How to Land Your Dream Tech Job Part 1: Mastering the Art of Job Hunting

Last week,?we shared some insights on building a strong tech portfolio, and how to navigate the competitive tech landscape. Beyond that, successfully landing your dream tech job is still no easy feat – it requires a combination of intentional, strategic job searching and proactive efforts to attract companies on the lookout for new talent. In today’s article, we will be taking a deep dive into the art of effective job hunting and sharing tips on how to land your next dream job.

Define Your Tech Career Path

First, before you officially embark on your job search journey, take the time to envision how you’d like your tech career to play out. Identify your interests, strengths and more importantly, specific job roles that align with your goals. Having this clarity will guide your job search and help you narrow down relevant positions.

Company Research

Similarly, ensuring that the companies’ values and goals align with your own is equally important. Afterall, casting too wide a net may be counterproductive (aka a waste of time) if none of the jobs meet your expectations. Thus, be sure to learn about the company’s products, services, culture and new developments. Being equipped with this knowledge will enable you to customise your job applications and demonstrate your sincerity during interviews.?

Tailored Applications

Speaking of which, tailoring and personalising your applications to align with the specific job requirements is essential to show your genuine interest in the company. Customise your resume and cover letter to highlight the relevant skills you possess and illustrate how you are the perfect match for that particular job position. (Stay tuned to learn tips on how you can master the art of crafting resumes next week!)

Create An Outstanding Online Presence

In this age of all-things-digital, having a strong online presence is undoubtedly key to attracting the attention of companies. For instance, create a professional LinkedIn profile that showcases your skills, expertise and aspirations. Remember, keep your?LinkedIn?profile updated and active. By following this simple tip, you may find that instead of knocking on the doors of others’, others will come knocking on your door.

Networking

As with many?adulting?things, networking plays a crucial role in the tech industry. Expand your social circle (in the tech field) by attending tech conferences, gatherings, and online discussion forums to connect with other professionals. These are great platforms that give you the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, exchange insights and build relationships that may lead to job opportunities – if not now, perhaps in the future.

Tap Into Alumni Networks

Additionally, if you’ve completed tech-related courses or programmes?(psssst like at?Heicoders Academy),leverage your alumni network. Alumni often have insights into job openings and may be a good source of referrals within the industry. For example, join?Heicoder’s telegram?to connect with like-minded people.

Leverage Job Search Platforms

Utilise and explore the myriad of job search platforms, especially those that are specially tailored to the tech industry. As a start, check out common platforms like?MyCareersFuture,?JobsDB Singapore,?Monster Singapore,?Jobstreet Singapore?and?LinkedIn.?Some tech specific platforms include?SGInnovate,?GitHub Careers,?Tech in Asia Jobs,?and?Wantedly.

Proactive Outreach

Instead of waiting for companies to post job openings, proactively reach out to companies you respect, even if they don’t have advertised positions. Express your interest, share why you would be a good fit for the company, and ask about possible opportunities. Even if they do not currently have an open position, they may reach out to you when there?is?an available position if you successfully leave a good impression.

Stay Persistent And Positive

Lastly, landing your dream job may take some time, so stay positive and persistent, as?good things come to those who wait.?In the meantime, continue to refine your skills, learn new technologies and seek feedback to become the best version of yourself.?