It's Symoné B. coming at you live from Houston, where I just wrapped up speaking at the Black Is Tech 2024 conference.

I dropped some gems on how Govtech can be your ticket to freedom in life. It was a packed house.

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I connected with so many amazing people who I've helped break into tech or govtech (I’ll be posting some of their stories on my Instagram I ran into one guy Alontay making 220k at AWS working with the Government).

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I'm sitting here in the airport reflecting on the conference. And you know what? There was a common theme in all their stories that I just had to share with you.

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You're Not Alone

If you're feeling lost, like you don't have it all figured out, or you're the only one in your circle pursuing tech – I see you. I feel you. And I want you to know that you are not alone.

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I met this 17-year-old kid who's been following me for two years who is now learning Computer Science.

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He was just so happy to learn more about tech and to know that there are others out there who've walked the same path, he was very emotional telling me how he has nobody in his family or friends in tech to learn from. It definitely hit me right in the feels, I’ve been there before.

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Making Your Tech Journey Easier

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Here are some tips to make your tech journey smoother and more enjoyable:

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1. Find Your Tribe: Look for a community near you, in-person or virtual. Connect with people who share your interests. If you're into cybersecurity, find a local group. Meet up, chat, and soak up their wisdom.

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2. Attend Monthly Meetups: Many areas have regular tech meetups. You can check EventBrite.com, MeetUp.com, and LinkedIn even has groups.

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Get out there and meet people with the same interests as you. Building some real connections will help make your tech journey much easier.

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3. Research, But Don't Overdo It: Do your homework until you feel comfortable, but don't get stuck in analysis paralysis. Give yourself about 30 days to learn, then jump in and start doing.

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Doing tech labs will help you out the most, because until you get your hands on the keyboard everything you are learning is all theory.

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So, go look up some free labs on youtube.

Search “[tech topic/tech skill] lab “

You should find at least 10 videos that will give you some hands on practice.

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It's Okay Not to Know Everything

Remember, it's absolutely okay not to have all the answers. I've been there, trying to figure it all out on my own. But trust me, having a community, a blueprint, and some guidance makes the journey so much smoother.

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The moment you think you know everything is the moment you become unteachable. Stay humble, stay curious, and never be embarrassed about what you don't know in tech.

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Join the Govtech Fam

If you're looking to dive into Govtech, I've got you covered. Check out my YouTube video where I break down how I'd start from Zero in Govtech if I had to do it all over again today.

And here's something exciting – I'm hosting GovTechCon from December 18th to 20th in DC. We're talking networking, career development, technical skills, and GovTech industry experts all in one place.

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ClearanceJobs, AWS Skill Center, Microsoft, Google, Boeing, and many more companies are being added. Conferences changed my life, and I hope this one can do the same for you. Get your early bird ticket before this month is up.

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Remember, we're in this together. Take it day by day, build your community, and keep pushing forward. You've got this, and I've got your back.

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Symoné B. “Beez”

It's Symoné B. here, your go-to source for all things career success. Today, I want to share a compelling story I came across on Twitter that had 4 million views that really highlights a crucial aspect of job hunting that often goes overlooked: the power of soft skills in interviews.

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So, this Twitter user shared that his daughter thought she totally bombed her recent job interview. She was up against ten other applicants, and to her surprise, she got the job! Curious about why she was chosen—especially since she felt she didn't perform well—she asked her new employer. The answer? They were impressed with her ability to maintain eye contact and carry on a normal conversation.

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Now, this story is something many of us can relate to, right? We've all been there—the sweaty palms, stumbling over words, freezing up at the most crucial moments. It doesn't matter how qualified you are or how many degrees you have; if you can't nail the interview, landing that dream job can feel nearly impossible.

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Here are some eye-opening stats about the struggles recent college graduates face in job interviews. Many grapple with basic things like maintaining eye contact, asking for reasonable compensation, dressing appropriately, using the correct language, and something as straightforward as turning on the camera for virtual interviews. It's these basic soft skills that can make or break your chances.

If you struggle with nailing your interviews, don't worry, you're not alone. But the good news is, this is a skill set you can absolutely develop. Imagine walking into your next interview with all the confidence, maintaining steady eye contact, engaging in a fluid conversation, and presenting yourself as the ideal candidate, no matter the competition!

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Want to dive deeper into the nitty-gritty of mastering these skills? I've got you covered. Head over to my youtube channel to watch this video

where I teach you how to find a tech job with low competition for an in-depth discussion on each step you need to take to ensure you're not just another resume in the pile but the standout candidate ready to seize that opportunity.

