Common Las Vegas IT Job Search Mistakes

Are You Making These Mistakes with Your Las Vegas IT Job Search?

IT is a fast-paced, specialized, and competitive industry. If you want to find meaningful employment in Las Vegas, you need to avoid these common IT job search mistakes.

Mistake 1: No Strategy for Your Las Vegas IT Job Search

Commit to a specific amount of time each week for the job search process. Research the keywords related to your skills and experience to access relevant postings. For instance, a software engineer should include terms such as “software developer” and “java developer” depending on your specialty. Zero in on specific positions that align with your skillset and stick to specific geographical locations, if that matters to you. Don’t cast a wide net hoping to catch a tasty fish. You’ll probably end up with many small, unsavory options instead.

Mistake 2: Neglected Network

According to a 2018 SilkRoad Technologies report, referrals account for 30 percent of overall hires and 45 percent of internal hires. Consequently, continually cultivating your network and letting others know where you are on your career path always makes sense. Don’t just reach out to your network when you’re looking for work. Build relationships before you begin your Las Vegas IT job search.

Mistake 3: Skipping the Company Research

Sure, you’re a busy professional with plenty on your plate, but research is vital to your Las Vegas tech jobs search success. It provides valuable insight into what a company does, its challenges, and its corporate culture. Without this information, it is almost impossible to tailor your resume to attract attention or to formulate intelligent questions if you’re short-listed for an interview. Before you apply, find the hiring manager’s name or a way to contact the HR department for follow up. You can often find this information on the “About Us” page or through LinkedIn.

Mistake 4: Hoping You’re Qualified

IT is a highly competitive industry, so don’t apply for positions unless you have the skills. According to recruitment software company Bullhorn, 43 percent of recruiters blacklist candidates who submit irrelevant applications. That means, if you apply often to jobs for which you are not a fit, your resume will be ignored even when you do qualify for one of the postings.

Mistake 5: Dwelling only on Skills Instead of Achievements

Highlight your achievements so employers understand how you used your skills to benefit the companies for which you’ve worked. Show them your strengths by citing data. List the challenge you tackled, the actions you used to address it, and the result. Business wants to see end results such as improved efficiency or revenue, reduced expenses, or other significant metrics.

Mistake 6: Long-Winded Resume

Even though IT resumes are often longer than most, limit yours to a maximum of two pages and no more than three. Recruiters don’t have the time or patience to weed through long resumes, so edit yours down to the absolute essentials.

Mistake 7: Weak Web Presence

You’re in IT, so ensure your online presence shines. Update your online profiles, including your area of expertise, and distinguish yourself from others. Be consistent across platforms, craft a focused message, state your values, and list your best achievements. Use appropriate keywords so search engines pick you out from the crowd. Highlight accomplishments, not just technical skills.

Mistake 8: Using Business Email Address

Always use a personal email address when you apply for positions. Besides the obvious problems that may occur if someone finds out you’re planning to leave, it also shows poor discretion. No employer appreciates employees who spend company time and resources on personal matters.

Mistake 9: Relying on Job Boards

Job boards are only one way to find work, and they’re not very efficient. Sites like Indeed and LinkedIn get plenty of traffic, but that doesn’t equate to employment. Research from SilkRoad Technologies suggests that of the 75% of candidates who apply online, only 22% are hired. IT professionals can certainly opt-in for alerts from job boards when postings match their very specific criteria, but it doesn’t make sense to focus all efforts there. A multi-faceted approach provides better results.

Mistake 10: Not Following Up

Software screening and the volume of applications today can mean your resume gets lost in the shuffle. If you don’t hear anything after you’ve applied for a position, reach out and confirm your application was received.

Mistake 11: Mean Mouthing Employers

Always be honest about why you left former employers, but don’t focus on the negative. Every business has challenges, but potential employers want to see you’re resilient and able to handle difficult situations. Don’t dwell on what went wrong, but what you learned and how you moved forward with your career instead.

Mistake 12: Avoiding Recruiters for Las Vegas IT Job Search

Good recruiters match your skill set and career objectives with potential employers. They also review and help improve your resume, prepare you for interviews, and point out areas that require attention. Choose a recruiter that specializes in IT and understands the sector and its challenges. Many companies are hungry for skilled professionals, so definitely connect with a good IT recruiter.

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IT professionals can rely on Taurean Consulting Group to give them the edge they need to succeed. We specialize in finding the right IT job in Las Vegas.