323. Over 500 Job Applications and No Interviews - What Is Wrong?

So, you submitted 500 job applications So, you submitted 500 job applications in the past month and haven't had one in the past month and haven't had one in the past month and haven't had one interview? Why not? What do you have to interview? Why not? What do you have to interview? Why not? What do you have to do differently? Is the job market just do differently? Is the job market just do differently? Is the job market just that bad? Whenever I have people tell me that bad? Whenever I have people tell me that bad? Whenever I have people tell me they have submitted a massive number of they have submitted a massive number of they have submitted a massive number of applications and haven't heard back from applications and haven't heard back from applications and haven't heard back from anyone, I know they're doing something anyone, I know they're doing something anyone, I know they're doing something incorrectly and they're missing a lot of incorrectly and they're missing a lot of incorrectly and they're missing a lot of opportunities. So, let's talk about how opportunities. So, let's talk about how opportunities. So, let's talk about how to improve your odds of success in the to improve your odds of success in the to improve your odds of success in the job hunt on today's episode of Dev job hunt on today's episode of Dev job hunt on today's episode of Dev Questions. Software development is more than just Software development is more than just writing code. So, let's talk about the writing code. So, let's talk about the writing code. So, let's talk about the rest of it. Specifically, let's talk rest of it. Specifically, let's talk rest of it. Specifically, let's talk about improving your odds of getting a about improving your odds of getting a about improving your odds of getting a job as a software developer. Now, I'm job as a software developer. Now, I'm job as a software developer. Now, I'm going to start by giving you the bad going to start by giving you the bad going to start by giving you the bad news upfront. If you've applied to news upfront. If you've applied to news upfront. If you've applied to hundreds of jobs and have not been able hundreds of jobs and have not been able hundreds of jobs and have not been able to get even an interview, you're doing to get even an interview, you're doing to get even an interview, you're doing something wrong. Now, the first step in something wrong. Now, the first step in something wrong. Now, the first step in fixing the problem is acknowledging the fixing the problem is acknowledging the fixing the problem is acknowledging the truth. Unless your goal is to not get a truth. Unless your goal is to not get a truth. Unless your goal is to not get a job, you're failing your goal, right?

job, you're failing your goal, right? job, you're failing your goal, right? So, it doesn't matter what any other So, it doesn't matter what any other So, it doesn't matter what any other circumstances are. If you're not circumstances are. If you're not circumstances are. If you're not achieving your goal, you're failing, achieving your goal, you're failing, achieving your goal, you're failing, right? You're failing your goal. And and right? You're failing your goal. And and right? You're failing your goal. And and yes, employers can be dumb and the yes, employers can be dumb and the yes, employers can be dumb and the process can be horrible. The system can process can be horrible. The system can process can be horrible. The system can be rigged, but it's still up to you, be rigged, but it's still up to you, be rigged, but it's still up to you, right? Even if all of that is true. Even right? Even if all of that is true. Even right? Even if all of that is true. Even if there is nothing going for you, if if there is nothing going for you, if if there is nothing going for you, if everything's stacked against you, at the everything's stacked against you, at the everything's stacked against you, at the end of the day, end of the day, end of the day, it's on you. The bottom line is this. No it's on you. The bottom line is this. No it's on you. The bottom line is this. No one owes you a job. You have to prove to one owes you a job. You have to prove to one owes you a job. You have to prove to them that you are their best option. And them that you are their best option. And them that you are their best option. And that can be really hard. And yes, in that can be really hard. And yes, in that can be really hard. And yes, in this economy right now, their jobs are this economy right now, their jobs are this economy right now, their jobs are fewer than they have been. And yes, fewer than they have been. And yes, fewer than they have been. And yes, things are getting tighter. Things are things are getting tighter. Things are things are getting tighter. Things are getting harder. But the reality is that getting harder. But the reality is that getting harder. But the reality is that you still have to survive in this pool. you still have to survive in this pool. you still have to survive in this pool. It's not just a matter of, oh well, I It's not just a matter of, oh well, I It's not just a matter of, oh well, I guess I'll walk away. If you can, sure, guess I'll walk away. If you can, sure, guess I'll walk away. If you can, sure, that's great. But the people are that's great. But the people are that's great. But the people are succeeding in today's succeeding in today's succeeding in today's circumstances with bad interviews, with circumstances with bad interviews, with circumstances with bad interviews, with bad job descriptions, with bad employers bad job descriptions, with bad employers bad job descriptions, with bad employers who are doing a poor job of getting the who are doing a poor job of getting the who are doing a poor job of getting the word out there. People are succeeding.

