5 Tech Job Search Strategies That Can Earn You That Interview

1. Fish in the right pond

Large online job boards make it easy for a wide swath of employers to post listings for plenty of applicants to see. However, this means that perusing them without specificity will make actually finding an appealing tech position that much harder.

By using specialized platforms where tech companies are searching for international candidates, you’re bound to come across more relevant and fruitful results. For example, Relocate.me narrows in on listing IT jobs that require relocation.

Here are a few more employment search sites that allow filtering for tech jobs with visa sponsorship and/or relocation assistance:

• AngelList
• Landing.jobs

2. Never underestimate the power of networking

Networking is an valuable tool that can not only bring you closer to a hiring company, but can also grant you a major advantage when seeking a particular position. Of course, your connections can first inform you of relevant openings and proceed to vouch for your skills and experience once you’ve applied.

Ultimately, companies want to hire great candidates who they also like and trust; and therefore, the contacts with whom you’ve cultivated relationships have the opportunity to speak to your strengths as a developer.

While networking with other software engineers is always a useful job search strategy, be sure to scope out industry events and communities that align closely to your skill set.

3. Don’t shy away from asking for referrals or introductions

If you’re not quite sold on the efficacy of networking, the success found with referrals will change that. Again, job boards are a wonderful way to identify all of the IT jobs out there, but there are so many more intricacies to actually securing a position than simply submitting a resume and cover letter.

Put the word out that you’re beginning your tech job search to your friends and family, and ask to be connected with anyone who might have insight and the time to speak with you.

Better yet, get specific about the companies that you want to work for and connect with their employees on LinkedIn. If they’re receptive, be sure to ask questions about the organization, their role and duties, and the position you plan on applying for. Not only can you effectively expand your network this way, but you can create the opportunity for a direct referral and a considerable advantage as a candidate.

4. Turn to recruiters

IT recruiters are there to help you match with potential employers and tech jobs that are best suited to your skills, interests, and values. It’s their job to know which companies are hiring and then use their network to pair strong candidates with these employers. In fact, tech companies are often keen on utilizing recruitment agencies in order to reach international talent for their hiring pools.

Recruiters are even able to fill you in on all of the relevant information of a company, including their interview process, relocation policy, and benefits.

5. Show that you’re willing to go the extra mile

If you already have a handful of potential employers in mind, go that extra step by connecting with their hiring teams and/or recruiters on LinkedIn. If you’re unable to identify these specific employees, reach out to a team member, state which position has caught your attention, and ask to be connected with the appropriate person.

In order to really stand out, write a code sample for your target company and send it along with your resume, cover letter, and any other materials (e.g. GitHub profile, personal website, tech blog) to the relevant person.