Secure Your Next IT Job With My Top Job Search Strategy Tips

I’ve been working in recruitment for over 10 years, placing thousands of professionals into IT jobs and contract positions. Yet, I’m still amazed by the number of talented individuals I speak with who have forgotten the basics of searching for a new job! Whether it’s a role in IT or another industry, you won’t regret following my top job search strategy tips.

What do you want?

Many people fall out of love with a job and just want to get out as soon as possible, so they take the next job they are offered. They then fall out of love with that role within 12 months because they didn’t take the time to identify what makes them happy at work, what does not, and what their next job in IT should look like. This can turn into a continuous cycle if you don’t take the time to break the cycle.

Focus on your CV

This might sound obvious, but so many CVs myself and my team look at aren’t updated properly. You can tell that the individual has simply added 2 new lines regarding their latest job. Delete your CV and start again. You’ve already identified what you want from your next IT job, so make sure you reflect that in your new CV.

Utilise your existing network

Hopefully, you already have a LinkedIn account established with connections – your colleagues, ex-colleagues and relevant industry contacts. If you don’t mind your current employers knowing that you are searching for a new role / if you are not currently in employment, I’d suggest reaching out to old colleagues, switching your profile to the ‘open to work’ setting, and even posting on your LinkedIn thread that you are job hunting and what you’re looking for. I’d also recommend having a look at community groups within your industry as recruiters will often post IT jobs in them.

Identify the best job boards

It’s easy to just litter every well-known generic job board with your CV, however, taking the time to research which platforms IT recruiters actually search on for candidates will mean that you’re in the right place for agencies to find you.

Think like a recruiter

Are there acronyms and key phrases that are used in your industry/job? Make sure the CV and profile you upload to job boards include these well-known phrases. Recruiters will use them to search for suitable candidates, and when they do, you want to be at the top of the list. Also, make sure you include your address on your CV and job board profiles. Recruiters will use a radius search to find candidates local to their clients, so including your address is key.

Recruiters are knowledgeable… use them

Research IT recruitment agencies that specialise in your sector and schedule a call to discuss the current job market, your salary/rate/benefit expectations, and potential opportunities. You want to be at the front of the recruiter’s mind when a new opportunity comes in the door.

Don’t get disheartened

It’s easy to get bogged down in the rejection and negatives surrounding job hunting, but keeping your activity levels high will end with the result you want. I’d suggest splitting job searching into 2 sections – first thing in the morning and 6pm onwards. This will allow you to be one of the first to see roles that have been scheduled for posting for the morning, and roles that have been shared just before recruiters head home.

Have you followed the strategies mentioned above, yet, you’re still struggling to find the ideal IT job for you? Click here to send us your CV and one of our recruitment consultants will be in touch.