word out there. People are succeeding. word out there. People are succeeding. So, let's look at why you aren't getting So, let's look at why you aren't getting So, let's look at why you aren't getting interviews. interviews. interviews. And this is a list of one through eight. And this is a list of one through eight. And this is a list of one through eight. Um, these are different things that it Um, these are different things that it Um, these are different things that it could be. could be. could be. Not everything here will apply to you, Not everything here will apply to you, Not everything here will apply to you, but a lot will. So, number one, you're but a lot will. So, number one, you're but a lot will. So, number one, you're applying to jobs that are outside your applying to jobs that are outside your applying to jobs that are outside your skill set. skill set. skill set. I see people a lot apply to jobs where I see people a lot apply to jobs where I see people a lot apply to jobs where they just don't they just don't they just don't fit in. It's not their job. It's it's fit in. It's not their job. It's it's fit in. It's not their job. It's it's not going to be something that will will not going to be something that will will not going to be something that will will work for them. And then they count that work for them. And then they count that work for them. And then they count that as part of their well, I applied to a as part of their well, I applied to a as part of their well, I applied to a hundred jobs in the past week. Well, hundred jobs in the past week. Well, hundred jobs in the past week. Well, yeah, but if you applied to 50 of them yeah, but if you applied to 50 of them yeah, but if you applied to 50 of them where you're not even qualified, well, where you're not even qualified, well, where you're not even qualified, well, then you didn't apply on 100, you then you didn't apply on 100, you then you didn't apply on 100, you applied to 50. And yes, sure, I'm not applied to 50. And yes, sure, I'm not applied to 50. And yes, sure, I'm not saying don't apply at jobs you aren't saying don't apply at jobs you aren't saying don't apply at jobs you aren't somewhat qualified for, but not fully somewhat qualified for, but not fully somewhat qualified for, but not fully qualified for. That's definitely qualified for. That's definitely qualified for. That's definitely something you should do because something you should do because something you should do because every job description is a bit of a pie every job description is a bit of a pie every job description is a bit of a pie in the sky, best case scenario. However, in the sky, best case scenario. However, in the sky, best case scenario. However, you need to make sure you don't have an you need to make sure you don't have an you need to make sure you don't have an overinflated view of yourself. You need overinflated view of yourself. You need overinflated view of yourself. You need to honestly look at what your real to honestly look at what your real to honestly look at what your real experience is, what you can actually do, experience is, what you can actually do, experience is, what you can actually do, and then figure out what that might be.

and then figure out what that might be. and then figure out what that might be. You may have been in the industry for 10 You may have been in the industry for 10 You may have been in the industry for 10 years as a software developer, and you years as a software developer, and you years as a software developer, and you might still need to be applying for might still need to be applying for might still need to be applying for junior level roles. junior level roles. junior level roles. That's hard to swallow because you say, That's hard to swallow because you say, That's hard to swallow because you say, "Well, I've put my time in. I've got 10 "Well, I've put my time in. I've got 10 "Well, I've put my time in. I've got 10 years in." Yes, but are they 10 years of years in." Yes, but are they 10 years of years in." Yes, but are they 10 years of experience or one year of experience 10 experience or one year of experience 10 experience or one year of experience 10 times? Do you actually have skills that times? Do you actually have skills that times? Do you actually have skills that have that have grown over time or do you have that have grown over time or do you have that have grown over time or do you have the same skills just doing the same have the same skills just doing the same have the same skills just doing the same thing over and over again? Did your job thing over and over again? Did your job thing over and over again? Did your job actually push you to do new and actually push you to do new and actually push you to do new and different things or were you just fixing different things or were you just fixing different things or were you just fixing the same things over and over again in a the same things over and over again in a the same things over and over again in a way that doesn't apply to anybody else way that doesn't apply to anybody else way that doesn't apply to anybody else in the industry? in the industry? in the industry? Be careful not to have an overinflated Be careful not to have an overinflated Be careful not to have an overinflated view of yourself. Otherwise, you're view of yourself. Otherwise, you're view of yourself. Otherwise, you're going to discourage yourself by applying going to discourage yourself by applying going to discourage yourself by applying to jobs where employers are going to to jobs where employers are going to to jobs where employers are going to look at you and say, "Not qualified." look at you and say, "Not qualified." look at you and say, "Not qualified." And just do an autoreject on your And just do an autoreject on your And just do an autoreject on your resume. resume. resume. Number two, your resume does not clearly Number two, your resume does not clearly Number two, your resume does not clearly communicate your technical skills. Too communicate your technical skills. Too communicate your technical skills. Too often, people look at the resume from often, people look at the resume from often, people look at the resume from their perspective and they think, "Well, their perspective and they think, "Well, their perspective and they think, "Well, I know what this means." And so, they I know what this means." And so, they I know what this means." And so, they put something on there that isn't very put something on there that isn't very put something on there that isn't very clear. or they fill the resume up with clear. or they fill the resume up with clear. or they fill the resume up with filler with with filler words like team filler with with filler words like team filler with with filler words like team player and you know works well on a player and you know works well on a player and you know works well on a team. Who cares? Don't don't say the team. Who cares? Don't don't say the team. Who cares? Don't don't say the things that are just generic things. You things that are just generic things. You things that are just generic things. You need to be very specific.

need to be very specific. need to be very specific. You need to have a technical resume, You need to have a technical resume, You need to have a technical resume, meaning it's focused on languages and meaning it's focused on languages and meaning it's focused on languages and frameworks and what you did with those frameworks and what you did with those frameworks and what you did with those things. And you need to make sure that things. And you need to make sure that things. And you need to make sure that you're focusing on clear communication you're focusing on clear communication you're focusing on clear communication that's not overwhelming that's not overwhelming that's not overwhelming because if you have 50 bullet points of because if you have 50 bullet points of because if you have 50 bullet points of what you did at one job, it's not what you did at one job, it's not what you did at one job, it's not getting read. None of it's getting read. getting read. None of it's getting read. getting read. None of it's getting read. And so that's another skip. And you And so that's another skip. And you And so that's another skip. And you might say, "Well, but they're not, you might say, "Well, but they're not, you might say, "Well, but they're not, you know, they're not paying attention." know, they're not paying attention." know, they're not paying attention." This is not your life story. What you This is not your life story. What you This is not your life story. What you need to communicate to the potential need to communicate to the potential need to communicate to the potential employer is that you can do the job employer is that you can do the job employer is that you can do the job they're looking for. That's what you they're looking for. That's what you they're looking for. That's what you need to communicate. not your life need to communicate. not your life need to communicate. not your life story, not all the things you have done. story, not all the things you have done. story, not all the things you have done. You need to show off that you can do You need to show off that you can do You need to show off that you can do what they're looking for. So, clear what they're looking for. So, clear what they're looking for. So, clear communication. That may mean that you communication. That may mean that you communication. That may mean that you that really should mean that you hand that really should mean that you hand that really should mean that you hand your resume off to someone who doesn't your resume off to someone who doesn't your resume off to someone who doesn't know anything about you potentially, or know anything about you potentially, or know anything about you potentially, or even if they do, maybe it's your spouse even if they do, maybe it's your spouse even if they do, maybe it's your spouse or your friend who knows what you do, or your friend who knows what you do, or your friend who knows what you do, like knows you're a software developer, like knows you're a software developer, like knows you're a software developer, but doesn't know what that means. Have but doesn't know what that means. Have but doesn't know what that means. Have them read your resume and then ask them, them read your resume and then ask them, them read your resume and then ask them, "What are my skills?"

