In a recent poll, over 61% of job applicants listed the Technology Sector as their primary choice for employment. Competition in the field is fierce, which makes it all the more important to distinguish yourself from the crowd. At TekRek, we make it our business to understand the tech industry and tech job market from both an employer and a candidate perspective. With that in mind, here are a few strategies that can help job seekers rise above the rest.
Tech is always changing
It is key for tech job seekers to stay up to date on industry trends. This is as true for ground level developers and engineers as it is for project managers and company leadership. Be a first or early adopter, and acquire hands-on experience with new tools and software. Also, work to develop insights and opinions about how new products may impact your current work, as well as potential employers.
Get out there
Contribute to ongoing conversations in the tech industry, particularly on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and other hubs for tech. Join tech-focused groups on Discord, Reddit, and Slack, as well as joining competitions on platforms like GitHub or Kaggle. Write reviews of new tools you’ve used, or blog/vlog about apps you’ve tried. Offline events such as hackathons and industry conferences are great places to develop contacts, and hopefully enjoy yourself as well.
Upgrade your skills
It’s critical to have tangible skills for the job. Take a new course, explore new programs and programming languages, and train up on certifications that can help you stand out. This can also be an excellent avenue to meet like minded tech professionals, and expand your contacts.
Beyond your CV
Go one step beyond to showcase your skills, with a portfolio you can tangibly show to a hiring manager. If you design websites, make sure your recent projects are featured and ready to share. If you develop custom databases, sharing a walkthrough can illustrate the finer points of your work. Programmers can provide links to previous code, or write up sample code.
Communication is key
One often overlooked way to stand out is the most simple: communication. Make a good impression by responding to messages clearly, promptly, and professionally. Use the STAR method – Situation, Task, Achievement, and Results – when explaining projects to an interviewer. Whenever possible avoid using jargon or buzzwords when speaking about your experiences.
TekRek understands the challenges of competing for jobs in the technology space. That’s why we use our market experience and data-driven approach to help match you to the best roles available.