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Stay Tech-Focused and position yourself to win. There’s no better time than now to get involved in Tech.

Symoné B.

Last week was a pretty crazy week, even I was affected by the Microsoft and CrowdStrike software issue. I got stuck trying to fly out of the DC area for 3 days. I almost caught the Amtrak back to Atlanta whew! ​

But now I’m back its been a while since I have put out a weekly newsletter . So mark your calendar for every Tuesday. ​

This was probably one of the biggest software outages in history, and for it to happen to Microsoft is quite astonishing. If you are already working in Tech or you're interested in getting into Tech, this event should be your sign to start now.

What Happened?

On July 18, CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity firm, released a software update that began impacting IT systems globally. This update inadvertently caused Microsoft's Windows operating systems to experience the infamous "Blue Screen of Death" (BSOD), leading to a massive outage that affected millions of devices worldwide.

The Impact

Unless you were living under a rock, you probably noticed the chaos. Here are some of the humorous yet frustrating moments from the event:

• Fridge Fail: A Twitter user joked about not being able to open their fridge.

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• Rental Car Board: A rental car board was down because it relied on Windows.

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• Airline Chaos: The most significant impact was on airlines, with thousands of flights and train services canceled globally.

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Technical Breakdown

CrowdStrike's update included a defect that caused Windows systems to delete critical files, leading to widespread Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors. The root cause was a coding error involving a null pointer in C++, which corrupted the software update. This issue was not a cyberattack but a significant technical glitch. Null pointers while coding was something I used to struggle with, so to see this take down the entire world is pretty crazy.

Lessons and Opportunities

This incident underscores the critical need for IT and cybersecurity professionals. Here’s why:

• Global Impact: The outage affected banks, airlines, hospitals, and more, highlighting the interconnected nature of our tech ecosystem.

• Job Opportunities: The tech field, especially cybersecurity, is mission-critical to the Government. There are over 500,000 unfilled roles in tech, making now the best time to get involved.

  
  

My GovTech Experience

In my career, I’ve been paid well because I was the lead radar engineer during crises with government systems. When a system went down it was on me to get the system back up and running as soon as possible. Stressful, but it was rewarding and paid the big bucks. This event is a reminder that being skilled in tech can make you indispensable or “layoff proof” as I like to call it.

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If you’re interested in getting into GovTech, I’m hosting a 5 day live workshop starting at 7 PM EST tomorrow.

I’ll teach you everything you need to know to get started join for as low as $27.

Here's the link to save your spot - I

hope to see you there!

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Stay Tech-Focused and position yourself to win. There’s no better time than now to get involved in Tech.

-Symoné B.

Hey everyone! It’s Symoné B. and I’ve got a dope success story to share with you today about Steven, who secured not one, but TWO six-figure job offers in Govtech within just 90 days after working with me. If you’ve ever dreamed of making a big GovTech career leap, this is the inspiration you need!

From Security Plus to Job Offers

Steven jumpstarted his journey by earning the CompTIA Security+ certification. Without a robust tech background but armed with determination, he joined my Six-Figure Tech Five Day Challenge, designed to refine resumes, optimize LinkedIn profiles, and prepare for job applications and interviews.

Thanks to what he learned from the challenge, Steven polished his resume and prepped for interviews. He applied for a security admin position at Lockheed Martin and impressed them with his interview performance, landing the job within a week. But the offers didn’t stop there!

Watch the full interview from Steven's perspective on my Youtube channel by clicking the video below.

You still have 1 day to join my 5 Day Tech Challenge before it starts on Monday! Join now and save 30% see you there.

A Better Opportunity Knocks

While onboarding with Lockheed Martin, a Fortune 100 company contacted him about a forensics engineer role. After going through two rounds of interviews, Steven was offered the position, which boasted a better title and was closer to home.

Steven leveraged his transferrable skills which is exactly what I teach in my 5 Day Tech Challenge.

Financial Growth

For those curious, Steven’s initial role offered around $97K in total compensation. His current position offers a base of $105.75K plus a 15% bonus, bringing his total compensation to roughly $127.50K.

Why You Should Consider the Six-Figure Tech Challenge

Steven was inspired by content highlighting Govtech opportunities and took the challenge, which turned out to be a game-changer. His story proves that with the right guidance and effort, achieving high-paying roles in tech is entirely possible.

