JOB SEARCH & CAREER DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

Specifically for graduating students

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Job Search Platforms

  2. Interview Preparation

  3. Resume Tips & Templates

  4. Career Development Resources

  5. Networking Strategies


JOB SEARCH PLATFORMS

General Job Sites

Tech-Specific Job Sites

New and Local

FSU Student Jobs

Job Search Tips

  1. Use multiple platforms - No single site lists all available jobs

  2. Expos - volunteer to help and pass out business cards at Expos and Conferences

  3. Leverage industry-specific job boards - Often feature fewer applicants, making it easier to stand out

  4. Follow target companies - Many post openings on their websites before job boards

  5. Filter effectively - Use specific keywords and location filters to find relevant positions

  6. Check mobile apps - Some platforms offer mobile-exclusive features

  7. Research salaries - Use platforms like Glassdoor to understand compensation ranges

  8. Set up job alerts - Be among the first to apply for new positions (but turn them off if they get too overwhelming)


INTERVIEW PREPARATION

Technical Interview Resources

Interview Prep Tools

Coding Interview Books, Videos, and Tutorials

Interview Preparation Tips

  1. Research the company - Understand their products, culture, and recent news

  2. Practice with realistic conditions - Time yourself and explain your thinking out loud

  3. Prepare for behavioral questions - Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

  4. Have questions ready - Thoughtful questions show your interest and engagement

  5. Mock interviews - Practice with peers or using dedicated platforms

  6. Review fundamentals - