How to Get a Job

Given the present layoffs, any fresh job seeker may be terrified to look for work. Employers have reduced their hiring expenditures and are concentrating on employees who can offer fresh insights and value to their organization, making the job market extremely difficult to navigate. Thus, if you want to pursue a career in IT, you need to plan how to get a job in 2024. Having a strategy is crucial for achieving success in your job search.

This blog will provide useful tips on job search, remote interviewing, resume editing, and other essential aspects to help you get a job.

Useful Career Tips to Get a Job

1. Polish & Update your Resume

It is prudent to have an updated resume in hand that allows you to respond when a new job opportunity knocks on your door. Check grammatical errors, add new skills and keywords, & improve the formatting of your resume. It is essential to keep both hard & soft copies of your resume as most of the interviews are still happening remotely.

2. Pay Attention to Resume Design

As per Forbes, you only have five seconds to seize the attention of a recruiter with your resume. Thus, if your resume isn’t alluring enough, you’ll miss the chance to communicate your value. To enhance your resume’s design, search for templates that can organize & sort your most important information like contact details, current profile, niche skills, and industry experience in a proper format.

3. Level Up your Job Search

Your basic job-hunting techniques won’t work this year. You’ll have to go out of your way to get a job in 2024. Below are some tips on how to find a job that you can follow:

• Study the job descriptions of various vacancies and line up your skills accordingly.
• Invest your time examining multiple job search websites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Indeed, CareerBuilder, Dice, etc.
• Apply on different job portals to increase your chances of getting shortlisted.
• Also, don’t restrain your job search with online applications; put extra effort into contacting the people working at your prospective company & get in touch with the recruiters. Prove how you are suitable for the position & appeal for scheduling an interview.

4. Tap Into New Networks

Utilize your free time to build professional relationships. Don’t hesitate to connect with the people of your niche on LinkedIn. Sign up with different networking websites like Meetup, Jobcase, Xing, and Reddit to find like-minded professionals in your area of interest. Networking will not only open the door for splendid job options but also elevate your knowledge.

5. Improve Your Video Interviewing Skills

The spread of Coronavirus has transformed the recruitment system and compelled employers to take virtual interviews. Online interviews have proved to be a blessing in disguise for modern employers as it is cost-effective & a quicker source of hiring than traditional recruitment methods. Hence, to secure a job, you need to cope with the new normal & improve your online interviewing skills. Here’s how you can succeed in your next virtual interview:

Pre-install the video conferencing application on your system. Companies are using many applications like Skype, Zoom, and Google Hangouts to take interviews. Ask your hiring manager about the application they are using & acquaint yourself with that app before appearing for the interview to avoid any awkward situation.

• Dress professionally & sit in a well-lighted place so the interviewer can see your face.
• Work on your posture & body language. Don’t slouch in your chair or overdo hand gestures; try to answer each question with a subtle smile & focus on the camera.
• Sit in clean, clutter-free surroundings or set up a virtual background available on Skype, Zoom, & Google Meet.
• Invest in high-quality speakers & webcam.

If you want to know about the do’s and don’ts of the virtual interview, take a look at this blog.

6. Keep a Check on your Body Language

The biggest misconception of job seekers is that they feel that preparing answers to commonly asked questions is enough to ace an interview. However, that is not the case. It is important to understand that a large part of a successful interview depends on how you present yourself. So, you should avoid common body language mistakes in your next interview.

7. Practice Mock Interview

Today, when most businesses favor online recruitment, it has become indispensable to practice mock tests. It helps you get familiar with the tools used in online interviews. Thus, it provides you with the much-needed confidence you need to nail the actual interview.

