If I Were Looking For A Tech Job In 2024 I'd Do This

Summary

In this insightful video, Steve Win, an experienced software engineer, shares actionable advice for job seekers in today's challenging tech market. Drawing on his 18 years at Amazon, Steve emphasizes the importance of staying organized, leveraging your network, and consistently preparing for interviews. He contrasts the approaches of two job seekers, Alice and Bob, to highlight the benefits of a structured job search. Additionally, Steve advises on the power of networking, maintaining relationships, and keeping your skills sharp through regular practice to ensure you're always ready for the right opportunity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Stay organized and disciplined in your job search to improve your chances of success. Treat it like a part-time job.
• 😀 Keep a detailed spreadsheet tracking all your job applications, networking efforts, and follow-ups to stay on top of your progress.
• 😀 Update and tailor your resume regularly to match the specific roles you're applying for, with multiple versions for different job types.
• 😀 Allocate time each day to focus on growing and showcasing your skills, whether through learning new concepts or refining existing ones.
• 😀 Use your network to your advantage—connect with family, friends, and former colleagues to find job leads and secure referrals.
• 😀 Networking isn't just about asking for a job; it's about building strong relationships and offering help to others as well.
• 😀 Even if you’re not actively applying for jobs, keep practicing coding problems, reviewing interview techniques, and doing mock interviews to maintain your skills.
• 😀 Don't let your interview prep slip during a job search dry spell. Regularly revisit and reinforce what you've already learned to avoid forgetting crucial concepts.
• 😀 Leverage free online resources like Dice to access resume writing tips, interview advice, and helpful templates to make your application stand out.
• 😀 Keep your non-tech connections strong. Reach out to people from college or boot camps for advice, leads, or referrals in your job search.
• 😀 Always follow up after receiving a referral. It shows initiative and keeps you on the radar of hiring managers and recruiters.

Q & A

What is the main point Steve is trying to make about the job search process?

Steve emphasizes the importance of staying organized, disciplined, and maintaining a structured approach when looking for a job, especially in tough job markets. He advocates for treating the job search as a part-time job and focusing on improving and showcasing skills while actively managing the process.

How does Steve compare Alice and Bob in the job search?

Steve compares Alice and Bob by showing that Alice is organized, proactive, and systematic in her approach to job hunting, whereas Bob is disorganized and applies to jobs haphazardly. Alice's organized approach, which includes tracking applications, networking, and improving her skills, gives her a better chance of success in landing a job.

What advice does Steve give about creating a resume?

Steve advises that a resume should be tailored for each job application and should be a standout document. He suggests using templates, samples, and advice to ensure that the resume clearly reflects relevant skills and experiences. He emphasizes having multiple versions of the resume based on the type of role.

Why does Steve believe maintaining a network is essential?

Steve stresses that leveraging your network is crucial for getting job opportunities. Networking isn't just about asking for a job; it's about maintaining strong connections with people you already know and helping them too. Referrals from trusted contacts are often the easiest way to get a job interview.

What role does structure and discipline play in job hunting, according to Steve?

Structure and discipline are key to navigating the ambiguity and chaos of job hunting. By setting specific hours for job searching, staying organized, tracking applications, and continuously improving skills, candidates increase their chances of landing a job when the market picks up.

How does Steve suggest handling the ambiguity and chaos of the job search process?

Steve suggests combating ambiguity and chaos by being organized and disciplined, making sure job searching is a structured activity. This includes managing time effectively, staying on track with applications, and keeping interview skills sharp.

What is Steve’s advice for job seekers when it comes to interview preparation?

Steve advises job seekers to keep their interview preparation ongoing, even if they aren't getting many callbacks. He recommends setting aside time each day to review concepts, practice coding problems, and schedule mock interviews to maintain and strengthen interviewing skills.

How did Steve land his job at Amazon, and what lesson does he draw from this experience?

Steve landed his job at Amazon through a personal connection, a former classmate named Connor who referred him for an interview. He emphasizes that building and maintaining a strong network can play a critical role in landing a job, as referrals from trusted contacts are often a direct path to an interview.

Why is it important to keep interview skills 'warm' even during a job search drought?

It’s important to keep interview skills 'warm' because not preparing for interviews during a job search hiatus can lead to poor performance when an interview opportunity arises. Steve points out that re-learning concepts takes less time than learning them from scratch, and regular review ensures better retention.

What is the significance of following up with referrals in the job application process?

Following up with referrals is crucial because it shows initiative and helps ensure that the referral leads to an actual opportunity. Steve shares that despite offering to help with referrals, only one person actually sent their resume and followed up, illustrating the importance of persistence in the job search process.