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Avoid These Mistakes When Searching For Your Next IT Job

The Biggest Mistakes Candidates Are Making in the IT Job Search Today

As we stare down the barrel of a likely recession coming our way, candidates are now finding themselves back in the IT jobs market which is more competitive than ever. Not only is the jobs market saturated, but big business is only hiring for the critical roles due to the uncertainty. Also, with the ever-expanding remote working model, means that companies can now consider candidates from a wider geography more than ever before.

Now more than ever candidates can’t afford to make mistakes if they want to land that role!!

Here are some of the biggest Job Search mistakes candidates are making and how easy they can be fixed:

1: Being too forward, overeager:

Having energy and zeal is quite a positive trait in a job candidate but err on the side of caution and don’t dive in feet first. Nowadays its all too easy just to reach out on social media, but it’s wise to invest some time to research the contact which will yield better results. Do the research and take the time to look at their social media , website , products etc ,also make sure to follow or share content . Never underestimate the power of a warm introduction if possible .Having a common connection will increase the odds of success .

2: Complacency: Believing what you have done so far is enough to get you the job you want

Getting that coveted job offer more often than not is because of your most relevant achievements and skills and less to do with your most impressive. Sometimes this can be the same thing, but due to today’s world, if you don’t identify and solve the problem or pain point instantly then you have lost them. This is the same for hiring Managers, they want to know how a candidate can solve their biggest problems, so once you identify what that is, take the extra step and tell them which accomplishments will benefit the team and indeed the company. There is no point in having a very impressive CV if the interviewer can’t connect the dots between their needs and values and your skills. A useful method to convey this would be to make some bullet points or to use the SOART Method

SOART stands for:

Situation

Obstacle

Action

Result

&

Tie In

This will show the Manager how your skillset and achievements tie into what their needs are.

And after all that, don’t forget, clean up all your social media when in a IT job search process. Sometimes the best candidates can be overlooked if their social media is questionable

3: Not Tailoring and Personalising the LinkedIn Invite

If you are putting the time and effort into building your network then go you, Well done. But don’t sell yourself short by been lazy and cutting corners. Writing a tailored and brief message when reaching out on LinkedIn takes a few seconds but this one tip alone can really increase acceptance and response rates. You are already able to connect then with 2^nd level contacts (connections of 1^st), so putting the time and effort into building your network will reap the rewards.

If you are in search for your next IT job, work regularly with customers or have a business then investing in LinkedIn premium is a good buy. This comes with InMail credits which can then be used to connect to people outside your network(3^rd). Also, a good idea is to join LinkedIn groups that are of your industry or interest. This will give you access to all the group members, and this is another good way in building a solid useful network. So, skip the lazy approach and invest the time and effort to make legitimate and meaningful connections. Comment on their posts or share content of a common interest is a good way to engage.

And never ever try to sell something or solicit business in the first interaction. This is a big no no and will ultimately end up in your request been deleted

4: Forgetting that references are equally as important to the job seeking process:

As crucial to the CV, the interview and the application process is the need for good references. Soon you may need to call on them, but it is a useful practice to be considering potential referees as you move through your career. Neutral refences are considered negative as it is deemed that you should be able to come up with at least 3 non-related referees. And always remember to prep your references, let them know the role you are applying for and the position. Send them a copy of your CV, let them know the key skills you wish to get across and coach them on your relevant projects that correlate to the role.

One of the worst things you can do is coerce someone to be your reference (they aren’t the right person or may not give the best reflection of you)

So, the Key points are

• Don’t be too eager, relax take your time and do your research before reaching out!
• Don’t be complacent, always look to upskill, put the time and effort into been the best representation of yourself, give good examples of your skills and achievement and tailor appropriately
• Tailor your LinkedIn message, you don’t get a second chance at a first impression
• References are like a good pair of shoes, treat them well and they will last for years