Landing a job as a tech newbie
Navigating the professional world as a newbie can be a tedious task, a job on its own even. This is new uncharted territory and navigating such an environment, may be overwhelming if it’s your first time
The HR teams are usually flooded by applications and the selection process is not an easy one. That is why it’s important to catch their attention and make your dream come true.
Now, we are going to share with you some tips that will help you stand out from the crowd and land your dream job. With the help of our HR team are tackling some key aspects you need to keep in mind when applying for a job.
Let’s get to the basics that will help you #BeOutstanding.
The before
Now that you have decided to look for a new job, you need to start somewhere, right?
First and foremost, you need to decide what kind of a position you’re applying for. Deciding what position or maybe positions you are applying for is of utmost importance. It will help you narrow down, the places where you will look and will help you gather better insight into what each position entails.
Don’t overdo or overdress. In the tech world we keep it casual, so no need to wear a suit for your next interview.
-Sanata Chargazia, Head of HR
Customize your resume
Now that we got that one out of the way, we need to talk about your resume. Whether you are the type that regularly updates their resume and LinkedIn or you’re on the other side of the spectrum, tailoring your CV to the position that you want to apply for is probably one of the most important things.
Hear us out, we all have a go-to CV that we send everywhere and there is nothing wrong with that. However, adapting your resume to enhance your chances of getting an interview, won’t hurt anyone.
Now you may be asking yourself, what does enhancing your resume exactly mean? It focuses on highlighting the abilities and skills that match the position you are applying for. Changing the order of the skills you listed or simply adding a short paragraph about yourself makes a world of a difference. It will help you stand out from the crowd.
Extra tip: make the link to your socials and mail clickable, it is better to have easy access.
Keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date
Social media is threaded deeply into our daily habits. Think about how you portray yourself on social media, particularly LinkedIn. LinkedIn recently has become the go-to place for recruiters to seek out talent for their companies. That is why it doesn’t hurt anyone if your LinkedIn profile is top-notch. Make sure that you have listed all your experience, certifications and skills. Because more often than not, employers compare LinkedIn profiles and resumes, looking if they match. Finally, don’t forget the most important part, the About section. This is your place to shine and to show your personality, so use it well.
Finally, LinkedIn can be used both ways. You can also research your employer, their current and previous employees, gaining better insight into the company.
The (online) interview
The recruiters just contacted you and you’re in, you got an interview. Since for the past 2 years we’ve been living in a pandemic, we will assume that it will take place online. Every job interview is stressful, but online interviews can be even more nerve-wracking. Factors like bad internet connection or just someone barging in during the interview may play a huge role in its outcome. For this reason, here are some tips and tricks on acing your interview.
“Interviews may be stressful for some candidates, but uncertainty increases the likelihood of stress and anxiety.
Get to know the company and the position in detail – it will make preparing for your interview a better experience!”
-Joana Temelkovska, HR Assistant
Control your environment
When having an online interview, it’s important to make sure that your surroundings are appropriate. Deciding on what should your background contain will help you show the best and most authentic version of yourself. Something as simple as sitting in front of your bookshelf or placing a plant in your background increases your chances for a better interview. It helps showcase parts of your personality that they might not have noticed otherwise.
Choose the optimal time
When confirming the time and date for the interview, make sure that you will not be uninterrupted. Inform your family or roommates that you have an interview and that they should not interfere during that time.
Technology should be in your favour
Technology in this day and age can be your worst enemy and your best friend, the latter is preferred. To make the most of it, check if your computer needs any updated or maybe the app that will be used to conduct the interview. You can’t ever be sure that the connection will be stable. But you can ask people within your household to avoid using the Wifi for the duration of your interview.
Watch out for your body language and clothing
Even though this interview is online, how you present yourself is very important. Being on camera comes with its own set of dos and don’ts. Check if your clothing is camera appropriate, no clashing patterns and mind your body language. Everything you do on camera is enhanced because the other party is looking only at you.
Prepare questions
Interviews go both ways. Although the interview is mostly focused on the candidate and their compatibility with a company. During the interview, the candidate can and should ask the employer questions. It is crucial that you also explore the company culture, benefits and the way they measure progress.
Honesty is the best policy
If during the interview you are faced with a question that is not something you’re familiar with, it’s better to be honest. Being transparent and open, just proves that you’re human. If you made a mistake, that’s ok, it’s a human thing to do. In the long run, you can only benefit from it.
Phew, after all these tips we’re sure that you are ready for anything! If you are looking for an outstanding place to work and grow, look no further. Check out our open positions and apply to the place where our main goal is to #BeOutstanding!
Good luck job hunting and may the odds be ever in your favour!