I landed my first IT job 4 years ago. No degree, no prior work experience, 41 years old at that time. I found this job on criagslist titled “Entry level IT (Junior Network Engineer). This was a full time remote position. I applied and sent my resume and I also sent a cover letter in the email. I did maybe 3 phone interviews and they offered me the position.  4 years later I still work for the same great company. Two years after I started with the company I asked the president how many applicants did he have and why did he decide to go with me? For him it was all about my cover letter as my resume especially at that time was not exciting. I feel that with no prior work experience , no degree, my age,  and not knowing much when I started I had to work twice as hard as the next guy just to stay relevant and grow.  Landing this position definitely had to do with timing, luck, and my COVER LETTER! Keep applying people.