How to stand out from the crowd when applying for tech roles

Eolas Recruitment shares tips on how tech workers can enhance their chances of securing interim and permanent roles.

Skills shortages in the tech sector continue to make it difficult for employers to attract and retain good candidates. Demand for both permanent and contract tech workers intensified during the Covid-19 pandemic as traditional businesses were forced to accelerate their adoption of technology in order to engage with customers online. Skills in areas like cyber security are particularly highly sought after at the moment as companies are more aware than ever of the need to protect computers, programs, networks and data from unauthorised access or damage.

Finding opportunities

Specialist recruiters like Eolas Recruitment often know about upcoming opportunities before they are advertised and can let you know which skills are most in demand. If you haven’t already done so, it’s worth touching base with our recruiters to get a feel for where the best opportunities are in the current market.

If you find roles that you would like to apply for, obviously you will need to update your CV. Check out our tips on how to tailor your tech CV to the role you are interested in. If you are applying through Eolas Recruitment, our team will analyse your CV and offer advice on areas where you may need to get more experience or update your skills in order to maximise your chances of securing a particular type of role.

Tech job interviews

Interviews for tech roles are often competency based which means you are expected to provide examples of your achievements and skills. You could be asked how you would deal with a specific challenge or to give an example of how you handled a difficult situation in the past. Anticipating questions like this and preparing your examples in advance will make the interview process less stressful. For more information, check out our article on how to prepare for competency-based interviews.

You also need to keep in mind that your initial interview is likely to be virtual so it’s important to be comfortable using tools like Zoom, WebEx, GotoMeeting, WhatsApp and Skype. Make sure you have a good Internet connection because poor connectivity will not just undermine how you come across in an interview but may also lead the interviewer to question whether you will be able to consistently deliver the work they require without connectivity issues.

Salary

In the last few years, businesses in many sectors were unable to match the salaries and benefits on offer in Big Tech companies. However, non-financial benefits such as flexible working, health screening and wellness programmes are increasingly common. Before negotiating benefits with a potential employer, it’s worth working out what is most important to you—it may be that flexibility or work/life balance matters more than salary.

It’s also a good to idea to keep an open mind about the types of role you are willing to consider —for example, taking on an interim or contractor role that expands your skill set or offers an opportunity to acquire additional experience could help to advance your future career. Currently, contractors are being hired for roles in areas like data, e-commerce, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and development.

Five tips to stand out from the crowd when applying for tech roles

1. Keep your skills up to date. Take advantage of opportunities to update your qualifications and knowledge by taking relevant courses, gaining additional certifications, and attending relevant industry seminars and events. Monitor technology trends and think about how they will impact your employer’s business as well as your own future career.
2. Understand the business. Research your potential employer’s business and sector. Get a feel for what the current issues are and think about how your skills and knowledge can help the business achieve its goals. Show that you understand the importance of getting to know your colleagues in other departments and are open to listening to their needs and giving and taking feedback. Employers like to see that you are willing to go the extra mile to help everyone achieve the best possible results.
3. Be a problem solver. Employers aren’t just looking for technical skills. In a fast-moving environment where businesses are embracing digital transformation, many roles now require soft skills.Tech interviews are often competency-based and it helps if you can provide examples of situations where you have used problem solving and people management skills to benefit your employer’s business.
4. Listen, learn and don’t be afraid to speak up. Practice your communication skills. Listen and learn from your colleagues and don’t be afraid to speak up at meetings and share your expertise. Good communication is particularly important at senior level where roles may involve making presentations to colleagues, customers, investors, industry peers and media. Preparation and practice are the key. Plan what you want to say, focus on being clear and concise, avoid jargon and try to make it as easy as possible for your non-tech audience to understand the points you are making.
5. Build a strong network. Networking is a great way to build confidence and access support when you need it. It can also help you find out about upcoming opportunities, particularly when your network includes specialist IT recruiters like our team members here at Eolas Recruitment!

For more information about how Eolas Recruitment supports candidates and can help you advance your career, please contact a member of our team.