Job Search..

That is always the fun part.


The moment we go on bench ( in consulting) or from the moment  one gets laid off from a permanent position, it's an interesting situation filled with insecurity or anxiety and curiosity. Each time one searches for a new job, one becomes like a college fresher preparing oneself for interviews, sharpening all the technical skills etc. 
Here are some tips to be successful in job search and get placed without any issues.

1. Technical Interviews - Be well prepared . As mentioned earlier securing a job is a priority but personal satisfaction after the interview is also important. Lot of times Interviews help us update our technical knowledge and be well prepared for the future. So, depending on the technology , and problem solving skills etc.. are good ones to prep oneself with.

2. Resume - Resume is the most critical part of a job search. That's like the contents of a currency - which announces itself the value to others. There are multiple views about how to prep a resume. I have heard recruiters tell me that, the resume should be 4-6 pages and any thing before 10 years could be gracefully omitted. But on the other hand in the consulting world,  I was encouraged by recruiters to add all the keywords for a given requirement. But the general rule of Thumb is that, everyone does not know everything in this Universe and as good devs we can pickup skills in the relevant areas with less starting time . But the important points to be noted about resumes are:

1. For each Project / job one worked make sure to include all the contributions (technology wise ) made in separate bullet points.
2. Make sure that you have atleast one line per major feature / product etc.. mentioned there.
3. Even while you are on the job, try to do this exercise every 6 months (Member: nothing is permanent. Everything is subject to changes / termination).
4. Make a nice precise summary of all the technical skills, degrees earned, certifications etc.. in the very first section of the resume.

3. Post your resume to Job Sites
Thanks to the consulting industry. When I came to the US before almost 15 years my recruiters taught me that lesson. On a daily basis it's good to upload / update resume(s) on the following site(s). That increases the chances of one getting an interview / noticed by the recruiters / employers around the country / globe.

• Monster
• ResumeRabbit
• Dice
• Career Builder
• CraigsList
• InDeed

Please refer to this page:

https://www.livecareer.com/quintessential/top-10-sites

Except for resume rabbit all others are free websites. Please create account(s) there and keep uploading your latest and greatest resumes on a daily basis. But in Craigslist, you may have to apply for the jobs of your choice. Craigslist is very powerful source to hunt for local jobs while all others are applicable across the country. Linked In is also becoming popular these days for job search etc.

Note: While on a job reduce the frequency as you may not be actively looking May be once a month or something should be fine. Without affecting the commitment to you current job, it doesn't hurt to keep the eyes and ears open and for better jobs + that also gives you an assurance that you are marketable (if you get responses).

4. Certifications - Being on bench / undergoing a lay off doesn't have to be too stressful if one is motivated and have saved enough money to sustain for a couple of months (for mortgage and other payments). The best part of it is preparing for certifications and attending certifications on any new skills one wishes to add . For eg. TOGAF / JAVA etc.. or SharePoint. That certainly increases the confidence level in a person and also makes more valuable to any organization. BrainBench, w3 schools are really good ones too while others need you to attend a formal test in a testing center.

• BrainBench
• W3Schools