Layoffs, Hiring, and How to get into IT (DevOps, Cloud, DevSecOps, etc.)

2024-11-03: To provide an overview of the current job market in tech, focusing on layoffs, available positions, and strategies for success in the DevOps and cloud engineering fields.

Key Takeaways

- Tech layoffs have peaked and are now normalizing, with Q4 2024 showing the lowest layoff rates since COVID-19
- There are approximately 73,000 jobs available in DevOps, cloud engineering, and related fields, with salaries ranging from $125K to $175K
- Key skills in demand include CI/CD, Docker, DevOps practices, cloud platforms (AWS, GCP), and infrastructure as code tools (Terraform, Ansible)
- Successful job search strategies include obtaining certifications, continuous learning, and effective interview preparation (e.g., "speech ops")

Topics

Current Tech Job Market Overview

- Wealth inequality is increasing, creating a "K-shaped" recovery
- Tech layoffs peaked in January 2023 but have since normalized to pre-COVID levels
- Q4 2024 shows the lowest layoff rates, with companies preparing for new hiring in Q1 2025
- Job market is stabilizing, with companies seeking candidates with specific skills taught in the host's training program

In-Demand Skills and Job Opportunities

- Analysis of 73,000 jobs in DevOps, cloud engineering, and related fields over the past 12 months
- Top skills include CI/CD, Docker, DevOps practices, Terraform, GCP, ETL, and automation
- Average mid-range salary: $149K, with most positions requiring around 4 years of experience
- Popular job titles: DevOps Engineer, Cloud Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer
- Key technologies: AWS, Jenkins, Terraform, Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, GCP

DevOps Roadmap and Learning Path

- Essential areas to focus on: programming languages, operating systems, version control, containers, cloud providers, CI/CD tools, monitoring, and infrastructure as code
- Importance of understanding web servers, networking protocols, and serverless architectures
- Continuous learning in areas such as secrets management, logging, and service mesh technologies

Personal Job Search Experience and Strategies

- Obtained first certification in May 2023, leading to increased interview opportunities
- Experienced a significant increase in interviews starting July 2023 (Q3), coinciding with new hiring budgets
- Conducted approximately 70 interviews before receiving first job offer
- Emphasized the importance of resume optimization, continuous skill improvement, and effective interview preparation ("speech ops")

Advice for Job Seekers

- Focus on class attendance, homework completion, and side projects to build practical skills
- Utilize resources like DevOps bootcamps, programming books, and online learning platforms
- Be cautious about mentioning AI tools in interviews due to potential concerns from interviewers
- Prepare for increased hiring activity post-election (November)

Next Steps

- Continue attending classes and completing homework assignments
- Pursue relevant certifications to increase marketability
- Engage in "speech ops" and interview preparation to improve performance
- Explore side missions and additional learning resources to expand skill set
- Optimize resume and LinkedIn profile to attract recruiter attention
- Stay informed about industry trends and job market developments

Sources:
https://fortune.com/article/gilded-age-coming-back-layoffs-pay-inequality-labor-unions-ceos-billionaires-worker-pay/

https://layoffs.fyi/

https://hazon.fyi/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFTKhdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXqJTvmp46FynHDS9Txwtwqj8uYoQhTtUMc8Pirf6A8bxvD7DxDYjfe7KQ_aem_hEO8GimAJxiNBiq00puOZg

https://roadmap.sh/devops

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