“When Life shuts a door, open it. It’s a door. That’s how they work.”
When you’re searching for a tech job during an economic downturn, it’s no time to be passive. It’s time to put a proactive plan together.
Whether you’re a college graduate, recently unemployed, or just looking for a better-fitting gig, you’re in good company. LinkedIn posts are communicating the same message: tech workers feel like they’re fighting for the same roles. And right now, 73% of #jobseekers say that the job search is one of the most stressful events of their entire lives. To land a new job in an unpredictable job market, you need to think strategically about your job search.
1. Submit applications with intention.
Gone are the good old days when an applicant could throw her #resume to the wind (or every job board) and trust that the higher powers would matchmake her with the ideal position. Today, 75% of resumes will never even be seen by human eyes. It’s up to the candidate to take deliberate steps so that their resume is considered by a flesh-and-blood decision-maker.
Be intentional about submitting to jobs that are a good match for your experience and interests. Carefully consider what you’re looking for in your next #career step. Are you motivated by how the role directly impacts the mission of the company? Do you align with the vision, values, and culture?
Be intentional about how you submit your resume. You’re more likely to be considered by a #hiringmanager when you tailor your resume to the specific company. Articulate how you’re a good fit and how you add value. Use words from the job description to explain your qualifications.
While you’re searching for your next role, reach out to the companies that pique your interest. Make those connections with the hiring agents, even if they’re not hiring.
2. First impressions matter.
There’s more to the job search than submitting an application. Hiring managers consider your total package. They’re looking for reasons to #hire you, but that won’t stop them from rejecting you because of a thoughtless misstep.
Way too often, candidates are getting rejected for making grammatical errors in their resumes or having typos on their LinkedIn profiles. These details matter, and they’re easily corrected. Proofread all written content. Fix these easy mistakes before they’re seen by a recruiter.
Not showing up to interviews or turning in an assessment after the deadline communicates a lack of respect for the recruiter’s time. Don’t be that guy. Prioritize all time commitments during the hiring process. At the same time, Life happens. If something comes up that creates an unforeseen conflict, address it quickly with an honest apology.
Be mindful of your social media presence. 55% of #employers who use social media screenings said they’ve found content that caused them not to hire a candidate.
Invest time in crafting your story. Learn how to present your experience in a meaningful, impactful way. Research interview questions, and brainstorm bullet points to help you answer them. Practice mock interviews with a friend. Implement their feedback. It’s the little things, concisely and compellingly communicated, that count.
3. Don’t underestimate your network.
Maintaining healthy relationships has always been important in a professional context. In today’s #jobsearch, it’s especially critical to prioritize our networks. The average person’s professional and personal network shrunk by 16% because of the pandemic. We need to rebuild these support systems- not just for the sake of the immediate job searching season, but so we thrive for the duration of our careers.
Connect with personal contacts. Throw the net wide- from college classmates to old babysitters. Reach out to hiring managers, recruiters, and people that are in the position that you’re looking to be in through online platforms such as LinkedIn. You never know who might be looking for their next assistant or know of an opportunity that’s suited to your #skillset.
If you’re not putting yourself out there and expressing the things you’re looking for, you’re shutting the door on opportunities.
4. Stay positive- consider all your options.
#DenzelWashington put it this way: “Do what you have to do, to do what you want to do.” When you’re struggling to find that next position, it’s not time to be selective. Don’t be afraid to pick up freelance or temporary jobs while you’re searching for a stable, full-time role with benefits.
Regardless of where you’re working, stay confident in your skillset and what you bring to the table. As long as you keep proactively tackling your job search, it’s only a matter of time before the #rightopportunity knocks.
If you’re growing discouraged in your job search, reach out to our team! We can offer insights into what #recruiters are searching for and jumpstart your process.
