Recession has it the IT & software jobs market badly.People are struggling to find software jobs I completly understand the situation, as I’ve lost my software job,was out for more than 6 months before I got another job. I took 6 months to realise that I need to get my act together. I dont want u to waste 6 months to find another job. U need to act smart & fast. I want to share some tips to see if it helps you get another job faster.
Never forget the KISS formula (Keep It Simple Stupid)
Tip1. Get your Resume done fast. Optimise it – use all keywords for which Headhunters search for. Here is a trick I created 3 accounts in all major job websites & posted 3 different versions of my resume a)Simple short b) Lengthy – in detail c) Mix with some links to my blogs/youtube videos.
Tip2. I created a blog at blogger,wordpress & started writing highlighting my skillset. I wrote in length about my accomplishments in work without giving away any confidential info
Tip3. I created,uploaded several videos explaining myself & also my work accomplishments, my skill expertise & what are my abilities to handle. I did a video resume & included that websites link in all different versions of my resume.
Tip4. I got printed cards (Business card size) resume – which wrote in short what I’m capable of & had links to my several websites. I started going to coffee shops where headhunters group & shared my cards among many. I also tipped the shop owner to keep my cards near the pay counter so anyone interested can pick’em up.
Tip5. I started visiting several software firms & introduced myself as a Consultant willing to do free limited time consulting & allowed them to see my work before they thought of continuing to use my service. I got many paid clients & one of them was eager to hire me.
Tip6. I networked a lot with management people of various software companies when they came to chillout at various pubs offered them free drinks & NEVER talked about my job hunting. Portrayed myself to them as an interesting person who had the pulse on the latest tech trends & business secrets. One of the management exec thought I was a CEO of a startup. Ya I could have started a Startup in Silicon Valley if only the Venture Capitalists developed more faith in me.
Tip7. I was very reachable – Had 2 mobile phones, had email ids constantly checked & replied, had a fax machine, asked my close friends to do some PR for me among the headhunters.
Tip8. Retained my optimism despite long 6 months.Never gave up the smile & positive attitude.
Tip9. From the bad boy in the neighbourhood I became the best neighbourhood helping hand – as I had plenty of time helped lots of people around my house. Some of them actually became my references & some also hooked me to new headhunters or new company hiring contacts.
Tip10. It took 6 months since I woke from a long sleep only after initial 3 months. I used all above tips only in the last 3 months.But if only I started early I could have landed in a new job within 2 months. I’m glad I’m back being employed & I wish to extend my help through this article to all you job seekers. I know some of these tips are crazy but since I ran like crazy implementing these tips now I have a job. I’d be willing to go crazy to get a job rather than sit idle hoping someone to come my way & offer job.