It’s a tough market at the moment for technology candidates.
Recruitment processes are taking time, adverts for tech jobs are receiving huge quantities of applications, it’s hard to stand out from the crowd.
We talk to good, skilled candidates every day who are asking how they can make sure their application is considered for various technology roles, over and above their competition.
We see instances of good practice that will help candidates get ahead in their job search, and some other methods that are to be avoided at all costs.
Here, we have listed some do’s and don’ts for people applying for technology roles.
1. Tailoring your CV
Do: It’s absolutely a good thing to align your CV with the job description of the technology role you’re applying for. Pulling out relevant skills, qualifications, projects and achievements from your experience that are relevant to the job you’re applying for is good practice.
You’re helping the recruiter, and employer, to easily see how you can add value to the role.
Don’t: Overdo it. Yes, tailor it to the job, but don’t push it too far. Over-inflating your knowledge or experience with a particular technology stack, or describing your role and achievements as more important than they actually were, is not a good idea. If you haven’t worked with a particular software or language before, don’t say
At some point, you will be found out, and your personal reputation will be damaged.
2. Which technology jobs are you applying for?
Do: Think carefully about the criteria for your tech job search strategy. What job titles fit your skill set? How far are you willing to commute? What salary or day rate is realistic? Actively search on job boards using key words, work with reputable technology recruiters, carefully read the job description and research the job.
When you’ve found them, apply for all relevant jobs within your criteria.
Don’t: Apply for jobs you’re not qualified for. Applying for the wrong jobs will not increase your chances of landing one. Your application will have no credibility, it will waste your time and the employer or recruiter’s time. And, it can dent your confidence when you get negative replies.
Quality is definitely better than quantity – only apply for jobs you have a chance of getting.
3. Get a conversation going
Do: Put yourself in the employer or recruiter’s shoes. They may receive tens, or even hundreds, of CVs for a specific technology job. Following up, by connecting with the hiring manager or recruiter on LinkedIn or via a phone call, can help get your application to the top of the pile.
It shows you are proactive and believe in your application, plus it’s a great way of extending your network.
Don’t: Passively wait for a response. In a sea of applicants, recruiters need to find ways to separate the strong applications from the average. Do nothing, and your CV is likely to drift to the bottom of the pile. You will get less responses, will lose motivation and confidence.
Instead, take the initiative, start a conversation, and you’re more likely to get a positive response.
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4. Build a good relationship with your technology recruiter
Do: It’s important to be transparent with your tech recruiter, and to listen to their advice. They are in the technology recruitment world day in, day out. If you have a good relationship, the recruiter will be able to proactively send your CV out to their clients. Tell them when your contract is coming to an end, make sure you’ve updated and sent them your CV, communicate any changes in circumstances or job criteria to them.
Regularly communicating with your recruiter will mean you are top of mind.
Don’t: Mislead a recruiter or employer, for example, about other jobs you are applying for, your skills and experience of whether you are genuinely interested in the tech job you’ve applied for. This sounds obvious, but we have seen instances where candidates simply withhold information or worse, lie.
Communicate, listen, be open and honest. Then, tech recruiters will be more confident in your application and are more likely to enthusiastically put you forward for roles.
As a candidate for any sort of technology role, if you want to make your application stand out, you need to plan your approach carefully.
There are strategies you can employ to get your CV to the top of the pile. But, make sure you’re tactics are ethical.
In today’s crowded market where there are lots of candidates looking for work, you can’t afford to damage your reputation. By all means, be creative, bold and proactive, but don’t overstep the mark.