"What are my skills?" "What are my skills?" And then have them review to make sure And then have them review to make sure And then have them review to make sure you're not putting filler in, that you're not putting filler in, that you're not putting filler in, that you're not overly stuffing it, that it you're not overly stuffing it, that it you're not overly stuffing it, that it is focused, that is clear what you do, is focused, that is clear what you do, is focused, that is clear what you do, and it's clear how much experience you and it's clear how much experience you and it's clear how much experience you have in what you do, and it's clear how have in what you do, and it's clear how have in what you do, and it's clear how much of an impact you had at the much of an impact you had at the much of an impact you had at the organizations you worked for. Clearly organizations you worked for. Clearly organizations you worked for. Clearly communicate your technical skills. communicate your technical skills. communicate your technical skills. Number three, you aren't customizing Number three, you aren't customizing Number three, you aren't customizing your resume to the job. your resume to the job. your resume to the job. This gets people a lot. They'll tell This gets people a lot. They'll tell This gets people a lot. They'll tell you, I have, you know, three, four, five you, I have, you know, three, four, five you, I have, you know, three, four, five different résumés. No, no, you want to different résumés. No, no, you want to different résumés. No, no, you want to have one resume per job. And yes, that have one resume per job. And yes, that have one resume per job. And yes, that means every time you apply to a job, you means every time you apply to a job, you means every time you apply to a job, you customize your resume. Now, that does customize your resume. Now, that does customize your resume. Now, that does not mean you rebuild your resume from not mean you rebuild your resume from not mean you rebuild your resume from scratch. However, you need to make sure scratch. However, you need to make sure scratch. However, you need to make sure that your resume matches what the job that your resume matches what the job that your resume matches what the job description is asking for as closely as description is asking for as closely as description is asking for as closely as possible. Not lying, but match it as possible. Not lying, but match it as possible. Not lying, but match it as closely as possible. What do I mean by closely as possible. What do I mean by closely as possible. What do I mean by that? Well, if an employer is asking for that? Well, if an employer is asking for that? Well, if an employer is asking for 10 years of net experience, you need to 10 years of net experience, you need to 10 years of net experience, you need to make sure you show off 10 years or as make sure you show off 10 years or as make sure you show off 10 years or as much as you have of.NET experience, not much as you have of.NET experience, not much as you have of.NET experience, not C experience, not VB.NET.

C experience, not VB.NET. C experience, not VB.NET. net experience because the first person net experience because the first person net experience because the first person to read your resume is not a technical to read your resume is not a technical to read your resume is not a technical person almost ever. The first person to person almost ever. The first person to person almost ever. The first person to read your resume might not even be a read your resume might not even be a read your resume might not even be a person. It might be an ATS system. It person. It might be an ATS system. It person. It might be an ATS system. It might be an AI. It's actually kind of might be an AI. It's actually kind of might be an AI. It's actually kind of your best bet in some ways or it might your best bet in some ways or it might your best bet in some ways or it might be an HR person. So that person doesn't be an HR person. So that person doesn't be an HR person. So that person doesn't know necessarily what C is and doesn't know necessarily what C is and doesn't know necessarily what C is and doesn't know that C is a net language. So when know that C is a net language. So when know that C is a net language. So when they say we need 10 years of .NET they say we need 10 years of .NET they say we need 10 years of .NET experience and you say I have 12 years experience and you say I have 12 years experience and you say I have 12 years of C experience they go that's a of C experience they go that's a of C experience they go that's a different language um so it doesn't different language um so it doesn't different language um so it doesn't really match up. So we're going to go really match up. So we're going to go really match up. So we're going to go with the person that said they have with the person that said they have with the person that said they have eight years of net experience. So you eight years of net experience. So you eight years of net experience. So you need to make sure that your resume need to make sure that your resume need to make sure that your resume matches that job description. matches that job description. matches that job description. The terms it uses the the nice to haves The terms it uses the the nice to haves The terms it uses the the nice to haves highlight those somewhere if you have highlight those somewhere if you have highlight those somewhere if you have them. Make sure that you are coming as them. Make sure that you are coming as them. Make sure that you are coming as close as possible to using their close as possible to using their close as possible to using their wording. wording. wording. So, yes, this means tweaking your resume So, yes, this means tweaking your resume So, yes, this means tweaking your resume every time you apply. And people say, every time you apply. And people say, every time you apply. And people say, "Well, Tim, that's too slow. Like, I "Well, Tim, that's too slow. Like, I "Well, Tim, that's too slow. Like, I have I have to go fast. I'm I'm applying have I have to go fast. I'm I'm applying have I have to go fast. I'm I'm applying to 400 500 places a month and I'm not to 400 500 places a month and I'm not to 400 500 places a month and I'm not getting any responses back. I can't slow getting any responses back. I can't slow getting any responses back. I can't slow down." But here's the thing. You're down." But here's the thing. You're down." But here's the thing. You're trying to increase your odds of success.

