Developing a Successful Job Search
If you’re reading this, you’re already psychologically geared up for the search for great software engineer jobs. Perhaps you’re a recently qualified software engineer looking for your first job. Maybe you’re already in the tech industry and looking to move. But how do you secure that perfect position with your favored company, amongst so many other job seekers?
Looking for software engineer jobs is a job in itself, and with the pandemic causing millions more Americans to look for work, it’s becoming even more competitive.
In this article, you’ll learn the six habits of successful job seekers, irrespective of your position on the career ladder. Making these your habits will help you locate and land your ideal software engineer jobs.
1. Network, network, network
There are countless reasons you need to network more. Your network will bring you closer to job opportunities, and the knowledge and connections that networking provides.
Get into the habit of:
- Connecting with the right individuals – This includes current and previous colleagues and bosses, people with similar professional interests, or acquaintances you may have met on a professional level. All will have the potential to lead you to a promising job opportunity.
- Remaining connected – The initial connection is not enough. Get into the habit of regularly interacting with your connections. Comment on their posts or share information. Check in with them personally now and again. Always ensure every communication you make stays.
- Attending network events – This may sound laborious, but you’ll be surprised at how comfortable it is to chat with people with similar interests (online or in person). Build those friendships, and you’ll be the person they think of when a matching position comes up.
Networking keeps you fully informed with every beat and trend in the industry. Giving you knowledge, and knowledge is a power that can be converted into skill.
You will also discover places you want to be working at that offer organizational cultures you align with.
Get into the habit of spending time at the beginning and end of your day investing in networking. The results will be worth the effort.
2. Always Wear a Recruiter’s Shoes
Before you post that image of you and your friends at the weekend – what would a recruiter think? Before you post that rather political statement on your social media – how would that be seen by an employer?
Get into the habit of thinking like a recruiter or employer before you post anything to your social media. What you post reflects the real you.
3. Tailor Every Resume
You shouldn’t be applying for every job on the internet. Only apply for the jobs that suit you. Be at least 75% qualified for what is being asked, or else you’ll be job hunting again before you know it.
Research the company recruiting for software engineers – can you see yourself settling into their culture?
Tailor your resume to the job for which you are applying by highlighting the skills and qualities they are looking for in both the role and their organization.
4. Keep Track & Follow Up
Always keep a record of who you’ve sent an application to and when. This will allow you to follow up on any application. While this can be daunting, it’s important to get feedback. This will help you to identify areas that may have let you down this time, but which you can improve on next time.
It also shows the recruiter how efficient and professional you are, bringing you to the forefront of their future considerations.
5. Be patient and stay positive
There’s no doubt about it – looking for your dream software engineer job is hard work and can often be disappointing, particularly in the current economic climate. You must be prepared for setbacks and know that the most successful job seekers remain dedicated and focused. You will find your perfect job.
The secret is to be patient, keep pushing, and remain habitual in your efforts. And never let the slow pace of job seeking allow you to appear desperate to recruiters.
6. Own the Job of Job Seeking
You must take full responsibility for finding the job you want. Be habitual in your job seeking, making it part of your daily routine.
Set a schedule for job seeking tasks. It’s your job to find that job, and only you can control how it’s done. So, commit to these habits and become the successful job seeker you deserve to be.
Get in touch with Loyal Source today, and we’ll put you in the front of the recruitment race for software engineer jobs.