Every job search brings its own set of challenges. But the seemingly endless grind of all-too-similar applications, resume editing, cover letter composing, and attending interviews shouldn’t be rushed, nor should it end with a position you’re less than thrilled about. Entrepreneur and IT staffing specialist John Goullet shares advice for finding a job that will lead to long-lasting compatibility.
About John Goullet
John Goullet began his career in IT consulting before founding Info Technologies Inc. in 1994. As CEO of Info Technologies, he facilitated the staffing needs of dozens of Fortune 500 companies. In 2010, Info Technologies merged with Diversant Inc. to form Diversant LLC. Since the merger, JohnGoullet has served as Diversant’s chairman and continued to leave his mark on the growing IT industry.
Finding the Job: Your Brand
Tips from a professional like John Goullet are great, but no one controls the hiring process more than you. Building your personal brand includes your resume(s), cover letter(s), social media presence, and any other sort of information that employers would be privy to. Here are a few of Johon Goullet’s recommendations:
1. Google yourself
Do this before you do anything else. What do you find? Is that decade-old picture from a college fraternity party the first thing that comes up tagged with your name? It’s probably time to get rid of it. Understanding the longevity of the internet and the ways that it can both help and harm your image is important.
2. Build multiple resumes
Considering the fact that John Goullet has worked with hundreds, if not thousands, of staffers, it’s only natural that he’s seen just about every resume in the book. And with the weight of such experience, he suggests several areas of focus when building or editing your resume.
First, cut the chaos. In other words, clean up your resume so that it’s easy on the eyes and reads well. This includes eliminating distracting fonts, slicing down paragraphs of text, and being consistent in formatting decisions.
Next, be prepared to craft multiple resumes. As job descriptions continue to become more and more specific, hiring managers expect to see resumes that align directly with their listed positions. Moreover, some postings utilize computer software that scans applicants’ resumes for keywords related to the job. For this reason, catering your resume to a job’s description can help circumvent worry about being lost in the crowd just because your resume didn’t have the appropriate keywords. .
3. Build a professional site and/or LinkedIn page
When Goullet first started Info Technologies Inc. in 1994, the internet was just getting its feet wet. However, part of what has made Goullet so successful in IT staffing is his adaptability and evolution alongside the industry. Today, the internet is more important than ever. As companies continue to digitize themselves (and expect the same from employees), Goullet recommends crafting a professional site and LinkedIn page. What once served as supplemental material to a person’s resume and cover letter has become just as important and, sometimes, even more imperative.
Finding the Job: Relationship Building
As John Goullet will tell you, applying to the job is only one leg of the journey. Another priority is building relationships, whether as you apply to jobs or during the interview process. Here are a few of Goullet’s tips for leaving a lasting impression on prospective employers and colleagues:
1. Network, network, network
It’s part of the game, whether you like it or not. Any successful candidate makes the effort to network with like-minded professionals and other industry colleagues. This doesn’t mean groveling; it’s about connecting with others that share similar interests. You never know when a connection might lead to a job opportunity.
2. Always have a pitch prepared
Always have a brief introduction of yourself ready if the opportunity ever arises. Run into a manager from one of your dream companies? What would you tell him/her about yourself if you only had 30 seconds?
3. Do your research
Why would a company want to hire you if you know nothing about them? It doesn’t suggest that you care about the company, its mission, or its previous work. Goullet recommends researching a company’s history and successes prior to an interview.
Finding the Job: Trends
It’s the new year, and with the new year come potential new trends. John Goullet considers a number of things that might impact job searchers in 2020:
1. Inform yourself about employer technology use
We mentioned earlier that some employers use software to evaluate resumes before a human being ever looks at them. Don’t be wary of this; be aware. Tailor your resume for each position to ensure it the best possible chance of being reviewed by a hiring manager. Also note that with increased technology use comes an increased review of social media presence. Again, don’t let an inappropriate picture or post be the reason that your application is thrown out the window.
2. Think of pay as multifaceted
Consider all that a position has to offer when applying. If the salary is a bit lower than desired, what are the benefits? Unlimited vacation? A healthy retirement plan? Decide whether or not the benefits compensate for the salary, or vice-versa.
3. Figure out how you fit into the puzzle
Skills are great, but personality is quickly becoming more important. You can be the most talented person in the world, but if you don’t fit into a company’s culture, there’s a good chance that you’ll be passed over for someone else. How you behave as a singular employee is one thing, but how you function within a team of unique individuals is a completely different skill. Don’t let ego or abrasiveness take you out of the running for a job.
4. Embrace the rise of remote work
With advances in technology, the abundance of remote work is growing on a daily basis. If you’re a self-starter and someone who doesn’t mind working away from the tangible benefits of an office environment, then be on the lookout for remote positions. Does a remote position mean 24/7 beach life? Absolutely not. But it can certainly afford you the freedom that you’re looking for.
Need Help?
If you find yourself in need of assistance in the job hunt, consider enlisting the services of an IT staffing agency. Places like Diversant pair talented IT professionals with Fortune 500 and mid-market companies every day.The benefits of working with a staffing agency are endless. You receive free assistance that garners you instant networking opportunities, all while catering your skills and career portfolio to diverse job openings. Whether you’re taking your first, second, or ninth plunge into the IT job applicant pool, staffing agencies are here to help.