trying to increase your odds of success. trying to increase your odds of success. an o you if you have a 0.1% odds of an o you if you have a 0.1% odds of an o you if you have a 0.1% odds of success and you can move that to 0.5 or success and you can move that to 0.5 or success and you can move that to 0.5 or 1% odds of success that is worth more 1% odds of success that is worth more 1% odds of success that is worth more than applying to 10 more places. You than applying to 10 more places. You than applying to 10 more places. You want to increase your odds of success want to increase your odds of success want to increase your odds of success for every single job you apply for for every single job you apply for for every single job you apply for because there's only a limited number of because there's only a limited number of because there's only a limited number of jobs to apply for. So this is not a race jobs to apply for. So this is not a race jobs to apply for. So this is not a race to get to the end of Indeed's listing. to get to the end of Indeed's listing. to get to the end of Indeed's listing. This is not a race to apply to every This is not a race to apply to every This is not a race to apply to every every specific job in the area. This is every specific job in the area. This is every specific job in the area. This is a race to give the best possible a race to give the best possible a race to give the best possible application application application every place you apply so you have the every place you apply so you have the every place you apply so you have the best possible odds of getting to that best possible odds of getting to that best possible odds of getting to that next step. So, make sure that you're next step. So, make sure that you're next step. So, make sure that you're customizing your resume to the job. customizing your resume to the job. customizing your resume to the job. Number four, you don't have a portfolio Number four, you don't have a portfolio Number four, you don't have a portfolio to show off what you can do. to show off what you can do. to show off what you can do. Not everyone wants to have a portfolio. Not everyone wants to have a portfolio. Not everyone wants to have a portfolio. People say, "Well, it takes time and you People say, "Well, it takes time and you People say, "Well, it takes time and you know what I put in the portfolio and you know what I put in the portfolio and you know what I put in the portfolio and you know, I have this portfolio of stuff I know, I have this portfolio of stuff I know, I have this portfolio of stuff I did in college." Those don't do that.

did in college." Those don't do that. did in college." Those don't do that. Um, you want to create a portfolio to Um, you want to create a portfolio to Um, you want to create a portfolio to show off what you can do. And here's show off what you can do. And here's show off what you can do. And here's why. Again, not every employer is going why. Again, not every employer is going why. Again, not every employer is going to look at a portfolio. Not every to look at a portfolio. Not every to look at a portfolio. Not every employer is going to say, "Yes, I want employer is going to say, "Yes, I want employer is going to say, "Yes, I want to see that." However, some will. And I to see that." However, some will. And I to see that." However, some will. And I have been there as a hiring manager. All have been there as a hiring manager. All have been there as a hiring manager. All these things I've seen done by people. these things I've seen done by people. these things I've seen done by people. So, I have been there where the resumeé So, I have been there where the resumeé So, I have been there where the resumeé doesn't show me a lot and I'll have a doesn't show me a lot and I'll have a doesn't show me a lot and I'll have a couple of people where the resume is couple of people where the resume is couple of people where the resume is pretty much the same thing. It's almost pretty much the same thing. It's almost pretty much the same thing. It's almost a copy paste. It's not because they're a copy paste. It's not because they're a copy paste. It's not because they're different people, but pretty much different people, but pretty much different people, but pretty much they're the same. And so if one person they're the same. And so if one person they're the same. And so if one person has a portfolio that shows off the code has a portfolio that shows off the code has a portfolio that shows off the code they can build, that can be the the they can build, that can be the the they can build, that can be the the tipping point for me where I go, "Oh, I tipping point for me where I go, "Oh, I tipping point for me where I go, "Oh, I can look at their code and go, yeah, I can look at their code and go, yeah, I can look at their code and go, yeah, I kind of want I want to see that person kind of want I want to see that person kind of want I want to see that person um in interview because that code um in interview because that code um in interview because that code intrigues me." Now, on the other hand, intrigues me." Now, on the other hand, intrigues me." Now, on the other hand, if your portfolio is terrible, they if your portfolio is terrible, they if your portfolio is terrible, they might look at that code and go, "Yeah, I might look at that code and go, "Yeah, I might look at that code and go, "Yeah, I don't want to see that person." And don't want to see that person." And don't want to see that person." And reject you. So don't just put junk in reject you. So don't just put junk in reject you. So don't just put junk in your portfolio. Make sure your portfolio your portfolio. Make sure your portfolio your portfolio. Make sure your portfolio represents who you are as a developer.

