5 Job Search Tips for Tech School Graduates

If you are a recent tech school graduate looking for a job, then you’ll need tips to find the perfect career opportunity to meet your personal and financial goals.

As a progressive and fast-paced career choice, a job in the information technology (IT) sector presents more opportunities for massive job growth and career sustainability in tough economic times.

By networking, writing killer marketing documents and visiting your alumni services center, you will be three steps ahead of the competition in your online or offline job search.

Use your school’s alumni services center

Visit your school’s website to see what job services are available for alumni. If you are far away from the campus, there might be web seminars and phone appointments available for recent or former graduates.

If the center helps graduates with mock interviews, sign up for a critique. Bring your cover letter and resume and ask the career services staff to provide feedback on your documents and your interviewing skills.

Attend a weekly technology-networking event

Some technology associations have weekly mixers for staff and members. Check out these networking events to meet potential employers or network with other technology graduates.

To prepare for the event, have a 10- to 30-second bio to talk about your job capabilities and skills. Hand out business cards with your email address, name, social media accounts and telephone number. Use these cards to connect with people who can help you find a job now, or in the future.

If you’ve made a connection with a contact, be sure to find out the best way to continue the relationship. Determine if it is best to speak to them via phone, email or through their social networking accounts.

Write a killer cover letter and resume

A cover letter and resume are your personal job marketing documents. To grab the reader’s impression start strong. Because most recruiters and hiring managers scan these documents in seven to 10 seconds, begin your resume and cover letter with an enthusiastic tone and significant achievements.

Your cover letter and resume should also indicate that you are familiar with the company’s goals and mission. Also, explain in detail how your specialized skill set can meet their needs.

Place your resume online

When posting your resume online, it is important to present yourself professionally. Make sure to proofread the resume for spelling errors. If possible, include web hot links in the document, so a potential employer can click through to your work-related blog, online work or LinkedIn profile.

If you do not want to place your home phone number on the resume, create a free Google voice number to record all your job interview-related calls.

Join a LinkedIn or Facebook networking group

If your former tech school has an online networking group, connect with alumni through LinkedIn or Facebook.

Be sure to update your profiles with a photo of yourself wearing professional attire. Also, join professional technology groups on these social networking sites to meet new contacts and keep up to date on tech news and events.