Want to dive into the full details of Steven's transformation, study tips, and interview strategies?

Head over to my YouTube channel and watch "How Steven Landed Two 6-Figure Job Offers In 90 Days".

Trust me, you’ll walk away motivated and ready to transform your own career.

Your next high-paying GovTech role is just a few steps away. Stay LockedIn.

Symoné B.

Every day, thousands of tech job opportunities are posted, attracting hundreds of thousands of applicants from all over the globe. It’s a fiercely competitive field fueled by enticing benefits and lucrative salaries.

But what if I told you there's a way to sidestep this competition and land those elusive high-paying tech jobs?

Yes, it's possible! In fact, the best tech jobs are often the ones with the lowest competition. Imagine friends and colleagues asking how you discovered that six-figure tech job nobody else knew about. Intrigued? If you want to be that person, read on, and don't forget to watch the full video for detailed insights.

Why Common Job Boards Aren't Your Friend

Chances are, you've already been using popular job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster. The problem here is the "easy apply" button. It allows anyone and everyone to apply with just a few clicks.

This ease of application results in a flood of resumes, many of which never get past the initial screening. In contrast, the most desirable jobs are typically not listed on these platforms.

Seek Out Niche Job Boards

The secret lies in niche job boards—sites that focus on specific tech roles, industries, or niches.

I made a YouTube video detailing the exact steps to how I used LinkedIn to land a GovTech job paying $275,000/yr.

You can watch it here:

Here’s why niche job boards are your golden ticket:

1. Focused Job Listings: They're tailored to specific tech niches like remote work, specific programming languages, or diversity-focused roles.

2. High Commitment from Employers: Employers often pay to post on these boards, ensuring that your application will be seen and taken seriously.

3. Reduced Competition: These boards naturally filter out casual applicants, leaving more room for serious candidates like you.

Actionable Steps to Success

1. Identify Niche Job Boards: Look for job boards that match your specific tech skills or interests. For example, Workintech.io categorizes jobs by startups, remote work, and programming languages. Startup Jobs focuses on opportunities within new and growing companies, providing broader experience and potentially higher salaries.

2. Message Recruiters Directly: Once you apply, find the hiring managers on LinkedIn. Send a personalized message mentioning the job you’ve applied for including the job rec number. This proactive approach significantly increases your chances of getting noticed.

3. Explore Specialty Sites: Sites like dice.com (for assorted tech jobs), remoteok.com and nodesk.co (for remote jobs), and clearancejobs.com (for government tech roles) are excellent resources. Especially with clearancejobs.com, the barrier to entry is high due to the requirement for government security clearances, which significantly reduces competition.

Govtech: The Hidden Gem

In my experience, and based on helping countless others, GovTech is the least competitive and most rewarding sector. Clearancejobs.com is my top recommended resource for finding Govtech roles. These positions not only offer the benefits of a tech career but also provide superior job security and less competition.

Ready to jump into the tech job market with newfound confidence? Avoid the crowded paths everyone else is treading and apply for low-competition jobs that promise quicker and more fruitful results.

Your next high-paying position is just a few steps away. Keep applying.

- Symoné B.

The CompTIA Security+ 601 is being phased out on July 31 2024.

I just dropped a brand new video that’s going to be a game changer for anyone aiming to pass the CompTIA Security+ 701 exam on the very first try! Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.

Watch the video here and subscribe:

5 Keys You’ll Learn from the Video:

1. Why You Need the Certification: Discover the pivotal role this certification plays in kickstarting your cybersecurity career, especially in Govtech.

2. Preparing for the Exam: Get Symoné’s top study tips, including recommended resources like the "Get Certified, Get Ahead" book and the importance of foundational IT knowledge.

3. Understanding the Exam Changes: Learn about the focus on security operations and incident response in the new 701 exam.

4. Study Plan Essentials: Find out how to structure your study time effectively and what types of practice exams to use.

5. Tips for Exam Day: Get practical tips for the actual test day, from brain dumping to managing stress and time.

Did you know that passing the CompTIA Security+ certification can double your salary in the tech field?

Before you dive into the study materials, make sure you give the video a watch—it’s packed with my hands-on experience, practical advice, and motivational tips to pass the Security+ on your first try.

P.S.: If you have any questions, drop them in the comments on the youtube video, and I'll get back to you! I just hit 50K Subscribers so I'm doing a giveaway. Next giveaway at 100k subscribers.