Applying for your first tech job? Here are some CV / interview suggestions.

I’m on holiday for a few days and have been reviewing job applications! Joy! Here are some things to think about when applying for a tech job. This is mostly aimed at first time job hunters …

1. DON’T make simple spelling and grammar mistakes in your cover letter or CV. There is simply NO excuse. None! If you can’t be bothered to check these basic details you’ve got an uphill struggle with me. The damn computer does it for you!
2. DON’T forget that the internet has a long memory! Be careful what you post online. Regardless of whether they admit it or not potential employers will “google” you and draw conclusions from what they find. And the converse is true – if you’re a positive and active member of some online communities this can be a big plus point.
3. DON’T write the same old drivel as everyone else. So you’re a “team player”? Wonderful! According to the resumes I have read so is everyone else in the world! 75% of “personal statements” are the same old nonsense! What’s personal about that!?
4. DON’T make inane statements about your abilities without evidence. Evidence is key. Prove to me with examples that you are “resourceful” or “dedicated” or a “hard worker”. ‘cause I don’t believe you!
5. DON’T BORE ME TO DEATH with the results of every module you’ve taken since you were ten! I really don’t care. That you got 57% in a 3 month course in Scrunge Value Maintenance means nothing to me. I have nothing to compare it too – I don’t know what the course involved – was 57% good or mediocre? – did everyone else get 95%? Sorry, but it’s not worth the paper it’s written on. Can I let you into a secret? If you’re applying for a job in my company I don’t even care if you’ve got a 1st, 2:1, 2:2 .. or no degree at all! (Disclaimer: that’s certainly not the case for every employer.)
6. DON’T answer every question with “we did a module on that”. If that’s your only experience in a core skill then I’m going to be worried. I’ve interviewed many junior programmers who when asked about their experience with c# say “yea we did a module on that” – or worse – “I THINK we did a module on that”. If you want work in a small/medium tech company then you need real experience – probably gained in your own time. Write some software. Anything at all. Contribute to an open source project. Want to be a network engineer? Then set up some servers – a virtualised 5 server network in your bedroom is perfectly possible on a decent PC.
7. DO read widely in your chosen sector – read blogs, articles, magazines,  and books. Find out who the leading people are in your industry and follow them on twitter. Our industry changes daily – you need to be on your game.
8. DO be clear about what you want to do – “I’d really like a job as a Network Engineer, or maybe a Programmer, or maybe a web designer”. Eek! This doesn’t fill me with confidence – maybe you don’t know – that’s ok – but a job interview is not the best place to express this view!
9. DO stand out. I don’t care how you do it but in a pile of 10,20,30+ applications you need to stand out. Preferably in a good way!
10. DO write a decent cover letter / email which includes at least one line or paragraph specific to the company your are applying with – it’s ok (sort of) to send your CV to dozens of potential employers – just don’t make it look like that’s what you’re doing.
11. DO read the job description & requirements. If you’re entirely unsuitable then don’t apply – maybe send your CV with a cover letter stating interest but asking if there may be other more suitable vacancies.
12. DO follow up a few days after you submit  your application– and then after a few weeks. Make it look like you want the job. I’d much rather have someone with 70% technical ability who really wanted the job – than someone with 95% technical ability who didn’t.

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