How to Get GIS Jobs

Assess your own present skills, abilities and education to determine if you have the experience to successfully enter the field and get a GIS position., Ascertain your level of technical knowledge., Ponder the option of a GIS internship if you have...

14 Steps 2 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Assess your own present skills

    Unless you are looking for a basic, entry level position, most GIS jobs require a formal level of education and prior experience.
  2. Step 2: abilities and education to determine if you have the experience to successfully enter the field and get a GIS position.

    GIS work requires strong mathematical skills and experience in statistical analysis.

    Applicants must have strong verbal and communication skills in addition to being proficient writers. , Internships are an excellent way to learn more about the field and to gain valuable on-the-job experience. , Skill requirements will be higher for those GIS positions requiring a higher level of expertise. , Learn more about the companies in preparation for any possible future interviews. , Connecting with others already working in GIS positions may open up some possible job opportunities for you to explore. , Sign up to receive regular email updates as GIS jobs become available. , If you are a little rusty in the art of preparing a resume then consider reading some books focusing on writing resumes. , Make sure that the references are of a professional nature and not personal letters from family or friends. , Keeping a history of your job search efforts will help to keep the ongoing process more organized. , Use quality stock paper for both your resume and your cover letter. ,, This will help to smooth the way for a potential job offer for a GIS position.
  3. Step 3: Ascertain your level of technical knowledge.

  4. Step 4: Ponder the option of a GIS internship if you have no prior work experience and your educational level is for a certificate or associates degree.

  5. Step 5: Apply for higher level analyst and specialist GIS positions if you have an advanced degree in the field and extensive prior working experience.

  6. Step 6: Conduct some research on several companies that you are interested in working for that are looking to fill open GIS positions.

  7. Step 7: Register with professional associations within the field of GIS in order to network with others that share your interest and keep informed about the industry.

  8. Step 8: Visit online job boards that specifically advertise open GIS positions.

  9. Step 9: Update your resume so that the finished document is both professional and polished.

  10. Step 10: Collect several reliable references that you will be able to provide to prospective employers when applying for a GIS position.

  11. Step 11: Create a listing of those companies that you will send resumes out to.

  12. Step 12: Include a cover letter with each resume.

  13. Step 13: Decide if you want to mail your resume the traditional way via postal mail or use the option of faxing or emailing it if the option is offered to you.

  14. Step 14: Follow up with a professional thank you note after initial interviews.

Detailed Guide

Unless you are looking for a basic, entry level position, most GIS jobs require a formal level of education and prior experience.

GIS work requires strong mathematical skills and experience in statistical analysis.

Applicants must have strong verbal and communication skills in addition to being proficient writers. , Internships are an excellent way to learn more about the field and to gain valuable on-the-job experience. , Skill requirements will be higher for those GIS positions requiring a higher level of expertise. , Learn more about the companies in preparation for any possible future interviews. , Connecting with others already working in GIS positions may open up some possible job opportunities for you to explore. , Sign up to receive regular email updates as GIS jobs become available. , If you are a little rusty in the art of preparing a resume then consider reading some books focusing on writing resumes. , Make sure that the references are of a professional nature and not personal letters from family or friends. , Keeping a history of your job search efforts will help to keep the ongoing process more organized. , Use quality stock paper for both your resume and your cover letter. ,, This will help to smooth the way for a potential job offer for a GIS position.

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J

Judy Alvarez

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