4 Tips for Working With Tech Recruiters to Land Your Dream Job
Actionable advice for job seekers on how to effectively partner with recruiters during a job search including crafting resumes, networking, and interview preparation.
Finding a new job, especially in a competitive field like tech, can be difficult to do alone. That’s where tech recruiters come in — they have access to opportunities you may not see otherwise and connections that can help get your resume in front of the right hiring managers. However, it’s important to work with recruiters strategically if you want to maximize your chances of scoring your dream job. Here are 4 tips for effectively partnering with recruiters during your search:
1. Optimize Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
According to a 2019 survey by TalentWorks, 96% of large companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to filter resumes. These systems rely on keywords and formatting to quickly categorize candidates. To get noticed, your resume needs to use the same language, skills, and credentials described in job postings.
- - Research the top in-demand skills for your role and industry and prominently feature these on your resume. Make sure to use the same terminology as the job descriptions to trigger keyword matches in ATS.
- - Watch formatting as well — resumes with an unstandardized look may get weeded out. According to Jobscan, over 75% of resumes fail to make it past ATS screening.
- - Test your resume by uploading it to popular ATS like Taleo and Jobscan to see how well it parses. This can increase your chances of beating the system.
Optimizing for ATS is a numbers game but pays off by getting your resume seen by human eyes.
2. Network Strategically on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is recruiters’ primary hunting ground for potential candidates. With over 740 million members, it offers access to broad networks.
Here are 4 tips for effectively partnering with recruiters during your search: ## 1.
- - Beefing up your LinkedIn profile and connecting with 3rd-degree networks expands your reach. According to LinkedIn, you’re up to 30% more likely to get contacted by recruiters when you have a complete profile.
- - Research top recruiters in your desired companies/industries and follow their employers. Like and engage thoughtfully with recruiters’ posts to get on their radar.
- - Commenting on relevant industry articles is also a way to demonstrate your expertise. LinkedIn reports engagement on content is 21x higher than on native posts.
- - Optimize your profile using targeted keywords from your resume. This improves the chances recruiters will find you through searches.
- - Consider paying to “boost” targeted posts to expand your network further. LinkedIn states boosted posts can increase engagement by up to 10x.
Strategic networking on LinkedIn taps into recruiters’ main source of candidates.
3. Prepare for Interviews by Understanding Company Culture
When a recruiter passes your resume along for an interview, come prepared to explain how you would be a strong cultural fit. Thoroughly research the company mission and values on their website and Glassdoor. Look at recent news, acquisitions, leadership changes — anything that indicates cultural shifts.
- - According to a SHRM survey, 87% of organizations say culture fit is an important consideration in hiring.
- - Practice answering questions about why you want to work there and what excites you about the role beyond just skills and salary.
- - Recruiters want to feel confident you’ll mesh well with the existing team dynamics. Demonstrating genuine interest in a company makes you memorable.
- - A Robert Half survey found 67% of executives prioritize cultural fit over hard skills, believing soft skills can be trained.
Understanding company culture signals to recruiters you’ve done your homework.
4. Follow Up Professionally After Interactions
- - Send prompt thank you emails after phone screens or informational interviews with recruiters. This could be the difference between moving on to the next stage or getting passed over.
- - Express appreciation for their time and consideration. Briefly reiterate what unique skills or experiences make you a great fit.
- - According to sources like Glassdoor and Science of People, following up is directly correlated with higher response rates in the hiring process.
- - Staying top of mind builds rapport. Connecting on LinkedIn and engaging periodically with recruiter social posts keeps your profile active.
- - If an opportunity doesn’t work out, politely ask for feedback on your candidacy and ways to improve moving forward.
- - Maintaining good relationships with recruiters opens doors for future roles too. Studies show 80% of jobs are never posted publicly but filled through networking.
Following up professionally makes a strong impression on recruiters and keeps the conversation going.
Optimize Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) According to a 2019 survey by TalentWorks, 96% of large companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to filter resumes.
Partnering effectively with tech recruiters takes effort but pays dividends in landing scarce job opportunities. By optimizing your digital presence, networking strategically, preparing thoroughly, and following up professionally, you maximize your chances of finding — and securing — your dream career. Recruiters want candidates who demonstrate initiative, so conduct the job search as if you’re already in it to win it.
