Breaking into the tech industry can feel overwhelming, especially when competition is fierce and at an all time high. But with the right strategy, you can stand out, get noticed, and secure a role that matches your skills and aspirations. At Graduated, we’ve helped countless tech graduates land their dream jobs, and we’re here to share our top five tips with you!
1. Create a Stand-Out Profile
Your profile is the first impression employers get of you, so make it count. Think of it as your digital footprint, a story that showcases your unique skills, achievements, and personality. A well-crafted profile should highlight your technical skills, relevant experiences, and career goals in a way that captures attention and sets you apart from other candidates.
Pro Tip: Go beyond just listing your skills. Include side projects, volunteering work, or contributions to online communities like GitHub etc. Employers love seeing candidates who take initiative to grow and learn outside of formal education. These projects demonstrate not just technical ability but also passion and creativity.
2. Quality Over Quantity
When it comes to job applications, it’s not about how many you send, it’s about how thoughtfully you apply. Focus on positions that align with your interests, skills, and career aspirations. When you’re genuinely excited about a company or role, it shows in your application, from your cover letter to your interview.
Why This Matters: Applying selectively allows you to invest more time in tailoring your resume and cover letter to each job, which greatly improves your chances of getting noticed. A personalised application stands out far more than a generic one sent to dozens of companies.
3. Follow Up Strategically
Submitting an application is only the first step, don’t let it end there. Following up with an employer demonstrates your enthusiasm and ensures your application doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. Be polite and professional in your follow-up, referencing the role and expressing your interest in joining the team.
Actionable Tip: Keep a spreadsheet or use a tool to track where you’ve applied, when you submitted, and when it might be appropriate to follow up. If you’ve had an interview, send a thoughtful thank-you email afterward. Small actions like these can leave a big impression.
4. Attend Industry Events
Tech is an industry where networking can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Attending events, meetups, conferences, or webinars not only helps you learn about the latest trends but also connects you with industry professionals and potential mentors.
How to Maximise Events:
- Prepare a quick pitch about who you are and what you’re looking for.
- Have your LinkedIn profile ready to share. QR code can be found in your search bar via your phone app for quick scan!
- Follow up with the connections you make, a quick LinkedIn message after an event can go a long way.
Don’t Know Where to Start? Here are some great places to look for events:
5. Network, Network, Network!
Did you know most jobs are filled before they’re even advertised? That’s the power of networking! Whether it’s reaching out to people on LinkedIn, chatting with peers, or attending local meetups, building relationships is key to uncovering hidden opportunities.
The Magic of Networking: It’s not about asking for a job, it’s about making genuine connections. Share your journey, ask for advice, and show interest in others’ experiences. You never know who might connect you with your next role.
Ready to Land Your Dream Job?
The journey to finding your first & dream role takes time, resilience, and the right strategy. At Graduated, we specialise in mentoring and preparing tech graduates to succeed in their job search. If you’re looking for guidance or want to connect with top employers in Australia, we’re here to help!
Get in touch today: hello@graduated.io