What do you do if you want to connect with recruiters and hiring managers as a programmer?
Connecting with recruiters and hiring managers can be a pivotal step in your programming career. You may often wonder how to bridge the gap between the skills you possess and the opportunities that await. As a programmer, it's crucial to understand that the job market is not just about what you know, but also who you know. In the following sections, you'll discover various strategies to help you effectively reach out to those who can open doors to new career prospects.
Your resume is often the first impression you make on a recruiter or hiring manager. Ensure it's up-to-date, error-free, and tailored to the job you're applying for. Highlight your programming projects, languages you're proficient in, such as Python or JavaScript, and any relevant experience. Use clear, concise language to describe your achievements and how they've had an impact. Remember, a well-crafted resume can catch the eye of recruiters and set the stage for further conversations.
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I'm going to give advice other recruiters and hiring managers have given me to format a resume of someone with my experience. I have a single page resume. The top portion contains my full name and the job title I'm applying for. Next I have three links to my LinkedIn, GitHub, and personal portfolio. Following that I have a section of skills divided by markup/programming languages, frameworks/libraries, databases, version control systems, and other tools. The next two sections are my work experience and personal projects. Make sure you use action verbs (e.g. spearheaded) and quantifiable data (e.g. created 20+ user interfaces). Here is where you'll want to customize your resume the most. Lastly, I have my educational background.
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for connecting with professionals in the tech industry. Make sure your profile is complete with a professional photo, detailed work history, and a summary that reflects your programming expertise and career goals. Engage with content by liking, commenting, and sharing posts. You can also publish articles or posts that showcase your knowledge and attract the attention of recruiters or hiring managers looking for someone with your skill set.
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When it comes to having a LinkedIn profile, I recommend filling out as much as you feel comfortable with. Having a professional photo can be as simple as you smiling white a white background. Having your work history, education, skills, and volunteering easily listed will also give recruiters a perspective on your experience. Specifically for people who work in tech, you should also have your personal projects listed. Also have your personal portfolio linked directly on your account. Last bit of information would be to set your profile to "Open to work" and feature some things about yourself. If you write articles on a blog, create tutorial videos, or stream about software development, those are all great things to feature.
Attending networking events, whether virtual or in-person, is an excellent way to meet recruiters and hiring managers face-to-face. Before attending, research the companies and roles that interest you and prepare a brief elevator pitch about your background in programming and what you're looking for. Be ready to ask insightful questions and express genuine interest in the people you meet. Collect business cards and follow up with a personalized message referencing your conversation.
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The goal of a networking event is quite literally to network. It's best to do narrow down which event is best for you though, and I will speak broadly on three different ones: Meetup, hackathons, and conferences. Meetup, which I'm using as shorthand for being part of a group such as through Meetup or Discord, can be great in-person or remote. It's more casual and allows you to focus on other interests outside of tech. Making friends is key, but note there is a big time investment. Hackathons are great for practicing and meeting people of similar skill levels. However, you will be putting you and your work up for scrutiny. Lastly, conferences are the best for professional connections. However, you'll most likely need to travel.
When reaching out directly via email, compose a personalized message that is concise and professional. Start by mentioning any mutual connections or how you came across their profile. Briefly introduce yourself, your programming expertise, and why you're interested in their company. Attach your resume and ask if they'd be willing to discuss any current or future opportunities. A well-written email can demonstrate your communication skills and initiative.
Contributing to open source projects is a unique way to demonstrate your programming skills while building a public portfolio. It allows you to collaborate with other developers and potentially get noticed by those looking for talent. Choose a project that aligns with your interests and expertise, and start by fixing bugs or adding small features. Active participation in the open source community can lead to valuable connections and job opportunities.
Persistence is key when trying to connect with recruiters and hiring managers. If you've had an initial conversation or sent an email without a response, it's appropriate to send a polite follow-up after a week or two. Reiterate your interest in the company and ask if there's any additional information they need from you. Following up shows determination and keeps you on their radar, but be mindful not to come across as pushy.
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