Mind the Gap: How to Overcome Entry-Level Experience Barriers in Tech

We see it all the time: smart, driven people who want to break into tech but get stuck in a loop. They apply for entry-level roles, only to find that most of them require two or three years of experience. And that’s not just frustrating — it’s discouraging. 

If that sounds familiar, I want you to know you’re not alone. The experience gap is real. But there are ways to work around it. I’m a recruiter at Smoothstack, and I talk to people every day who feel stuck at the start line. This article covers what’s behind the experience barrier, and what you can do to move forward — even if you’re starting from scratch. 

What’s Really Going On with “Entry-Level” Tech Jobs? 

A lot of job listings say “entry-level,” but once you open them, they expect professional experience with tools, systems, or even full-time roles. I know that feels impossible. But there are reasons for it. 

Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes: 

• Too many applicants: Hiring teams use experience requirements to sort through hundreds of resumes. 

• Tight bandwidth: Some managers just don’t have time to train someone from the ground up. 

• Remote roles: With fewer people in-office, companies look for candidates who can figure things out quickly and independently. 

None of that makes it easier for someone just starting out, but it helps explain the gap. 

As Business Insider recently pointed out, entry-level tech roles have shifted over time — many now expect experience that most newcomers haven’t had a chance to build yet. 

How to Build Experience Before You Have a Job 

As a recruiter, I’m not just looking at resumes. I’m looking for proof that you’re serious, that you can learn, and that you’ve taken initiative — even without a formal role. These are some of the things I tell candidates to focus on when they’re trying to stand out. 

1. Build a Portfolio 

A portfolio helps hiring teams see your skills in action. It doesn’t have to be complex, just something that shows what you can do. 

Try things like: 

• Personal projects or apps that solve everyday problems 

• Contributions to open-source projects 

• Code samples on GitHub 

• Hackathon work or group coding challenges 

When I see a portfolio, I know you’re not just learning — you’re applying your skills. 

2. Take On Internships or Apprenticeships 

You don’t have to land a full-time job to gain experience. I always recommend candidates look at apprenticeships or contract work, especially if they’re switching careers. 

Think about: 

• Volunteer work for nonprofits or small businesses 

• Short-term tech internships 

• Structured programs like ours at Smoothstack that combine training with project work 

If it helps you grow, it counts. 

3. Add Certifications That Show Commitment 

Certs aren’t everything, but they show you’re invested in learning. 

Here are some good options: 

• CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+ 

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner 

• Microsoft Azure Fundamentals 

• Online platforms like Pluralsight, Coursera, or edX 

Even one or two can make a difference. It shows effort and direction. 

4. Build a Network of Support 

I’ve seen job offers come from a single conversation. That’s the power of networking. And no, it doesn’t have to be awkward. 

You can: 

• Connect with others on LinkedIn and actually start conversations 

• Join tech meetups or Discord groups 

• Find a mentor (there are programs for that!) 

• Reach out for informational interviews to learn from people in the field 

Your next step might come from someone you haven’t met yet. 

What We Do at Smoothstack to Help You Break In 

At Smoothstack, we work with people who are ready to learn but just need the right opportunity. Maybe you’ve been trying to get your foot in the door, or maybe you’ve been stuck in online courses with no clear path to a real job. That’s where we come in. 

We offer a hire-train-deploy model. Here’s what that looks like: 

• We hire you. Yes, really. You start as a paid trainee. 

• We train you. You go through an immersive 8–14 week program that simulates real-world tech work. It’s not just lectures — you’re solving real problems with hands-on guidance. 

• We place you. After training, we match you with one of our clients who needs someone with your new skills. 

• We support you. Even after placement, you still have access to our team and training resources. 

We’ve helped hundreds of people go from “I just need someone to give me a shot” to full-time tech roles with long-term growth. If you want to understand why that model works so well, we broke it down in our blog on how why reskilling is the secret weapon for building tomorrow’s workforce. 

Real People Have Made It Through 

Some of the people I’ve worked with had never written a line of code before joining Smoothstack. Others came from completely different careers — teaching, retail, the military. 

What they had in common was: 

• A strong desire to learn 

• The willingness to put in the work 

• A need for real experience and mentorship 

We’ve seen grads of our program go on to full-time roles in cloud, cybersecurity, software engineering, and more. Their paths weren’t perfect. But they got there.  

If you’re curious what that actually looks like, you can hear it straight from them. 

You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out 

If you’ve been turned away from tech roles because of experience requirements, don’t take it personally. This industry is tough to break into, but not impossible. 

Start with what you can do today: 

• Work on small coding projects 

• Apply for internships or apprenticeships 

• Get one solid certification 

• Talk to people already in the industry 

And if you want a path that’s structured, supportive, and actually gets you a job — that’s what we’re here for. We meet people where they are and help them grow from there. 

If you’re ready, we’re ready too.