A job search guide for the passionate techie

Are you looking to step into the world of technology? Well, the space is open to you, but if you are having trouble with getting your job applications to

  

A job application will have the following things that you will be required to provide or fill:  

Resume 

Cover letter 

Educational background 

Coding portfolio 

References, if any 

Employment history information 

Professional certifications 

Link to your LinkedIn/Portfolio 

Coding tests 

Personal essay 

Behavioral tests 

Citizenship status 

 

Depending on the company you apply to, the wait to be hired can vary. Some companies do it in a matter of days, while other companies might even take up to two months to complete the hiring process.  

The process of filling up and submitting each application for all the job openings might seem daunting, but you can fasten the process with templates that will help you create template resumes, Cover letters and portfolios. 

  

  

What do tech HRs look for in an applicant? 

Before HR even gets to see your application, it must get through the applicant tracking system (ATS) software. 

An ATS is an online database that most tech companies use to collect and prioritize resumes based on specific keyword searches. You can have a higher chance of passing if your resume has keywords that align with the job description. 

  

After this, HR will decide if and how well you fit the company and the open position. 

Are you a good fit for the role? 

You will be selected if your work history matches the requirements in the job description. Things that will be taken into consideration are:  

Years of experience 

Industries worked in 

Skills you have 

Education level  

No one looks for and sticks to a 100% match with requirements, so even if one or more things are missing, do go ahead and apply for the opening! 

  

Creating a stellar job application 

Take notes 

Read and study the job description. Underline, highlight, or note down key features like core responsibilities, necessary skills and more. 

Creating your CV 

When creating your CV, align it with the job description by adding keywords used in the description, emphasizing specific skills, and emphasizing star credentials. 

PS: A great CV should not be more than one or two pages.  

  

Writing a cover letter 

A cover letter helps persuade your prospective employer that you are great for the position. 

A normal cover letter is anywhere from three paragraphs to one full page.   

  

Providing references 

Usually, a job position application asks you to submit two or three references. These references can include: 

Colleagues 

Immediate supervisors 

Managers 

Professors 

  

Answering salary expectations 

If a job application asks you to quote a salary, do your thing, but always add, “open to negotiation.” By doing this, you seem like a flexible person and avoid the trap of asking for less too early in the game.  

 

After submitting the job applications, track them by noting down:  

When you applied  

Where you applied 

The version of CV submitted 

How important the opening is for you 

Plus, the link to the site and login credentials 

 

This information is vital, and you can note them down on paper, on a document online or use the help of a job tracker provided by impacteers.club

Following up is important, and you might think it would make you look desperate. But after a window of no response, it is okay to ask for an update, it will help you cross off the opening in your notes and close it off.