As the tech industry experiences ongoing layoffs, and with employee morale in the tech sector reportedly declining, this article by Forbes offers valuable insights on successfully maneuvering a challenging job search in a highly competitive market. While the article is primarily targeted towards individuals who have recently faced a layoff, Dr. Gregg Jantz's guidance serves as an excellent foundation for anyone currently in the job market or preparing to enter market for a new position. The following steps are suggested: 1. Plan Your Next Career Move: Rather than reacting hastily, perform self-assessment to determine your desired role, whether it's within the same industry, a promotion, or a move outside of tech. Identify the specific job title that you want and consider taking relevant classes or certifications. 2. Conduct Research: Examine job openings that match your qualifications and experience at your current level. Identify common work tasks, skills, and requirements, and tailor your resume accordingly to align with what employers are looking for. (Of course, including only experience that you have and are able to attest to.) 3. Write a Strategic Resume: Don't overuse keywords; instead, incorporate them judiciously into your work descriptions based on the typical tasks you found in your research. Use a formula to define your job role and list major tasks. 4. Show Results: Highlight your accomplishments and outcomes in previous roles, emphasizing how you saved money, improved productivity, saved time, made money, or created something new. 5. Seek Referrals: Try to connect with someone within the hiring company, as employee referrals have a higher success rate in the hiring process. Referrals can provide a valuable introduction and increase your chances of a thorough exponentially. To this advice I would add, seek professional assistance. A tenured technical recruiter has spent thousands of hours connecting with candidates and hiring managers and reviewing technical resumes. They should be able to give solid feedback as to your resume and alignment with various positions. Strong tech recruiters will also have a vast network of relationships, are privy to jobs that are not posted such as confidential and exclusive opportunities, and in partnering with and coaching hiring managers, can advocate for your expertise and the significant contribution you can make to a specific company, team, role. If you curious about the market and/or are looking for guidance in your search for technical opportunities, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at: KStevens@StevenDouglas.com #tech #techtalent #techtrends #strategicsearch #Forbes https://lnkd.in/g78xuTgR