represents who you are as a developer. represents who you are as a developer. But here's the key. If your portfolio But here's the key. If your portfolio But here's the key. If your portfolio represents who you are and you get represents who you are and you get represents who you are and you get rejected because of your portfolio, rejected because of your portfolio, rejected because of your portfolio, that's actually kind of a good thing that's actually kind of a good thing that's actually kind of a good thing because what it's showing you is that because what it's showing you is that because what it's showing you is that you're not right for that role. Maybe you're not right for that role. Maybe you're not right for that role. Maybe you're applying too high compared to you're applying too high compared to you're applying too high compared to your actual skills. Okay, number one, your actual skills. Okay, number one, your actual skills. Okay, number one, you're applying to jobs that are outside you're applying to jobs that are outside you're applying to jobs that are outside your skill sets. So, your portfolio your skill sets. So, your portfolio your skill sets. So, your portfolio should represent who you are. And that should represent who you are. And that should represent who you are. And that portfolio should have in it things that portfolio should have in it things that portfolio should have in it things that are as close as possible to what you are as close as possible to what you are as close as possible to what you want to be doing as an employee. So, want to be doing as an employee. So, want to be doing as an employee. So, this means that, you know, I've had this means that, you know, I've had this means that, you know, I've had people apply to my jobs. They gave me a people apply to my jobs. They gave me a people apply to my jobs. They gave me a game development portfolio. Nothing game development portfolio. Nothing game development portfolio. Nothing wrong with that in itself, but I have to wrong with that in itself, but I have to wrong with that in itself, but I have to squint to figure out is this person able squint to figure out is this person able squint to figure out is this person able to then build line of business to then build line of business to then build line of business applications because the code is not applications because the code is not applications because the code is not line of business code. So I have to line of business code. So I have to line of business code. So I have to figure out are they a good developer and figure out are they a good developer and figure out are they a good developer and could that maybe potentially translate could that maybe potentially translate could that maybe potentially translate and so I'm thinking through is is how do and so I'm thinking through is is how do and so I'm thinking through is is how do I you know see if this this person is a I you know see if this this person is a I you know see if this this person is a good enough developer that they could good enough developer that they could good enough developer that they could also do this other thing. I have to also do this other thing. I have to also do this other thing. I have to think about it. Whereas if they write think about it. Whereas if they write think about it. Whereas if they write code where I go, I actually want that in code where I go, I actually want that in code where I go, I actually want that in my business tomorrow. Well, that's a lot my business tomorrow. Well, that's a lot my business tomorrow. Well, that's a lot closer to the reality. So I don't have closer to the reality. So I don't have closer to the reality. So I don't have to squint as much. I don't have to think to squint as much. I don't have to think to squint as much. I don't have to think about are they good developer? I can about are they good developer? I can about are they good developer? I can look at that code and go, oo, I actually look at that code and go, oo, I actually look at that code and go, oo, I actually want that code or that's a really want that code or that's a really want that code or that's a really interesting way of doing that. We have interesting way of doing that. We have interesting way of doing that. We have something similar, not the same thing something similar, not the same thing something similar, not the same thing necessarily, but something similar that

necessarily, but something similar that necessarily, but something similar that could use that type of of logic and that could use that type of of logic and that could use that type of of logic and that type of developer to work on it. So, it type of developer to work on it. So, it type of developer to work on it. So, it shows me, it kind of puts you in that shows me, it kind of puts you in that shows me, it kind of puts you in that role early where I can see you in that role early where I can see you in that role early where I can see you in that role before you actually even come in role before you actually even come in role before you actually even come in the door. And that can be a big deal. the door. And that can be a big deal. the door. And that can be a big deal. Number five, you aren't making use of a Number five, you aren't making use of a Number five, you aren't making use of a cover letter. If you have the cover letter. If you have the cover letter. If you have the opportunity, opportunity, opportunity, absolutely make use of a cover letter. absolutely make use of a cover letter. absolutely make use of a cover letter. And obviously, a cover letter should be And obviously, a cover letter should be And obviously, a cover letter should be specific to the role. Again, do not specific to the role. Again, do not specific to the role. Again, do not submit a generic cover letter. That's submit a generic cover letter. That's submit a generic cover letter. That's just don't do it. But as simple, not just don't do it. But as simple, not just don't do it. But as simple, not long, not paragraphs, maybe just a long, not paragraphs, maybe just a long, not paragraphs, maybe just a couple of lines or one paragraph, maybe couple of lines or one paragraph, maybe couple of lines or one paragraph, maybe a bit more, but that's it. You want it a bit more, but that's it. You want it a bit more, but that's it. You want it as simple as possible. But what that as simple as possible. But what that as simple as possible. But what that allows you to do is it allows you to allows you to do is it allows you to allows you to do is it allows you to highlight things that might not be se, highlight things that might not be se, highlight things that might not be se, you know, super obvious in your resume, you know, super obvious in your resume, you know, super obvious in your resume, but are valuable things. So you can kind but are valuable things. So you can kind but are valuable things. So you can kind of tell a bit more of a story again, a of tell a bit more of a story again, a of tell a bit more of a story again, a sentence or two to tell a bit more of sentence or two to tell a bit more of sentence or two to tell a bit more of the the story behind something or you the the story behind something or you the the story behind something or you know you can highlight something from know you can highlight something from know you can highlight something from the job application and say I did that the job application and say I did that the job application and say I did that at this role and that's why I have eight at this role and that's why I have eight at this role and that's why I have eight years of experience in C at that role years of experience in C at that role years of experience in C at that role because I did what you were looking for because I did what you were looking for because I did what you were looking for there. you know some kind way of there. you know some kind way of there. you know some kind way of highlighting or even pointing out how

highlighting or even pointing out how highlighting or even pointing out how your experience in a different language your experience in a different language your experience in a different language actually would make you better for this actually would make you better for this actually would make you better for this role. Right? So use that cover letter if role. Right? So use that cover letter if role. Right? So use that cover letter if you can point out how you have connected you can point out how you have connected you can point out how you have connected with that company or you are interested with that company or you are interested with that company or you are interested in this role because of X Y and Z or how in this role because of X Y and Z or how in this role because of X Y and Z or how you think you might be a good fit for you think you might be a good fit for you think you might be a good fit for and list something that either they and list something that either they and list something that either they didn't even talk about but you know from didn't even talk about but you know from didn't even talk about but you know from researching the company or that you saw researching the company or that you saw researching the company or that you saw in the job posting that that intrigued in the job posting that that intrigued in the job posting that that intrigued you. point that out because you this is you. point that out because you this is you. point that out because you this is your one opportunity to actually talk to your one opportunity to actually talk to your one opportunity to actually talk to the person before you even get into the the person before you even get into the the person before you even get into the interview. interview. interview. Take advantage of the cover letter. Take advantage of the cover letter. Take advantage of the cover letter. Number six, Number six, Number six, you aren't following the directions of you aren't following the directions of you aren't following the directions of the job posting. Again, I've posted for the job posting. Again, I've posted for the job posting. Again, I've posted for a number of jobs. I have interviewed a number of jobs. I have interviewed a number of jobs. I have interviewed lots of people. And typically what lots of people. And typically what lots of people. And typically what happens is when I when I post for a job, happens is when I when I post for a job, happens is when I when I post for a job, I'll get hundreds or even over a I'll get hundreds or even over a I'll get hundreds or even over a thousand applications in 24 hours.

