions, but not the same question twice. Everyone expects questions from new hires. Nobody expects you to ask how to reset a password for the fifteenth time. Write down answers.

Observe how experienced team members handle difficult situations. Watch their troubleshooting approach, how they communicate with users, and when they escalate. This is free training.

Building Toward Your Next Role

Entry-level IT jobs are stepping stones, not destinations. Start planning your trajectory early:

Identify what interests you. Networking? Security? Cloud? Automation? Specialization comes later, but you should be exploring what you enjoy.

Take on projects beyond your job description. Volunteer for the Active Directory migration project. Offer to improve documentation. Show initiative without overstepping.

Build relationships with senior team members. They know about openings before HR does. They’ll advocate for your promotion when the time comes. They can teach you things no certification covers.

Keep learning outside of work. The people who advance fastest never stop studying. Whether it’s certifications, home labs, or just reading tech news, stay engaged with the field.

Our career development guides cover specific advancement paths once you’ve established yourself.

The Timeline: Setting Realistic Expectations

Let’s be honest about how long this takes. The “I got a $90K IT job in 3 months with no experience!” stories you see online are survivorship bias. More realistic timelines:

If you’re starting from zero:

  • 3-4 months: Complete A+ certification or Google IT Support Certificate
  • 2-4 months: Build home lab projects, practice skills
  • 2-4 months: Active job search, interviews, offer

Total: 7-12 months from starting to employed.

If you have transferable experience (customer service, technical hobbies, some college):

  • 2-3 months: Get certified, build projects
  • 1-3 months: Job search, interviews

Total: 3-6 months.

These aren’t guarantees. Location matters enormously—major metro areas have more opportunities but more competition. Your specific background, interview skills, and plain luck all factor in.

The key is consistent progress. Some weeks you’ll make breakthroughs. Others will feel like spinning wheels. Keep moving forward.

Common Mistakes That Kill Entry-Level IT Careers

Avoid these errors that sabotage otherwise qualified candidates:

Applying only to dream jobs. Your first IT job probably won’t be exciting. You might spend months at an MSP resetting passwords. That’s fine—you’re building a foundation.

Refusing help desk because it’s “beneath you.” Everyone in IT started somewhere. Help desk teaches you how technology actually breaks in the real world. Skip it, and you’ll have knowledge gaps forever.

Expecting the job to be like the home lab. Real IT involves politics, legacy systems, users who refuse to follow instructions, and decisions made for budget rather than technical reasons. Adjust your expectations.

Burning out during the job search. Pace yourself. Applying to 30 jobs a day leads to sloppy applications and desperation. Three thoughtful applications daily beats thirty rushed ones.

Not following up appropriately. A brief thank-you email after interviews is expected. Weekly “just checking in” messages are annoying. Find the balance.

Overselling skills you don’t have. Lying about experience will catch up with you—either in the technical interview or, worse, on the job. Be honest about what you’re still learning.

FAQ: Entry-Level IT Job Questions

Do I need a degree to get an entry-level IT job?

No. The majority of help desk and IT support roles don’t require degrees. According to CompTIA research, about 66% of IT hiring managers say certifications matter more than degrees for entry-level positions. What matters: can you solve problems, communicate clearly, and learn quickly?

That said, some companies (especially larger enterprises and government contractors) have degree requirements for HR compliance reasons. Don’t let a “degree required” posting stop you from applying if you otherwise match the role.

How much do entry-level IT jobs pay?

National averages for help desk and IT support roles range from $40,000-$55,000. Location matters enormously—Bay Area entry-level salaries can hit $60,000+, while rural areas might start at $35,000. Our IT salary guides cover specific numbers by role and location.

The good news: IT salaries grow quickly. Most people double their starting salary within 5-7 years of entering the field.

Should I get A+ certified before applying to jobs?

It helps but isn’t strictly necessary. A+ certification signals you’ve studied the fundamentals and are serious about IT as a career. Many job postings list it as preferred or required.

However, don’t delay your job search indefinitely to collect more certifications. Start applying once you have A+ or equivalent knowledge from the Google IT Certificate. You can earn additional certifications while working.

Can I get a remote entry-level IT job?

Increasingly yes, though it’s harder than finding local positions. Remote help desk roles exist, especially at companies that were already distributed pre-pandemic. Search specifically for “remote” or “work from home” in job listings.

Be prepared for companies to prefer local candidates for entry-level roles—they may want the option to bring you onsite for training. After 1-2 years of experience, remote opportunities become much more common.

How do I get experience when no one will hire me without experience?

This is the core catch-22 of entry-level hiring. The answer: create your own experience through home labs, volunteer work, or personal projects.

Build systems that solve real problems (even if the “problem” is just learning). Document what you build. Present it as experience—because it is experience. The home lab guide explains exactly how to do this.

Your Next Move

Landing an entry-level IT job requires persistence, the right preparation, and realistic expectations. The field is accessible to people from all backgrounds—but you have to demonstrate that you can do the work.

Here’s your action plan:

  1. This week: Decide on A+ certification or Google IT Certificate. Start studying.
  2. This month: Set up a basic home lab with VirtualBox and begin hands-on practice with Shell Samurai or similar tools.
  3. Months 2-3: Complete certification. Build at least two documented projects.
  4. Month 4 onward: Apply consistently. Track results. Iterate on what’s not working.

The path exists. Thousands of people with no prior experience land IT jobs every month. With the right approach, you’ll be one of them.

For more career guidance, explore our IT certifications hub and cybersecurity careers resources.