8. Stand Out on LinkedIn

Reportedly, around 122 million people got an interview through LinkedIn & 35.5 million people got hired by their connections on the site. Thus, it is crucial to optimize your LinkedIn profile to stand out amongst 950 million users. You can use these tricks to draw the attention of employers:

• Upload a profile picture that depicts the work you do or who you are as a person. Avoid uploading a random selfie, as it looks unprofessional on a platform like LinkedIn.
• Create a remarkable headline, as it is positioned right under your name on the profile.
• Add an interesting profile summary, and don’t forget to include keywords to reach a larger audience.
• Accentuate your work experience by using bullet points or bold letters. Give a short description of what you did in your previous companies.
• Just like Facebook or Twitter, you can add a cover pic to your LinkedIn profile. Pick a background theme that compliments your profession and stands out effortlessly.

9. Acquire Technical Skills

Technology is the future. No matter what industry you belong to, you have to get along with the tech culture. So, commence your tech career by learning top programming languages like Java or Python. You can join an online coding Bootcamp to upgrade your knowledge in the latest technologies like AWS, Java, MERN Stack, Data Science, Machine Learning, etc. Once you gain the necessary tech skills, you will become eligible to apply for jobs in the IT sector.

10. Practice Coding Skills

Practice is the key to attaining technical competency. So, you should keep practicing your programming skills by registering to LeetCode and HackeRank.

11. Improve your Communication Skills

Gone are the days when employers just looked for technical competency. Today even IT companies emphasize more on communication skills more. Communication has become an integral part of building interpersonal relationships in businesses. Having good communication skills ensures smooth client interactions & a better understanding of project requirements. Following are some useful ways to improve your communication for an interview:

• You tend to lose control of the nervousness of the interview, resulting in speaking faster than needed. It may leave a wrong impression on you & the interviewer may believe that you’re in a rush for something. So, ensure to maintain the right pace & speak slowly.
• Use appropriate & professional language while giving an interview. Avoid using slang and be polite.
• Instead of boasting about your skills & potential, listen to the interviewer attentively. Do not interrupt abruptly in between the conversation & let him complete it first.
• In case of any doubts regarding the interviewer’s question, do not hesitate to request to repeat that question.
• Keep a subtle smile while answering the question, and try to maintain eye contact to look more confident.

Also, Read What not to say in a Job Interview?

12. Keep Yourself Sane & Healthy

Don’t get overburdened under the constant pressure of getting a job. Set aside some me-time for yourself. Go for a walk, and nurture your mind and body. Remember, a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.

13. Highlight Your Soft Skills

Showcase what else you can bring to a company apart from your knowledge, skills, & experience. No hiring manager will straightway ask about your soft skills during an interview, so it all depends upon you to bring them to light. Demonstrate your work ethic, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and dedication to leave an impact on your recruiter.

14. Look for Jobs in the Thriving Industries

Though the Covid-19 pandemic has had an adverse impact on some major sectors, many industries remained resilient & thrived through 2020. So, do your research right and seek jobs in the industries expected to expand this year, like AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, E-Commerce, Healthcare, etc.

15. Bring Out Your Additional Skills

If you have any other talents or skills, you should highlight them as it can help to catch the attention of the hiring companies and get you more job interviews. Show what else you can bring to the table beside your subject expertise and industry acumen.

16. Be More Active on Social Media

Social media is no longer just a source of entertainment; it plays a substantial role in modern-day hiring. So, try to maintain a strong social media presence, as employers may hire or reject you based on your Facebook or Instagram profile. To get some additional tips on how to find jobs on social media, check out this blog.

17. Keep Yourself Well-Groomed

Your first impression sets the stage for the entire interview. Thus, strive to leave a lasting impression on the interviewer in the first few minutes. Follow some grooming tips before you appear for an interview:

• Be well-groomed, have an acceptable hairstyle, trim your beard, & look presentable.
• Avoid visible tattoos, as some employers might not have a favorable impression of them until & unless you are interviewing for a gaming company.
• Keep your natural hair color & avoid any vivid streaks of multicolor hair.

18. Carry the Right Accessories

An interviewer never fails to overlook even the minutest details about the candidate. So, ensure to be at your game and choose the right accessories to match well with your outfit. Avoid carrying a huge bag or wearing a hat, flip-flops, sneakers, or any type of blingy jewelry. You can wear a formal watch and a belt that goes with your lace-up or slip-up shoes.