thousand applications in 24 hours. thousand applications in 24 hours. If a thousand people are applying for a If a thousand people are applying for a If a thousand people are applying for a job, I have to be ruthless in trimming job, I have to be ruthless in trimming job, I have to be ruthless in trimming down that number. I cannot interview a down that number. I cannot interview a down that number. I cannot interview a thousand people. So what's the first thousand people. So what's the first thousand people. So what's the first thing I do? The first pass I take and I thing I do? The first pass I take and I thing I do? The first pass I take and I have a list. I had like eight eight have a list. I had like eight eight have a list. I had like eight eight different stages of inter you know going different stages of inter you know going different stages of inter you know going from getting your application all the from getting your application all the from getting your application all the way through to hiring you. And the first way through to hiring you. And the first way through to hiring you. And the first stage that I go through is I see did you stage that I go through is I see did you stage that I go through is I see did you follow the directions of the job follow the directions of the job follow the directions of the job posting. posting. posting. If you cannot follow directions, If you cannot follow directions, If you cannot follow directions, you immediately drop off my list. you immediately drop off my list. you immediately drop off my list. You're not actually applying. You're You're not actually applying. You're You're not actually applying. You're you're just spamming out your resume you're just spamming out your resume you're just spamming out your resume hoping that somehow I will stumble hoping that somehow I will stumble hoping that somehow I will stumble across it and go, "Oh, I want to hire across it and go, "Oh, I want to hire across it and go, "Oh, I want to hire that person." Even though they're not that person." Even though they're not that person." Even though they're not really applying for the right job. Don't really applying for the right job. Don't really applying for the right job. Don't do that. Okay? So, when I see when I do that. Okay? So, when I see when I do that. Okay? So, when I see when I post something, I'll usually put an post something, I'll usually put an post something, I'll usually put an instruction or two in my posting that instruction or two in my posting that instruction or two in my posting that needs to be followed. And if people needs to be followed. And if people needs to be followed. And if people don't do it, then I know they're not don't do it, then I know they're not don't do it, then I know they're not really paying attention. And I don't really paying attention. And I don't really paying attention. And I don't need employees who can't pay attention need employees who can't pay attention need employees who can't pay attention to even the job posting. Okay. So, a big to even the job posting. Okay. So, a big to even the job posting. Okay. So, a big one for me is for my company when I've one for me is for my company when I've one for me is for my company when I've hired, you know, recently hired, you know, recently hired, you know, recently I've said, "Hey, we're a work from home I've said, "Hey, we're a work from home I've said, "Hey, we're a work from home company, but you have to be in Texas, company, but you have to be in Texas, company, but you have to be in Texas, specifically in the Dallas, Texas area."

specifically in the Dallas, Texas area." specifically in the Dallas, Texas area." This is important. This is important. This is important. Now, the number of people who have Now, the number of people who have Now, the number of people who have applied who say, "I'm not going to applied who say, "I'm not going to applied who say, "I'm not going to relocate. I'm working in Maine or I'm relocate. I'm working in Maine or I'm relocate. I'm working in Maine or I'm working in Florida. I'm working in I'm working in Florida. I'm working in I'm working in Florida. I'm working in I'm not work relocate, but you know, it's a not work relocate, but you know, it's a not work relocate, but you know, it's a remote job, right?" Well, I told you in remote job, right?" Well, I told you in remote job, right?" Well, I told you in the job posting that yes, it's a work the job posting that yes, it's a work the job posting that yes, it's a work from home job, but you need to be in the from home job, but you need to be in the from home job, but you need to be in the Dallas, Texas area. So, you didn't Dallas, Texas area. So, you didn't Dallas, Texas area. So, you didn't listen the directions. And so those get listen the directions. And so those get listen the directions. And so those get immediately rejected. I can't hire you immediately rejected. I can't hire you immediately rejected. I can't hire you unless you're in the Dallas, Texas area. unless you're in the Dallas, Texas area. unless you're in the Dallas, Texas area. Actually, just the Texas area, but I Actually, just the Texas area, but I Actually, just the Texas area, but I want you in the Dallas, Texas area want you in the Dallas, Texas area want you in the Dallas, Texas area because of of in-person meetings we have because of of in-person meetings we have because of of in-person meetings we have once in a while. So, those directions once in a while. So, those directions once in a while. So, those directions immediately weed out a bunch of people. immediately weed out a bunch of people. immediately weed out a bunch of people. Now, to be clear, I've had people apply Now, to be clear, I've had people apply Now, to be clear, I've had people apply who didn't live in the Dallas, Texas who didn't live in the Dallas, Texas who didn't live in the Dallas, Texas area, but who told me, "I'd be willing area, but who told me, "I'd be willing area, but who told me, "I'd be willing to relocate to relocate to relocate to take this job." That still gets you to take this job." That still gets you to take this job." That still gets you considered because you did listen to the considered because you did listen to the considered because you did listen to the directions and even though you weren't, directions and even though you weren't, directions and even though you weren't, you know, currently in the area, you you know, currently in the area, you you know, currently in the area, you said, "If I were to get hired, I could said, "If I were to get hired, I could said, "If I were to get hired, I could relocate." So, you're saying, "I could relocate." So, you're saying, "I could relocate." So, you're saying, "I could fulfill that requirement." And so you fulfill that requirement." And so you fulfill that requirement." And so you actually listened. So make sure that actually listened. So make sure that actually listened. So make sure that you're following the directions of the you're following the directions of the you're following the directions of the job posting.

job posting. job posting. Number seven, you aren't utilizing your Number seven, you aren't utilizing your Number seven, you aren't utilizing your connections to skip the line. connections to skip the line. connections to skip the line. It's not what you know, it's who you It's not what you know, it's who you It's not what you know, it's who you know, right? Well, that is actually true know, right? Well, that is actually true know, right? Well, that is actually true to an extent. And I don't care if you to an extent. And I don't care if you to an extent. And I don't care if you are frustrated with that. I don't care are frustrated with that. I don't care are frustrated with that. I don't care if you think that that's unfair or if you think that that's unfair or if you think that that's unfair or whatever. This is the reality of the whatever. This is the reality of the whatever. This is the reality of the world. And we cannot change the world. And we cannot change the world. And we cannot change the unfairness. All we can do is work within unfairness. All we can do is work within unfairness. All we can do is work within the system. So get to know people, talk the system. So get to know people, talk the system. So get to know people, talk to them, say, "Hey, are there any jobs to them, say, "Hey, are there any jobs to them, say, "Hey, are there any jobs opening at your company? This is what opening at your company? This is what opening at your company? This is what I'm looking for." If you find you're I'm looking for." If you find you're I'm looking for." If you find you're going to apply to a job, figure out if going to apply to a job, figure out if going to apply to a job, figure out if you know somebody that works at that you know somebody that works at that you know somebody that works at that company or could put you in touch with company or could put you in touch with company or could put you in touch with somebody that works at that company. somebody that works at that company. somebody that works at that company. Utilize your network to say, "Hey, you Utilize your network to say, "Hey, you Utilize your network to say, "Hey, you know, put a good word in for me." or know, put a good word in for me." or know, put a good word in for me." or hey, can you let them know I applied? hey, can you let them know I applied? hey, can you let them know I applied? Because that can help you skip the line. Because that can help you skip the line. Because that can help you skip the line. That can get your resume skipped over That can get your resume skipped over That can get your resume skipped over that first ATS or AI scan especially and that first ATS or AI scan especially and that first ATS or AI scan especially and maybe even bumped past HR to get to maybe even bumped past HR to get to maybe even bumped past HR to get to actually interview with somebody. So, actually interview with somebody. So, actually interview with somebody. So, utilize your connections and then if you utilize your connections and then if you utilize your connections and then if you don't have connections, start making don't have connections, start making don't have connections, start making connections. It's important.

connections. It's important. connections. It's important. Number eight, this is an important one. Number eight, this is an important one. Number eight, this is an important one. Again, when I when I said that, you Again, when I when I said that, you Again, when I when I said that, you know, I get a thousand resume or know, I get a thousand resume or know, I get a thousand resume or applications in a day, not an applications in a day, not an applications in a day, not an exaggeration. That's a lot. So, even exaggeration. That's a lot. So, even exaggeration. That's a lot. So, even after I weed out the people who didn't after I weed out the people who didn't after I weed out the people who didn't follow directions, there's still follow directions, there's still follow directions, there's still hundreds on my list. And here is number hundreds on my list. And here is number hundreds on my list. And here is number eight is the one that really hurts a lot eight is the one that really hurts a lot eight is the one that really hurts a lot of people, and that is you don't stand of people, and that is you don't stand of people, and that is you don't stand out from the crowd. out from the crowd. out from the crowd. If you are just like everybody else, If you are just like everybody else, If you are just like everybody else, then why should I hire you over any of then why should I hire you over any of then why should I hire you over any of those other people? those other people? those other people? How do I tell that you are better than How do I tell that you are better than How do I tell that you are better than anybody else? This is partly going back anybody else? This is partly going back anybody else? This is partly going back to your resume doesn't clearly to your resume doesn't clearly to your resume doesn't clearly communicate your technical skills, but communicate your technical skills, but communicate your technical skills, but if you're not standing out, then if you're not standing out, then if you're not standing out, then I might not see you because I'm looking I might not see you because I'm looking I might not see you because I'm looking through a sea of people. Now, I work through a sea of people. Now, I work through a sea of people. Now, I work really hard to review every single job really hard to review every single job really hard to review every single job posting, even the ones where I know posting, even the ones where I know posting, even the ones where I know you're not even paying attention to the you're not even paying attention to the you're not even paying attention to the job posting and you just applied. I try job posting and you just applied. I try job posting and you just applied. I try and pay attention to all those things.

and pay attention to all those things. and pay attention to all those things. However, not everybody does because it's However, not everybody does because it's However, not everybody does because it's an overwhelming task. If you're getting an overwhelming task. If you're getting an overwhelming task. If you're getting in hundreds of applications a day, you in hundreds of applications a day, you in hundreds of applications a day, you can't spend 10, 15 minutes looking can't spend 10, 15 minutes looking can't spend 10, 15 minutes looking through all these things. You need to through all these things. You need to through all these things. You need to make sure that you're able to have a make sure that you're able to have a make sure that you're able to have a resume that stands out that can be can resume that stands out that can be can resume that stands out that can be can stand out within 30 seconds of review. stand out within 30 seconds of review. stand out within 30 seconds of review. So you need to make sure that you are So you need to make sure that you are So you need to make sure that you are doing everything possible to be a better doing everything possible to be a better doing everything possible to be a better developer, to have more experience, to developer, to have more experience, to developer, to have more experience, to have more to show off, to have more of have more to show off, to have more of have more to show off, to have more of the uh the keywords that are in that the uh the keywords that are in that the uh the keywords that are in that that uh posting in your application, to that uh posting in your application, to that uh posting in your application, to have a cover letter that shows that you have a cover letter that shows that you have a cover letter that shows that you know you can do a job. It has a know you can do a job. It has a know you can do a job. It has a portfolio that shows off that here is portfolio that shows off that here is portfolio that shows off that here is proof that I can do a job. Like these proof that I can do a job. Like these proof that I can do a job. Like these are all things that will help you stand are all things that will help you stand are all things that will help you stand out from the crowd because if you're out from the crowd because if you're out from the crowd because if you're just like everybody else, then there's just like everybody else, then there's just like everybody else, then there's no reason to hire you over anybody else.

