10 Job hunting tips to get the IT job you want
Job hunting can sometimes feel like an impossible task. And if you haven’t moved roles in a little while, it can be quite daunting.
Not just from the task list perspective – updating your CV, improving your LinkedIn profile and reaching out to prospective employers – but from a life perspective too. Work forms a part of our daily routine. We build relationships, get involved with projects and settle into a familiar environment. So it takes a certain level of agility and self-confidence too.
But when you reach the stage where you’re no longer learning or you feel like it’s time to step it up a level, then you know it’s time to start looking.
Preparation is key
So, you have made the decision to look for a new job. The good news is, if you’re already employed, there’s no immediate panic. In fact, rushing into a job you don’t really want or like is going to do more harm than good. That’s why preparation is key. Job hunting isn’t – or shouldn’t be – about jumping ship. It’s about seeing where you’re at, identifying where you would like to go and planning how you can make that happen.
And once you have done this you can start to steadily – and strategically – move towards your goal.
How to get started
There’s absolutely no harm in browsing the job listings. It’ll give you a good idea as to what’s out there as well as what’s in-demand and what sorts of qualifications are required for the roles above your current position.
If it’s clear you need a certain qualification to level up, then that’s more likely going to be your starting point before you start handing out your CV to prospective employers.
And if you’re not sure what qualifications you need for your next role, you can always speak to our IT Recruitment Specialists, and we’ll be able to advise.
The one thing you don’t want to do is allow your future to be determined by what happens to be on the jobs board at a particular moment in time. Career moves need to be carefully planned and the reason for why you are leaving your current role also needs to be strategic, so bear this in mind.
Top 10 tips for job hunting
Few people stay in their job for life – especially within the tech sector. And even if you’re not looking to move jobs right now, there will be a time in the future when you do. So, making sure you’re ready will pay off when you do start looking.
Below, we go through our top 10 tips for getting started!
1) Set your career goals
If you’re not sure where you’re headed next, this is going to make your hunt more difficult. Research the different roles that are relevant to your position and see what would be a suitable step up. Salaries and qualifications required are a good indicator for this. But essentially you want to identify what you enjoy doing, what you’re good at and what additional skills you bring to your current role.
2) Research the roles you want to go for
It’s always good to apply for roles regardless – even if you’re not sure you meet 100% of the criteria. But if you’re clearly missing a few mandatory qualifications or skillsets, then now is the time to start building your profile and arming yourself with the right skills for your specialist area.
These can include soft skills that you notice are particularly helpful or asked for.
3) Update your CV
Of course, you will want to update your CV and make sure that it is tailored for the roles you are going for. Your CV should always be written for the job you want not the job you have, so remember to adapt your profile summary and work experience to demonstrate the necessary requirements for each role you apply for.
Make sure to proofread it before you send it out, check it using tools such as Grammarly and even get a trusted friend to run their eye over it.
It’s also important to make sure your CV is search friendly so that it gets picked up by the Applicant Tracking System.
4) Update your LinkedIn profile
Having an up to date LinkedIn Profile is a great way to support your CV application. Most recruiters will check your profile and use it to gain extra information about you. So, make sure you have everything on there that shows off your skills and that you have a clear, presentable photo as well as featured articles or posts.
You might also want to include a link to your blog or website to support your page.
5) Get references from trusted colleagues
Testimonials from trusted colleagues and ex-colleagues are a great way to embellish your LinkedIn profile. Like mini, personal case studies, they tell the recruiter or employer that you are a quality candidate. If you can think of good people to ask, there’s no harm in reaching out to them and asking them to leave a review – and you can always return the favour!
6) Research key companies
Even if a company isn’t looking to hire right now, they may well in the near future. So, if there are particular companies that you aspire to work at, take a look at their values, careers page and their about us page. These will help you identify the culture and the aspects that are important to them, which could help you tailor your CV and stand you in good stead in the future when applying.
7) Do well in your current role
Just because you have decided to look for a new job, doesn’t mean you should care any less about your current position. Even if you are thinking of leaving, you will want good references and to leave on good terms. Make sure you still give your current position your all so that you can continue your success into your new role.
8) Prepare for interviews
Regardless of the role you are applying for, you will still have key achievements and projects that you will want to talk about in your upcoming interviews. To make sure you are prepared, have these ready and outlined along with the key attributes that they demonstrate, so you are ready for your next interview at a moment’s notice. It’s also a good idea to format these following the STAR format which you can read more about in our feature.
9) Keep learning
The fact that you choose to dedicate your time outside of work to improving your skills says a lot about your personality and this will always stand you in good stead when applying for jobs. Whether you’re doing an online course or attending regular meet ups, they all show that you are always looking to learn and improve yourself, which is really valuable.
10) Speak to our experts
Wherever you are in your career right now, we can help. Just get in touch with our experts and we’ll help you ensure you can secure your dream job. Whether it’s career guidance or help with your CV, just give us a call!
Telephone: 1890 911 211
Or email us at: info@itcontracting.ie