How to Switch from a Non-Tech Background to a Tech Job in Iceland

The tech scene in Iceland is straight-up fire right now! From the 77 Technology jobs listed on LinkedIn, it's clear this place is a goldmine for anyone trying to level up their career.

According to Jobs in Demand in Iceland 2023-2024, the top gigs are in tourism, geothermal power, fisheries, and IT! Scoring a sweet tech role ain't just about the Benjamins though.

Networking in Iceland's startup community opens up a world of opportunities to innovate and collaborate with some seriously brilliant minds.

Plus, you get to live in a country that's all about that renewable energy life - talk about a win-win! If coding's your jam, be sure to check out Nucamp's guides on learning to code in Iceland and the top job hunting strategies for landing your dream tech role.

While technical skills are a must in the tech world, don't sleep on the value of "soft" skills that non-techies can bring to the table in Iceland's tech jobs.

A study by the Society for Human Resource Management shows that the top skills employers want are communication (67%), problem-solving (60%), teamwork (54%), and leadership (46%).

These transferable skills from non-tech backgrounds can be clutch assets in tech roles.

Solid communication? Essential for collaborating with teams, pitching ideas, and providing tech support. Customer service experience? That can translate smoothly into user experience (UX) roles where empathy and problem-solving are key.

When you're job hunting in Iceland's tech scene, make sure to flex these transferable skills on your resume and cover letter.

Use bullet points or a "Skills" section to showcase the relevant soft skills you've leveled up throughout your career. For instance:

• Effective communicator skilled at simplifying complex concepts for diverse audiences
• Proven ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative team player with experience leading cross-functional projects

In interviews, be ready to give specific examples of how you've applied these transferable skills in previous roles.

A LinkedIn study found that

"84% of hiring managers in Iceland value soft skills as much as hard skills when evaluating candidates."

By highlighting your versatile skillset, you can position yourself as a well-rounded asset to potential tech employers in Iceland who are looking for more than just technical chops.

If you're trying to make that leap into the tech world in Iceland, you gotta get your coding skills on point.

The University of Iceland and Reykjavik University are the big guns for computer science and engineering degrees, but there are other solid options too. For a quicker path, check out coding bootcamps like Nucamp - they'll have you networking and job-ready in no time.

But degrees aren't everything.

Certifications can seriously boost your appeal to Icelandic tech companies. The hot ones right now are CISSP for cybersecurity, PMP for project management, CEH for ethical hacking, AWS for cloud computing, and CSM for agile methodology.

Companies dig candidates who show they're always learning and leveling up their skills. With the right job hunting strategy, having a mix of quality education and key certifications can be your ticket to scoring that dream tech gig in Iceland.

Here are some highlights:

• Proper education: Degrees from institutions like the University of Iceland and Reykjavik University.
• Coding bootcamps: Quick, immersive programs like Nucamp to get job-ready fast.
• Key certifications: CISSP, PMP, CEH, AWS, and CSM are highly valued.
• Continuous learning: Showing that you’re always leveling up your skills makes you attractive to employers.
• Effective job strategy: A mix of quality education and strategic job hunting.

Look, if you're trying to score a sweet tech gig in Iceland, you gotta get some real-world experience under your belt, even if you're coming from a totally different background.

One of the best ways to do that is by landing an internship. Iceland has tons of opportunities across various tech fields like software, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

Many companies are down to hire interns with transferable skills and provide them with on-the-job training and mentorship from the pros.

Another option is volunteering within Iceland's thriving tech community.

Groups like Reykjavik Tech and Women in Tech Iceland are always looking for volunteers to help out with events, workshops, and community initiatives. Not only will you gain some hands-on experience, but you'll also expand your professional network and stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends.

Some cool volunteer gigs include:

• Assisting with coding workshops for newbies – help beginners get started with coding.
• Contributing to open-source projects – make a difference in the tech community.
• Helping with event organization and logistics – support tech events and build connections.

Building a solid project portfolio can also give you a major edge when it comes to landing that dream tech job in Iceland.

Focus on developing projects that align with what Icelandic companies are looking for and showcase your technical skills. According to a survey by the Icelandic Startup & Innovation Center, the most in-demand tech skills include:

Programming Languages	Frameworks/Tools	Other Skills
Python, Java, C++	React, Angular, Node.js	Cloud Computing, Agile Methodologies

As Robert Martin, CEO of Icelandic tech company Mento, puts it,

"A solid project portfolio can often be more valuable than formal education when it comes to landing your dream tech job in Iceland."

If you're trying to break into Iceland's tech scene, networking is key.

Like, seriously, according to this study by some smart folks, over two-thirds of techies in Reykjavik landed their gigs through connections. It's not just about meeting new peeps, it's about getting the inside scoop on job openings, company vibes, and emerging trends that fit your goals.

To start building those links, hop on LinkedIn and join groups like IceTech.

Get active in online forums, contribute to open-source projects, and hit up virtual events to make your presence felt. But let's be real, nothing beats face-to-face networking.

As Iceland bounces back from the pandemic, keep an eye out for epic meetups and conferences like the Icelandic Developers Conference in May 2024, where you can rub elbows with industry heavyweights and level up your skills.

When you're out there mingling, make sure you've got some slick business cards ready to hand out and a killer elevator pitch that showcases your talents, goals, and what makes you stand out.

And don't just ghost people after the event – follow up, stay in touch, and collaborate with Icelandic recruitment agencies to keep those connections strong.

At the end of the day, it's not just what you know, but who you know that'll help you land that dream tech job in Iceland.

Switching to a tech job in Iceland can be a game-changer, but you gotta play it smart. First up, let's talk about your resume and cover letter - these are your chance to show off those killer tech skills.

Highlight any problem-solving, analytical thinking, or communication experience you have - those transferable skills are golden in tech. The folks at Iceland's job sites dig candidates who can think on their feet and work as a team.

When it comes to interviews, do your homework.

Study up on the company, their products, and recent projects. Come prepared with smart questions that show you've done your research. And practice those interview answers - give 'em structured, data-driven responses that showcase your problem-solving prowess.

Icelandic companies value an honest, no-BS approach, so keep it real.

Speaking of keeping it real, let's talk about the Icelandic work culture. Egalitarianism is big here, so ditch the hierarchical mindset and be ready to collaborate as an equal team member.

Work-life balance is also a priority, so show off your time-management skills and adaptability. And remember, consensus is key - highlight those teamwork abilities that'll help you thrive in Iceland's consensus-driven workplaces.

With the right prep and mindset, you'll be coding like a true Viking in no time. Check out Nucamp's coding bootcamps for a head start on your tech journey.

With the right prep and mindset, you'll be coding like a true Viking in no time. Check out Nucamp's coding bootcamps for a head start on your tech journey.