no reason to hire you over anybody else. no reason to hire you over anybody else. So if you've just watched a few So if you've just watched a few So if you've just watched a few tutorials and done a few demo projects, tutorials and done a few demo projects, tutorials and done a few demo projects, it's not really good enough. You need to it's not really good enough. You need to it's not really good enough. You need to show that you can do the job. If it's show that you can do the job. If it's show that you can do the job. If it's your first job, you need work doubly your first job, you need work doubly your first job, you need work doubly hard to show you can do the job. So, hard to show you can do the job. So, hard to show you can do the job. So, too many times people will think that too many times people will think that too many times people will think that their resume should stand on its own and their resume should stand on its own and their resume should stand on its own and yet they don't review the resume or yet they don't review the resume or yet they don't review the resume or customize their resume and then when I customize their resume and then when I customize their resume and then when I look at their resume, look at their resume, look at their resume, it's just not exciting. There's nothing it's just not exciting. There's nothing it's just not exciting. There's nothing there that kind of pops off and says, there that kind of pops off and says, there that kind of pops off and says, "Yes, this person is going to be great." "Yes, this person is going to be great." "Yes, this person is going to be great." It's very hard to show off that you can It's very hard to show off that you can It's very hard to show off that you can do a job in one piece of paper, one do a job in one piece of paper, one do a job in one piece of paper, one page, by the way. So, if you aren't page, by the way. So, if you aren't page, by the way. So, if you aren't working very hard to jam-pack that full working very hard to jam-pack that full working very hard to jam-pack that full of value without jam-packing it full of of value without jam-packing it full of of value without jam-packing it full of text, text, text, then you're just going to blend in. You then you're just going to blend in. You then you're just going to blend in. You need to stand out from the crowd. That's need to stand out from the crowd. That's need to stand out from the crowd. That's not colors. That's not fanfare. That's not colors. That's not fanfare. That's not colors. That's not fanfare. That's about showing off that you can do the about showing off that you can do the about showing off that you can do the job better in some way. Show off that job better in some way. Show off that job better in some way. Show off that you've won a coding contest or show off you've won a coding contest or show off you've won a coding contest or show off that you have x number of certificates that you have x number of certificates that you have x number of certificates of completion even of courses. Show off of completion even of courses. Show off of completion even of courses. Show off that you have created a blog or that you that you have created a blog or that you that you have created a blog or that you have a coding Tik Tok channel. Whatever have a coding Tik Tok channel. Whatever have a coding Tik Tok channel. Whatever the case may be, stand out from the the case may be, stand out from the the case may be, stand out from the crowd. That will get you noticed crowd. That will get you noticed crowd. That will get you noticed much easier than just being one more much easier than just being one more much easier than just being one more generic resume that looks like everybody

generic resume that looks like everybody generic resume that looks like everybody else's. Getting a job interview is a else's. Getting a job interview is a else's. Getting a job interview is a tough process. You're competing against tough process. You're competing against tough process. You're competing against a large number of applicants and you a large number of applicants and you a large number of applicants and you need to stand out. Okay? So, the things need to stand out. Okay? So, the things need to stand out. Okay? So, the things that I mentioned in this video will that I mentioned in this video will that I mentioned in this video will improve your odds of success. And that's improve your odds of success. And that's improve your odds of success. And that's what you're going for. It's not about what you're going for. It's not about what you're going for. It's not about being perfect. It's not not about it being perfect. It's not not about it being perfect. It's not not about it working every time. It won't. But what working every time. It won't. But what working every time. It won't. But what you're doing is you're improving your you're doing is you're improving your you're doing is you're improving your odds of success. So, it's going to help odds of success. So, it's going to help odds of success. So, it's going to help you stand out compared to your fellow you stand out compared to your fellow you stand out compared to your fellow applicants. applicants. applicants. someone is going to get hired for these someone is going to get hired for these someone is going to get hired for these jobs. And that's the thing people tell jobs. And that's the thing people tell jobs. And that's the thing people tell me, well, they're ghost jobs or they're, me, well, they're ghost jobs or they're, me, well, they're ghost jobs or they're, you know, for the most part, they're you know, for the most part, they're you know, for the most part, they're real jobs and people are getting hired. real jobs and people are getting hired. real jobs and people are getting hired. And yes, maybe there are ghost jobs. And yes, maybe there are ghost jobs. And yes, maybe there are ghost jobs. Maybe there are jobs they're posting Maybe there are jobs they're posting Maybe there are jobs they're posting that are never filled. That may be, that are never filled. That may be, that are never filled. That may be, however, it's not all of them. There are however, it's not all of them. There are however, it's not all of them. There are jobs out there. There are companies out jobs out there. There are companies out jobs out there. There are companies out there that are hiring. And if you are there that are hiring. And if you are there that are hiring. And if you are putting your best foot forward, you are putting your best foot forward, you are putting your best foot forward, you are more likely to get an interview and go more likely to get an interview and go more likely to get an interview and go through the next steps in the process.

through the next steps in the process. through the next steps in the process. Someone is going to get that job. So the Someone is going to get that job. So the Someone is going to get that job. So the question is, why not you? All right, question is, why not you? All right, question is, why not you? All right, thanks for listening and as always, I am thanks for listening and as always, I am thanks for listening and as always, I am Tim Corey.