Riley and Bret presented an amazing session at DSW and we cannot believe how many people attended! Because of the success of the session, we figured we would make an online guide following all of their tips and tricks to unlock your dream job.
Optimizing Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
General Tips
LinkedIn is Your Ally: A well-crafted LinkedIn profile is often more impactful than a traditional resume.
Length: The one-page rule is out; focus on grabbing attention and securing interviews.
Resume Summary: Make it concise, tailored, and impactful, highlighting your key attributes.
Skills Section: Be honest and strategic, aligning with your experiences and job prospects.
Experience Section: Showcase achievements, responsibilities, and contextualize the companies you've worked for.
Finishing Touches: Include links to your work, certifications, and ensure flawless formatting.
LinkedIn Tips
Profile Picture: A professional photo is a must for a complete LinkedIn profile.
Recommendations: Collect endorsements and recommendations from colleagues and supervisors.
"Open to Work": Utilize this feature but ensure your profile is comprehensive before activating it.
Where to Find Jobs
LinkedIn: Leverage its extensive job search capabilities and networking potential.
BuiltinColorado.com: A platform specifically tailored for tech job opportunities in Colorado.
Wellfound.com: Formerly AngelList, a platform connecting startups and job seekers.
Company Career Page: Often companies post job openings directly on their websites. Set up alerts to stay updated.
How to Get an Interview
Self-Assessment: Ensure you're prepared and committed to the job search process.
Network Building: Foster relationships within your industry and attend meetups.
Mentorship: Seek guidance from experienced professionals to navigate your career path effectively.
How to Partner with a Recruiter
Clear Communication: Clearly articulate your expectations and preferences to recruiters.
Organizational Skills: Stay organized and follow up on applications and communications.
Calendar Reminders: Use reminders to keep track of how often you would like to reach out to recruiters.
Interview Preparation
Initial Interview Prep
Research: Thoroughly research the company, role, and industry trends.
Question Preparation: Have insightful questions ready for the interviewer.
Compensation Discussion: Be prepared to discuss your compensation expectations.
Technical Interview Prep
Practice: Engage in mock interviews and technical practice sessions.
Collaborate Effectively: Understand the requirements, plan, and document your technical solutions.
Behavioral Interview Prep
STAR Method: Structure your responses using the Situation, Task, Action, and Response approach.
Company Alignment: Align your responses with the company's values and culture.
How to Receive and Take Feedback
Constructive Approach: See feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
Professionalism: Respond with gratitude and utilize feedback to enhance your skills and performance.
Common Rejection Reasons
Negative Talk: Avoid speaking negatively about previous employers or experiences.
Lack of Clarity: Clearly articulate your experiences and contributions.
Interest and Preparation: Show genuine interest and adequate preparation for the role.
The Offer Stage
Compensation Negotiation
Know Your Worth: Research salary information and determine a reasonable target compensation.
Negotiation Tactics: Understand when and how to negotiate, using your acceptance as a bargaining chip.
Career Advice
For Established Professionals
Specialization: Consider mastering a specific domain rather than being a generalist.
Strategic Job Search: Explore new opportunities when you're already employed for better negotiation leverage.
For Entry-Level and Juniors
Experience Matters: Prioritize gaining valuable experience over high salaries.
Startup Involvement: Consider joining a startup to broaden your skill set and experience.
Navigating your tech career requires a strategic and informed approach. By optimizing your online presence, effectively searching for jobs, preparing meticulously for interviews, and making informed career decisions, you'll be well on your way to a successful and fulfilling career in the tech industry. Stay persistent, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of a strong network and continuous self-improvement. Good luck on your tech journey!
Check out their full presentation here:
