7 Things to Stop Doing to Land a Job in Tech

Are you frustrated with your AI/Tech job search? You're not alone. Many people make mistakes that hold them back from landing their dream job. Today, we'll break down seven common pitfalls and show you how to avoid them.

1. Stop Wasting Time on Fake Projects

Don't build things just to build them.

Many people make projects that no one actually uses. These projects don't look good on a resume, and companies want to hire people with real-world experience.

There's a big difference between a project that works only on your virtual machine or on Git and one that works for thousands of people. Focus on building products that people use.

If you want to work on a great project, try to build something that solves real problems. Or help improve an open-source project that already has users. That way, you'll have real-world experience to show off.?

2. Stop Underselling Yourself

Don't hide your fantastic work!

Many people just list their jobs when applying for new ones—a big mistake. You need to show your work with tangible accomplishments.

Instead of just listing what you did, share the results. Did you make things faster? Did you save money? Did you get more people to use something? Use numbers to prove how great you are.

If you need help with this, check out my book, The Ultimate Resume Handbook . It has step-by-step instructions to help you brag about your work in the best possible way.

3. Stop Overthinking Your Path

Many people spend too much time figuring out the exact job they want. But the truth is, you will know what you love once you try it.

Instead of waiting, apply for different jobs that interest you. You might be surprised at what you enjoy. Don't worry about picking the "right" path or be afraid to. Don't be scared to try new things. Get started and see where it takes you.

Stop overthinking and start applying!?

Remember, experience is the best teacher.

4. Stop Fearing Interview Failure

It's expected to be scared of job interviews. But don't let fear stop you from trying.

What's the worst that could happen? You might not get the job, but that's okay! Every interview is a chance to practice and gain invaluable experience. Treat it as free training for your next job interview.

Instead of worrying about failing, think of interviews as a way to improve your communication skills. The more you interview, the better you'll become. So, don't be afraid to say yes to that next one, even if you're nervous.

Remember, everyone gets rejected sometimes. It's part of the job search process. Focus on learning and growing, increasing your chances of landing your dream job.

5. Don't Forget Your People Skills

Being good at coding is essential, but it's not everything.?

Job interviews often include questions about how you handle different work situations or how you work. These are called behavioral interviews. There are common questions that almost everyone gets asked.

A great way to practice is to record yourself answering these questions. Watch the video to see how you present yourself to improve your body language and how you communicate your thoughts.

Crack your next interview with our free behavioral interview question guide . Download it now to access a curated list of 18 common behavioral interview questions.

6. Don't Ignore LinkedIn

Most people find their jobs through friends or people they know. And the best place to connect with people in your industry is on LinkedIn.It might be challenging, but it's still the best tool.

Keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date with your latest jobs and skills. A good profile picture helps, too!?

Update your profile whenever you have something new to share.

Use LinkedIn to connect with people in your field. Building a solid network helps you find your next job.

7. Stop Using a Generic Resume

A great resume is your ticket to getting job interviews. Most people only get one interview for every ten job applications. If you’re not getting any interviews, your resume might be the problem.

Don’t use the same old resume for every job. Instead, tailor your resume to each job opening. Use tools like ChatGPT to help you find the right keywords to include. That's the best way to get your resume screened and land those interviews.?

I have a video showing you how to make a resume to get you noticed. Check out the video, "Zero Experience Resume Tips From a Big Tech Hiring Manager" !

Summary:

• Build projects that solve real problems for real people. Open-source contributions are a great option.
• Showcase achievements with quantifiable results. Use numbers to demonstrate the impact of your work.
• Don't wait for the perfect job. Apply for diverse roles to discover your interests and gain experience.
• Interviews are a learning opportunity. Use them to practice and improve your skills.
• Soft skills are crucial. Practice answering behavioral interview questions to refine your communication style.
• Maintain a professional online persona that reflects your skills and experience.
• Tailor your resume to each job description. Use relevant keywords to optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

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