Along with the frustration of not getting a call after applying for a job, comes the feeling of confusion. Why is this happening to me? Why am I not getting invited to job interviews? Cecilia Bydlowski has the answers. She is a tech recruiter with over 10 years of experience in Human Resources and has been a recruitment specialist for the past 7 years. Cecilia discussed possible reasons a job hunt may not be going so well and how to fix it.
Cecilia was one of the speakers at VanHackCON 2022. VanHackCON, our annual free event, is the largest online conference for senior tech talent who want to get a job in Canada, the US, or Europe. The 2022 edition took place on the 18th and 19th of November. Keep an eye out for more free events and sign up for our platform to access international job opportunities and unique preparation.
Number One Advice Is: Complete Your Profile
Not getting interviews may be the result of your profile not getting noticed. Your CV may be flying under the radar if it’s missing important information. If your profile is not complete, companies and also the VanHack team will not be able to understand what you can offer.
This is what recruiters check when searching for the right candidate:
- Matching skills
- Descriptions of job experiences
- English level and code challenges
Make sure to add this basic information and complete all the steps.
Apply for positions that match your skills
Another aspect that may be getting in the way of you getting invited for interviews is the positions you applied for. Cecília suggests you ask yourself if you are applying for jobs that feel like a good match for you. She offers some pointers that may help you identify which opportunities would truly match your abilities and goals:
- Make sure the skills match – Are you applying for jobs that match your skills or just applying for everything? If you don’t have any experience with a must-have skill, think twice before applying.
- Apply according to your experience – Do I have enough experience? Most opportunities with VanHack require 4+ years of experience in the field. If it’s not the case for you yet, you won’t be able to relocate. Apply for remote opportunities instead.
- Check the hard requirements – Skills are more important than a degree when you apply to international opportunities. Recruiters are looking for work experience and skills and not necessarily a diploma. List your skills and make sure to add details of your work experience with each of them.
Get Invited To More Job Interviews By Choosing Relocation or Remote Work
If you are applying for an international job, you should let recruiters know you are open to relocation. Otherwise, companies may just write you off.
Remote work options are becoming increasingly common. So even if you do not move to another country you may still be the right fit for an international job. Make sure your profile reflects this.
That dreaded thing: the salary expectation
Applying for jobs that are too far from your salary expectations also hurts your chances. This goes both ways. You get dismissed if you are applying for a job that pays a lot more or a lot less than what would be expected at your professional level.
We have helped employers hire over 1,800 developers, designers, and analysts over the past six years. As a result, we have accumulated proprietary data to create a Salary Calculator. It allows employers and candidates to compare historical salary trends for different job roles across other markets.
The Tech Salary Calculator is currently free to use! But employers/candidates will be required to sign up to view matching candidates/jobs to their search query.
Our Screening Calls Helps You Get More Job Interviews
Work is a central part of our lives, so everyone should have the chance to find the best fit. A job could be an opportunity for growth, for using your talents, and for helping solve problems. Cecília reminded the audience at VanHackCON that VanHack advisors often invite candidates for a screening call. It’s similar to a job interview, but its goal is to gather the information that will help our team find opportunities that match the candidate’s desires and needs. These are some of the topics discussed during the screening call:
- Main motivation for finding a new job
- Main challenges you have faced
- What are you proud of
- Skill and stacks
- Salary expectation
- Payment options
- Time zone overlap
- Cost of living
The more prepared you are for the conversation with an advisor, the better equipped he or she will be to help you find the best job opportunity.
Know What VanHack Can Do For You
Do you want to improve your chances of getting invited for a job interview? Make sure to complete your profile and let us know if you need any help. Our team of advisors is actively working for you. They bridge the gap between companies and candidates, finding the best job opportunities for you and recommending candidates to hiring partners.
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🌎 VANHACK, LinkedIn Talent Awards Winner 2021, is Canada’s most respected recruitment company. With more than 1,500 hires, VanHack is on a mission of increasing diversity and creating a borderless world. So if you are a software developer looking for a job abroad, in Canada, the US, or Europe, join VanHack today. 100% free for candidates, plus you will get all the preparation you need when your profile is shortlisted.
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