Give me 15 mins, I’ll improve your odds of landing Tech Job by 85%

Summary

The video offers a comprehensive guide for landing a tech job in 2024, emphasizing key strategies to avoid common mistakes made by job applicants. The speaker, a cloud engineer and consultant, highlights the importance of aligning skills with industry needs, crafting a strong personal narrative, and building an online presence, particularly on LinkedIn. Practical advice is given on resume building, networking, and interview preparation. The speaker also emphasizes the value of being proactive and tailoring applications, while sharing personal tips and success stories to inspire viewers.

Takeaways

• 💡 94% of tech resumes have common mistakes that lead to instant disqualification.
• 🚀 Developing relevant skills is crucial: 75-88% of applicants are unqualified, so identify in-demand skills like AWS and Terraform through job posting research.
• 📚 Build projects as a learning tool and portfolio: hands-on experience in areas like AWS Lambda and API Gateway is key.
• 📖 Craft a personal narrative: focus on motivations, experiences, and aspirations that align with your career goals.
• 👥 Online presence matters: 77% of recruiters rely on LinkedIn, and having a strong profile picture is essential.
• 📝 Use the XYZ formula for resumes: Focus on achievements with measurable impact, not just responsibilities.
• 🎯 Target job applications: Apply to a specific list of companies and roles instead of mass applying.
• 🌐 Networking is critical: Reach out to connections, friends, or acquaintances and follow up persistently.
• 🔑 Prepare for interviews by researching companies, generating practice questions, and role-playing.
• 🎮 Treat the job hunt like a game: Stay proactive, refine your resume, learn new skills, and persistently apply.

Q & A

What are the common mistakes that disqualify candidates in tech job applications?

94% of candidates make mistakes such as not meeting basic job qualifications, failing to tailor their resume to the job description, and not aligning their skills with company needs.

Why is 2024 particularly challenging for tech job seekers?

2024 is tough for tech job seekers due to the high number of layoffs, with nearly 140,000 tech employees laid off by October, creating increased competition in the job market.

What strategy does Salan recommend for landing tech jobs?

Salan recommends developing in-demand skills, building a strong portfolio, aligning your skills with company needs, and being proactive in job hunting by networking and customizing your resume.

How can job seekers find out which skills are in demand for their target jobs?

Job seekers should research job postings to identify the most sought-after skills, such as AWS and Terraform for cloud engineering, and work on building projects that showcase those skills.

Why is developing a personal narrative important for job applications?

Developing a personal narrative helps candidates show how their unique experiences and motivations align with their career goals and how they can add value to potential employers.

What are the key elements of a successful LinkedIn profile according to the video?

A professional photo and relevant, consistent posting are crucial. A high-quality headshot where the face takes up 60-70% of the frame, combined with professional dress, good lighting, and regular industry-related content, can significantly boost visibility.

How can candidates use their network effectively during job searches?

Candidates should reach out to their personal networks, including family and friends, to ask if they know of any job opportunities. Persistence in following up with contacts is key to leveraging these connections.

What is the XYZ formula for crafting resumes?

The XYZ formula involves writing resume points as 'Accomplished X as measured by Y by doing Z.' This format highlights achievements with specific, measurable outcomes rather than listing vague responsibilities.

Why should job seekers avoid customizing their resume for every application?

Customizing a resume for every application can be too time-consuming. Instead, having 3-4 versions of the resume that target different types of roles is a more efficient approach.

What are the key stages of the interview process for cloud engineering roles?

Typically, cloud engineering roles involve at least three interview stages. Candidates must thoroughly research the company, prepare to demonstrate creativity and problem-solving skills, and follow up proactively after submitting their applications.