19. Invest in Your Wardrobe

Dress well for your dream job. Invest in some good quality formal clothes. There is no need to buy expensive clothes; you can shop from stores like Ross, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx, as they carry renowned brands for low prices.

1. Wearing a neatly pressed and well-coordinated outfit can help you stand out & boost your confidence.
2. Apply some pleasing fresh perfume to smell nice, but avoid wearing a strong, overpowering fragrance.

20. Workout, Sleep Well & Meditate

Taking 8 hours of sleep is not overrated; it can help you stay fresh and energetic during the interview. Practice deep breathing & meditate for 10 minutes each day to keep your mind calm. Work on your fitness and exercise daily to look fit and presentable.

21. Create an Impressive Cover Letter

Cover Letter is as important as your resume, so create a custom cover letter for each job. Keep it short and precise.

• Start your cover letter with professional letterhead; write your name, phone number, email, date, name of the hiring manager, company’s address & name.
• You can also add your professional title, home address, and links to your social media accounts like LinkedIn or Twitter.
• Greet your hiring manager by his/her name. In case you don’t know the name, you can write the company’s name with the team, e.g., Dear (XYZ company) team.
• Once you’re done with the header, write a catchy opening para, and explain why you’re a perfect fit, and your eagerness to join.
• In the closing paragraph, makes your final offer & elaborate on how your knowledge, skills, & experience can help the company fulfill its goals. Also, mention that you’re looking forward to meeting the hiring manager in person.

22. Send Follow-up Emails

Always follow up with the hiring manager after giving an interview. Sending a follow-up mail keeps your lines of communication open with the employer. To follow up with the recruiter, don’t create a new mail; instead, continue with the existing email thread that can increase the chances of getting your mail opened much faster. The body of your follow-up email should be short & to the point.

23. Leave a Professional Voicemail

Set up your voicemail where you speak well and leave a good message. Avoid using casual terms or talking for too long. Ensure to mention your full name, contact number, and the job title for which you’ve applied.

24. Keep a Check on Phone Etiquette

Speak confidently, greet the person by his/her name, check out the LinkedIn profile before the interview, & thank the person after the interview.

25. Make Use of Positive Vocabulary

Everything you say in your job interview is closely analyzed by the recruiter. Thus, it is essential to think before you speak.Try to incorporate positive words while speaking to the interviewer as I can; I’ll do it; I’ll figure it out, I never give up, I have what it takes, etc.

26. Catch Up with Your Friends and Family

Connect with your friends & family through social networking applications like Facebook, LinkedIn, or Nextdoor & inform them you’re looking for a job for this profile. You can also send them your CV in case they find any suitable opening for you.

27. Leverage Job Fairs & Professional Networking Events

Register online for upcoming job fairs. It provides an opportunity to meet with several hiring agents from some of the top employers. Bring multiple copies of your resume to the fair. It will save you money, time, & effort interviewing with different companies in a day at one location.

Conclusion

These were some fruitful career tips that can help you get a job in 2024.

Remember, the tech industry is dynamic and keeps transforming. So, if you want to stay ahead of other candidates, follow the tips above. The more you will try, the better options you will get. The job market is undoubtedly not the best, but you have to keep working to enhance your skill sets, interviewing skills, and prepare for any upcoming opportunity.

Anytime you want to upgrade your skills and need a helping hand to enter or reenter the tech workforce with high-demand tech skills, reach out to SynergisticIT, a reputed bootcamp, known for its exceptional hands-on training and quick job placement record. Since 2010 we have helped 1000’s of jobseekers achieve success in the technology sector. SynergisticIT’s career-oriented training programs guarantee fast-paced, quality tech education, preparing you with top-notch skills for coveted tech roles in the industry. Reach out to us. SynergisticIT– Home of the Best Data Scientists and Software Programmers in the Bay Area!

Check out our Candidate Success Outcomes.