Applying to jobs online can feel like a full-time job in itself, and all that work becomes exhausting and unsettling, as countless applications go unanswered. Refactor Talent understands the unique challenges of getting hired in the IT industry, and we’re here to offer guidance.
As recruiters, we spend all day searching for and reading over LinkedIn profiles and resumes to determine if candidates are a fit for our clients and requisitions. We like to think we know what makes your profile searchable, digestible, and desirable, so let’s see if we can give you some pointers for what to do when you’ve applied to countless jobs without success.
Evaluate Your Approach: Is it easy to see that the roles you’re targeting align with the skills and titles on your resume? Is your application or resume tailored to the roles you’re applying for? These will be the company’s first thoughts in viewing resumes.
Optimize Your LinkedIn and Resume: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete, up-to-date, and showcases your skills and experiences clearly with relevant keywords, titles, and skills. Make sure your resume is easy to skim for key details and is quickly digestible, as you may only have a manager or recruiter’s initial glance to win them over. List out your location, title, skills, and roles, and support with validating and specific evidence. These details will also be parsed into ATS systems, so if information is missing, you may be missing opportunities to be found and selected.
Refactor Talent has written full blogs to help you optimize your LinkedIn and Resume, so start here:
How to Craft the Perfect LinkedIn Profile How to Update Your Resume to Land Your Dream Job
Customize Your Applications: Your resume may need to be customized for different jobs you apply to, which may require changing your titles or the expertise you’ve highlighted. Tailor your documents to match the specific requirements of the job posting, so you stand out on first glance as the right candidate for the role.
Connect and Follow Up: If you can identify the recruiter or hiring manager for the position you’ve applied for, consider connecting with them on LinkedIn and mentioning your application and enthusiasm for the role in your connection request. Wait a week or two after applying and then send a polite and professional follow-up message expressing your continued interest in the position.
Leverage Career Specific Platforms: There are job platforms specifically targeting IT Professionals, Marketing Professionals, Remote Employees, Freelancers, etc. The pool of applicants on these more niche platforms is typically much smaller than that on LinkedIn, so they may offer a better way to get noticed for the exact work you’re looking for.
Get Feedback from Industry Experts: Seek constructive feedback on your application materials from IT professionals or mentors, especially those who have reviewed resumes or hired other professionals in the past.
Continue to Network: Keep your LinkedIn Open to Work on the back end, and continue networking with industry professionals and recruiters who can act as your foot in the door. Don’t be scared to reach out to a recruiter in your industry or ask someone in your network for a warm introduction to a hiring manager if you see they have a connection. Good luck in your search, and don’t lose hope!!
