Welcome to The Juice!
It's no secret that the tech industry continues layoffs after tens of thousands of employees were let go during Q1. But there are strategies you can implement to stay motivated and competitive in your job search.
During times of uncertainty like today, it's okay to make career compromises to keep the bills paid. Sometimes a lateral move or trying out a new role or industry can be a good foot in the door to really shine and position yourself for future opportunities.
The Interview
How well are you prepared for interviews? If you've been job hunting for some time without any interviews in between searches, you may be a bit rusty. Polish your skills by role-playing possible interview questions with a colleague, friend—or even Chat GPT!
Think of Chat GPT, Claude, or Bard like thought partners that can help you anticipate more complex interview questions and refine your responses.
Here are some questions to get started using Chat GPT:
First, upload or paste the job description in question.
Next, ask the following questions or come up with your own based on the responses you get from AI.
1—Here's my (resume) or background. What are my strengths, and how do they apply to this role?
2—What are my areas for improvement? Where are my blind spots?
3—What unique synthesis of all elements of my background could be compelling to a recruiter, HR professional, or hiring manager?
4—Who are the top people in this field, and what sets them apart?
5—What are the top people in the field reading, watching, and listening to?
6—What does the key decision maker (hiring manager) want, need, and care about?
7—How might they read my resume?
Of course, you can (and should!) ask about the company culture, values, team dynamics, and next steps.
Another strategy is to add case studies to your portfolio that go the extra mile in showcasing your strengths, follow-through, and results. Bonus points if the case study addresses pain points being experienced by the company you're applying to. Technical skills alone aren’t always enough to make you stand out, particularly in a job market with fewer opportunities. It’s about showcasing your ability to apply those skills effectively. Incorporate results in the form of data points into your resume, and be ready to speak to the wins and challenges you experienced.
Always Remember ...
If you've been selected to interview, the company is hoping they can hire you. Interviewing is a challenging process from both sides of the table, and everyone is hoping to have it done as soon as possible. If you've been asked to interview for a job opening, that team is hoping you'll have strong skills, insights, and ability to ask good questions to indicate that you can and will do a great job.
Because interviewing is stressful, it's easy to feel nervous in the process, but with a little time to prepare and hopefully a good night's rest ahead of time, you can show up bringing your best foot forward.
Ready to find opportunities that match your skills and personality? Tangerine Search connects top talent with leading companies looking for candidates like you. On our job seeker page, you can view all active jobs our team is recruiting for, proactively share your resume, or sign up for our self-guided 4-week course to take you from the start of your job search to hired!
Team Tangerine 🍊
