Technical Skills Are Just the Start...

Hey, I’m Back! (No, I Haven’t Been Saving the World… Yet ??)

I know, I know… I’ve been quiet for a while.

You probably thought I was out there saving the world, right?

Well, not exactly. But in my little corner of the world, I have been doing something that feels just as important—helping young techies navigate the chaotic, unpredictable world of employment.

My career started with working closely with people, understanding their strengths, and connecting them with opportunities that suited both their skills and the needs of companies. Over the years, my passion for supporting young techies grew. What started as a job became a purpose. I have lived and breathed this purpose. This year, the mission is even greater. The focus has shifted from just finding talent with the right skills to ensuring that the young tech community in my network is truly employment-ready in every sense.

And let me tell you, this is no walk in the park.

If you have worked in tech (or know someone who does), you understand that things change fast. Today, it’s all about AI, tomorrow, a new framework takes over, and before you know it, everything you learned last year feels outdated. Keeping up is a challenge, but what’s even harder? Getting hired.

Being hired requires much more than just technical skills. It’s about truly understanding the industry. If you are in data science, for example, you need to be aware of what’s happening in the field—what are the latest trends, what are the transferable skills, what are the essential tools to master, and where can one find job opportunities? It’s also about understanding the language of the industry—what do recruiters mean when they say ‘entry-level,’ ‘internship,’ or ‘mid-level’? What exactly are hiring managers looking for?

Once these aspects are clear, candidates can craft strong profiles—CVs, LinkedIn pages, and portfolios that align with their specific field. It’s not just about listing skills; it’s about showcasing the right ones in the right way.

Personal Branding in the Tech Space

Working with the current generation of techies has been an experience. They are expressive, creative, and love to personalize their professional identities. They use terms like “Tech Babe” and “Bug Bounty Hunter” on their profiles, which is great for personal branding but not always the best strategy when applying for jobs. While it’s important to stand out, it’s equally important to communicate in a way that hiring managers and recruiters understand. Your online presence should be engaging yet professional.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve seen is the overuse of AI-generated CVs. Tools like ChatGPT have made it easy to generate neatly written profiles, but recruiters can easily tell when a CV lacks personality. The best approach? Humanize your CV. Let it tell your story in a way that feels unique to you. What have you built? What problems have you solved? Why do you love your field? These are the elements that make a CV stand out.

Then there’s the LinkedIn profile photo dilemma. Some people use blurry selfies, while others upload party pictures or group photos where it’s unclear who they are. A good LinkedIn photo doesn’t have to be taken in a studio, but it should be clear, professional, and reflect your best self. First impressions matter, and recruiters often glance at a profile picture before even reading the rest of the profile.

Job Applications: Where Many Give Up ??

This is where I lose many candidates. After putting in all the work to build a strong profile, job seekers often treat applications as an afterthought. The truth is, applying for jobs requires just as much effort as crafting a good CV. It’s important to read and understand application forms, tailor responses to specific roles, and be as honest and detailed as possible.

One of the most common mistakes I see is candidates giving generic or lazy answers to application questions. For example, when asked:

“Why should we hire you?” or “What do you hope to achieve in this role?”

Some simply respond with: “To make money.” (which, hey, is fair—we all need to eat! But can we add a little depth? ??). Instead of just stating the obvious, show recruiters what value you bring. What skills, experiences, and mindset do you offer? What impact do you want to create?

A more thoughtful answer could be:

“I’m passionate about software development and have built multiple projects using Flutter and React. I’m looking for an opportunity where I can apply my skills, grow in a collaborative environment, and contribute to impactful projects.”

This response shows personality, enthusiasm, and a clear vision.

This journey has been nothing short of an adventure—challenging, exciting, and sometimes outright funny. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Helping young tech professionals not just find jobs, but truly thrive in the industry, is a mission I take to heart.

There’s so much more to discuss, from interview preparation to networking strategies and everything in between. The journey to becoming truly employment-ready is an adventure—one filled with learning, refining, and growing.

So, if you’re in tech and looking to break into the job market or level up, stay with me. We are just getting started, and there’s a lot more to unpack in this series.

Stay tuned for more stories, insights, and maybe even a few more laughs.

Let’s navigate this together.