The Hidden Gems: How to Attract Passive Job Candidates
Jessica Bailey
Despite an economic downturn in many sectors, the tech industry outlook is still incredibly bright. Jobs in information security are especially hot, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting positions in the field will increase by 35% by the end of the decade.
Regardless of where your expertise lies, however, there are a few steps you can take to best prepare yourself for whatever new position you’ll be searching for in 2023. Here are five moves you can take to set yourself up for success in the new year.
Get your resume ready.
Although having your LinkedIn profile up to date makes a good first impression, resumes are still king when it comes to landing an interview. Before you kick off your job search, make sure your resume is up to date and eye-catching. If you need help, seek it out. There are plenty of resources on the market to help you stand out in a good way.
Have references on standby.
Determine who your professional references will be ahead of time so that when potential employers ask, you aren’t scrambling. You'll also want to give those people a heads up so it’s not a surprise. Make sure you’re selecting three trustworthy people who can speak to your skills as well as how you fit in on a personal level. Any future employer is going to explore whether you’ll be a good fit for their culture and their team.
Get virtual interview ready.
The days of relying on in-person interviews are long gone, especially with remote work becoming more the norm than the exception. Don’t wait until you land an interview to download software like MS Teams or Zoom. Familiarize yourself with those platforms now and explore virtual interview etiquette. Make sure you have adequate lighting, a professional background, a quiet space in your home or another location to conduct an interview, and either working speakers or headphones that don’t muffle noise.
Consider your non-negotiables.
Perhaps most importantly, it helps to make a mental note of what you want out of your next position. What are your non-negotiables? What are nice-to-haves? What can you be more flexible on? Are you open to working in an office a few days a week or is a 100% remote position a must have for you? Do you want a contract position or are you open to full-time work? Make sure you know what’s important for you and where you can bend.
Brush up on your skillset.
Many employers are going to request technical interviews, so make sure that if you’re listing skills on your resume, you can execute them. If there are some you haven’t used in a while, brush up on them. It’s best to be prepared to deliver on everything you say you can do, whether those skills are hard or soft.
