As 2023 comes to a close and a new year is on the brink, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year and looking forward to 2024.
If landing your dream job in tech is one of your New Year’s resolutions for the upcoming year, then you’re in the right place. In the coming months, the tech job market will be even more competitive than it is now. To stand out from the crowd, you’ll need more than just technical skills. Today, employers are looking for things like soft skills, if the employee fits seamlessly into the team dynamic, and those who stay up-to-date with trends.
This article will provide you with the inspiration and guidance you need to turn your dreams into reality. We’ll take a closer look at how to properly research your dream companies, go over some helpful tips for writing a good CV, and dive into other must-know secrets to landing your dream job in 2024.
Research the Company Thoroughly
Naturally, one of the first things to do is decide on the companies that interest you and create a list of 5 to 10 places that you would love to work at. Take the time to really think about each workplace, why it interests you, and what your ultimate goal is at that company. The latter is especially important, as HR managers are looking for candidates whose goals align with the company’s vision.
After you have a list of potential companies, go through their social networking pages and subscribe to make sure you’ll see their latest posts. This way, you’ll be the first to know about new job opportunities or if they plan to expand to other cities and/or countries.
Another bonus of staying up to date on the company’s latest developments is that you’ll have an ‘information bank’ that you can reference during the interview. This demonstrates your genuine interest in not only the job, but also the company’s culture and dealings.
There’s no doubt that the interviewer will be delighted that a candidate reads the company’s press releases or is aware their company is planning to expand to the Southeast Asia market!
Stay Up to Date With Industry Trends
The best way to show that you’re interested in your work (and career is to stay on top of the latest industry trends. Tech is a field that’s constantly changing and improving as technology stays ahead of the curve (just look at ChatGPT!), and what was considered ‘cutting-edge’ a year ago is now thought of as old news.
Employers are looking for candidates who stay ahead of the curve and are always on the hunt for the latest trends and developments. To stay up to date, we recommend taking the time to browse through tech publications, blog posts, and industry reports to gain insights into emerging technologies, engage in open-source projects; and follow thought leaders in your specific niche.
Always Keep Learning
it’s not enough to just be aware of new trends; you need to be able to properly learn them and incorporate them into your work!
Companies value employees who are continuously learning and developing their skills, and the best way to do this is by regularly updating your knowledge base, taking refresher courses to stay current, and applying your new skills to personal projects. Use platforms like Coursera, Udacity, Codecademy, and LinkedIn Learning to access a wealth of educational resources and expand your skill set.
Show off those skills!
Your CV is the first chance to make a lasting impression. It’s important to create an eye-catching document that showcases your UVPs (unique value propositions) and aligns with the company’s needs.
A CV should include a few sections like your name, contact details, title; work experience; skills; and education. Be sure to highlight your technical skills, personal projects, and any certificates to demonstrate your expertise and experience.
Don’t forget to emphasize any soft skills that you particularly excel at, like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Nowadays, it’s critically important that employees not only know how to write code, but also know how to competently express their thoughts, justify their actions, and communicate with colleagues and clients!
Likewise, it’s best to tailor your CV to each company and clearly highlight how your experience fits in with what they’re looking for.
Create an Online Presence
While a well-crafted CV is essential, an online portfolio or website elevates your professional presence to a whole new level! These dynamic platforms showcase your work, skills, and projects in a visually appealing and easy-to-access manner. By creating an online CV, you can also attract potential employers who stumble upon your portfolio and/or website.
To leave your mark online and attract the attention of recruiters, leverage platforms like LinkedIn and GitHub. You can maximize your profile on these websites by detailing your work experience and including personal projects and code that you’ve written or contributed to.
A well-structured online portfolio or business card website serves as your digital calling card, showcasing your expertise, creativity, and ability to deliver results.