If you’re a prospective job seeker who’s putting in the work to apply but is coming up short, please make sure you’re taking this piece of advice:
Stop mass applying to jobs.
Mass applying gives you the feeling that you’re doing lots of work.
Until you realize that the returns you’re getting for filling out all these applications are nonexistent.
The flurry of desperation and panic you have to land a job is real. This is all the more reason to go through the process as logically as you can, and apply for tech jobs with intentionality.
You may think that applying to 10 different roles at the same company shows them that you’re passionate about becoming a part of that organization.
Think again—especially if you’re submitting an identical resume, cover letter, and other application materials to all of these positions.
Spamming a single company with applications sends a message to recruiters that you care more about being on the payroll, in any capacity, rather than working in a role that gives you the greatest chance to contribute your best work and develop as a professional.
It also makes them do more work. HR has to read every one of your applications and decide, out of all the roles you applied for, which one best suits your skills and interests. Most companies aren’t going to take the time to do this.
It’s better to apply for one type of role at 10 different companies, than to apply for 10 roles at a single company.
By understanding your skills and personal and professional interests, you can begin to craft your professional narrative, and stand out in the application process. This is your unique work journey that’s led you to seek out your desired role.
So you’ve narrowed down the roles that suit your skills and interests and are getting ready to apply. One resume and cover letter later, you’re all set to send your application materials to all the companies you want to apply to, right?
Nope! Sending out a generic resume and cover letter to 10 different companies that are hiring for a Project Manager position, puts you in a similarly weak position as spamming a single company.
There should be no one size fits all resume or cover letter in your application process. Every role you apply for should tailor your strengths and experience to the unique bullet points listed in the job application.
You may find yourself repeating your strengths and experiences across different applications. This is okay. You’re one person and will have one narrative.
What should be different in each job application is how your skills and experience aligns with each company’s values, culture, and needs. Show harmony between what you bring to the table and what they’re looking for.
Creating solid application materials will come to your benefit when it’s time to share them.
Depending on the type of person you are, making connections may feel exhausting, frustrating, and scary. But guess what?
You’d be surprised how many people are willing to help those who have the guts to reach out and ask.
If you’re not sure where to start, LinkedIn is a great platform to quickly find lots of people who work in your desired industry, especially if that industry is tech!
You’re signing up to join a platform with all types of professionals, from networking newbies to industry veterans who are:
Instead of setting unrealistic networking goals or failing to start outreach at all, it’s okay to start smaller.
Tell yourself that you’re going to connect with three people each week at the target companies you want to work for. Send them a brief message detailing why you’re reaching out and ask for an intro call.
Once you’ve connected with a professional who’s willing to talk to you, give yourself a quick pat on the back and start prepping for your meeting.
Ideally, connecting virtually with people at companies you want to work for will ultimately lead to an informational interview. This is the time where you can ask them about their experience and for advice as an applicant. Come prepared to the interview with questions like:
70% of jobs are found by networking. Don’t let a fear of cold calls hold you back from stepping into your future career.
Applying for jobs, especially ones in tech is all about tailoring: your desired role, right-fit companies, and your network.
To recap how to apply for tech jobs with intentionality:
If you’re in step one and are deciding what no code tech role you’re interested in, start by taking this quiz.
Then, consider applying to the School16 Technology Career Acceleration Program. You’ll learn about no code roles in tech from industry leaders on how to become job certified—in 16 weeks or your money back!
