Do you want to know how to make your job application stand out among other job applicants? Let's dive into the key strategies on how you could make your application standouts and what you should know first before applying for a tech company.

Hi there! My name is Dao, and I've been a Talent Acquisition Partner at Opn for three years. Over the course of my career, I've come across massive amounts of resumes, conducted numerous interviews, and interacted with a wide variety of applicants, both strong and weak. As a recruiter, I'd like to share my insights with those considering a career change or recent graduates just starting out.

Let’s get started!

Preparing for the Application Process

Before you click “apply” to any job, do your research on the company and the role first. Take time to explore the company’s website and LinkedIn page, and even check reviews on Glassdoor. This will help you gain a better understanding of their story, mission, culture and core values, and products/services which will provide valuable insights before applying.

Understanding a company's culture is key. When your values align with the company's culture, you're more likely to experience greater job satisfaction and feel comfortable and motivated within the work environment. Tech companies, in particular, often foster a fast-paced environment where decisions are made quickly. They cultivate a culture of empowerment, where employees are encouraged to take initiative, work collaboratively, innovate, and bring their unique ideas to the table. If you don't feel like you belong to your current company, you may experience burnout and eventually develop the intention to leave. Research findings indicate that when employees do not identify themselves with their companies, they are more likely to leave their job within the first six months. So, ensure that you properly research the company before applying.

Once you have a good grasp of the company's profile, you can tailor your resume to highlight your skills and experiences that directly align with their expectations and values. Get valuable resume-writing advice from our experienced Talent Acquisition team and let’s work on your resume!

Nailing the Interview Process

It's common to experience a blend of excitement and nerves after receiving an interview invitation. However, by taking the time to prepare, you can ace the interview and stand out from the other candidates.

The first step is identifying the interview format. Don’t be afraid to ask your recruiter for details about the entire interview process and who the interviewers are. Every tech company’s interview process consists of technical assessments, especially for roles like Software Engineer. Be familiar with the company's tech stack. Research the specific technologies they use and showcase your experience with, and desire to learn, those tools. This will demonstrate your knowledge and fit within their environment. For recent graduates, highlight your university achievements and internship experiences. This can showcase your potential and ability to learn new skills quickly.

Technical expertise is essential, but most hiring processes also include a behavioral interview to gauge a candidate's team fit and uncover any potential issues that could hinder successful collaboration. It's common for candidates to emphasize their best qualities, which is understandable. However, showcasing vulnerability by discussing past challenges and how you learned from them demonstrates self-awareness and resilience, which are highly valuable traits. Highlight your problem-solving skills by breaking down your experience using the STAR method: outline the Situation you faced, the specific Task or goal you aimed for, the Actions you took to address it, and the positive Result you achieved. For a deeper dive into interview preparation, head over to How To: Prep for a Software Engineering Technical Interview at Opn.

Post Interview and Landing the Job

Congratulations on landing the offer! Now comes the last step of the job application process. Before you jump in with a "yes," take some time to carefully review the details and ensure they align with your expectations.

Understanding industry salary trends and your own value will help you determine fair compensation. If the initial offer falls below your minimum expectations, don't hesitate to negotiate with your recruiter. Remember, accepting an offer you're unhappy with can lead to long-term job dissatisfaction, while walking away might result in missing a potentially great opportunity.

Don't hesitate to send a follow-up email to the recruiter if you haven't received any updates for a while. This shows continued interest in the position and allows you to request feedback on your interview performance.

Conclusion

While reaching the final stage of a job application successfully requires effort, it's definitely achievable with proper preparation and a strategic approach. Do some research and thoroughly understand the company's business and the specific role they're hiring for. Once you land an interview, dedicate time to prepare. Anticipate potential questions and craft responses that showcase your skills and experience. Remember to be authentic. Lastly, The offer stage is crucial. Make sure the compensation package meets your needs and reflects your value as a potential employee.