1. Optimally you’re currently employed – gives you a platform to negotiate from that doesn’t exist otherwise.
2. Unless you have no other choice – have care with your longevity. The trend over the last ten years has shown a steady decrease in the length of time a candidate remains with his/her company – not a good trend. Ten years may not be the norm any longer – but 1.5 shouldn’t be either.
3. Especially noted in IT resumes – listing every technology you’ve ever touched – a turn off. Highlight your strongest skills – and if you must list C++ even if you haven’t programmed in the language in over four years, parse it out clearly:
Top Skills: Java, J2EE, Linux
Touched: C++ (4 years ago – 6 years total experience), SCRUM (in previous role for three projects over six months)
4. If you have a degree, place it front and center – especially in tech – experience can out weigh the degree preference – still, most clients initially request a degree. So, if you have it – highlight it. This includes certifications like MCSE and CCNP.
5. Obviously I’m going to highlight engaging a recruiter – find one you can partner with – they’re out there. There’s a ton of recruiters who will call when they have something and fergetcha when they don’t – and you’ll get fifty calls a day in this market – often for roles that don’t even come close to matching your background – so get strategic. Pick one or two who specialize in what you do – if another recruiter calls with an opportunity, share it with your recruiter – you miss nothing and you deepen the relationship with someone you trust to help you find that next challenge. Let your recruiter know what companies interest you – give them the opportunity to help you open a door – the more you collaborate the harder a good recruiter will work for you.
6. Be honest about compensation – combining your base, bonus, what you received in reimbursements, and your 401k matching into one big fat base fools no one. If you are looking for higher than a 5-10% increase in your next role – be prepared to back it up with a good strong why. It’s been done successfully, make sure you prepare.
7. Social Networking – LinkedIn, Facebook, Plaxo, Meetup.com – find an online or social networking venue that works for you. Create a profile, answer questions, make requests. Built a community with one or more of these portals – they have high success rates and are increasingly popular – providing access to a community of professionals you might otherwise not have access to.
8. Posting. Posting is a whole separate topic. To touch on it – Two pet peeves: One, if you’re going confidential – make sure you insert your resume confidentially – you look pretty silly posting confidentially only to have a recruiter – in-house or not – click on the link and see all your information. Two, specify your citizenship. If you are a citizen, you do not require sponsorship – if you require sponsorship, make that clear – saves time and frustration on both ends – digging for any pertinent information is a waste of time and doesn’t win you that phone call you’re waiting for.
9. Indeed.com – fabulous resource – Go play.
10. Spell your stuff – I don’t care if your job is 100% programming – spell check that resume. Careless resume, careless code.
JT
