The objective isn't "get any IT job." The objective is to present yourself as someone who can learn, troubleshoot, communicate, and operate effectively inside a real technology organisation. This module covers building a professional CV, optimising LinkedIn, using GitHub effectively, building a technical portfolio, applying for jobs strategically, preparing for recruiter and technical interviews, handling troubleshooting scenarios and behavioural questions, discussing technologies you haven't used professionally, demonstrating home-lab experience, negotiating salary, evaluating offers, and building a long-term career strategy.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
- Write a concise, technically credible CV that survives ATS screening and a recruiter's first read.
- Build a LinkedIn profile and GitHub presence that reinforce your CV instead of just repeating it.
- Assemble a small portfolio of well-documented projects that demonstrate real technical work.
- Apply strategically to the right job families instead of either giving up early or spraying applications randomly.
- Answer recruiter, technical, troubleshooting and behavioural interview questions with structure and evidence.
- Talk credibly about technology you've only used in a lab, and about technology you haven't used at all.
- Negotiate salary and evaluate a job offer as a full package, not just a number.
- Recognise red flags during recruitment, and treat rejection as normal rather than as proof you're not capable.
- Explain your own learning journey as a coherent professional story.
Your goal in every one of these skills is the same message, delivered differently each time: I understand the fundamentals, I can investigate problems methodically, I communicate clearly, and I can learn the technology your organisation uses.
This Module's Lessons
Work through these in order — each builds the next piece of your job-search toolkit. Every lesson has its own "Mark lesson complete" button; your progress across all six is tracked below.
How Hiring Works & Writing Your CV
The hiring pipeline, who actually assesses what, and building a CV structure, summary and skills section that reads as credible, not inflated.
ATS, Tailoring, LinkedIn & GitHub
Applicant tracking systems, tailoring your CV per role family, a LinkedIn profile that says something, and a GitHub that proves it.
Building a Portfolio & Applying Strategically
Portfolio projects worth building, why quality beats quantity, targeted job applications, and researching a company before you interview.
Recruiter & Technical Interviews
Recruiter screening, technical questions across networking/AD/auth/APIs/SOC, troubleshooting interviews, and what to say when you don't know.
Behavioural Interviews & Negotiation
The STAR method, questions worth asking the employer, global interview etiquette, certifications, salary negotiation, and red flags.
Career Strategy, Practice & the Final Checklist
Tracking applications, telling your story, career paths, eight practical labs, the final job-ready checklist, and the most important lesson in the course.