In this article, I will share with job seekers what to look for when searching for their dream company and give step-by-step instructions on how to get to an interview and successfully pass it.
Step Zero: What to think about before you search for jobs
The first thing to do is check your social media pages, and get them in order. Make sure that your profile does not contain anything unnecessary and gives an impression of you as a specialist.
- Remove all posts that contain insults, rude or ambiguous humor, compromising photos and videos.
- Pay attention to your nickname and avatar.
Another important step in the preparatory work is to collect references from previous jobs. It is not necessary to include them in the resume. Be prepared that if at the end of the interview the employer will be interested in you, they will ask for references.
Step One: Looking for a job
Daily searching for new job opportunities is a useful alternative to surfing Facebook, watching entertainment streams, or hanging out in messengers.
Where to look for jobs
- Peep the job sections on the websites of companies you like.
- Subscribe to the pages of famous recruiters and headhunters of agencies, as they often post vacancies of other companies on their social networks.
- Search for jobs through friends and acquaintances.
But don’t rush to respond to all the vacancies at once. First, decide with a portrait of the future employer.
Make a list of companies that inspire you. Find what they have in common — something that catches you. This is important because if you find yourself in the “wrong” place, you can lose faith in yourself and your profession. Look for a company that will be close to you in spirit and values.
Do not be afraid to apply for vacancies that you like, even if you think that you do not reach 100% of the requirements. At the very least, get some interview experience and understand what you need to tighten up. And if you do well, you’ll end up on the team.
Step Two: Prepare a resume
Remember — the resume is a quick look! The resume should be easy to read and compact — 1-2 pages.
A resume is a story from which it is clear how education, career path, additional training, and personal qualities are related to the position you are looking for. It should be clear from the titles of the positions and companies the candidate has changed, that he or she is on an escalating path. If the resume doesn’t make sense, the recruiter is likely to miss it.
Create a separate resume for each job you are applying for. Don’t send the same resume to everyone! UX/UI designer, UX-designer, UI-designer — these are three different positions, and their duties are different in different companies.
Step Three: Get your portfolio together
Let’s say you have a good resume that piqued the employer’s interest — and he decided to look at your portfolio. How do you showcase your accomplishments in a way that will keep and increase interest in your candidacy?
- Prepare your portfolio beforehand so that the HR department does not have to look through dozens of examples in different folders. All examples should be available in a single click.
- Do not use email attachments and example work archives.
- If you are applying for a UX-designer position, send all research and prototypes together with the work.
Step Four: Write a cover letter
If you have no work experience, a cover letter is your lifeline. Show in it your motivation, compliment the company and explain why you want to work there. It will be very good if you get acquainted with the cover letter templates, so you have an idea of how to write it without errors.
The cover letter should be sincere and specific! From this follows a very simple conclusion — write a personal appeal for each studio you send your resume to.
Step Five: Go to the interview
Congratulations! You’ve reached the most important step — you’ve been invited to meet and talk in person.
The interview is a two-way road. Feel free to ask counter questions! Clarify what tasks you will have in the coming months, how you will be evaluated, ask about the structure of the company, and where your place will be in it. Ask how the onboarding process is organized and if there are mentors, if someone will help you in the beginning or if you will be on your own from day one. You can ask about the company’s development plans and immediate goals.
Conclusion
Each IT company has its criteria for selecting candidates. But each candidate must have an understanding of what they are looking for in a job, in addition to a salary. To win in the end everyone must understand the interests of the other party, meet each other halfway — and not step on the rake that is laid out along the way.
Good luck with your employment and interesting offers!
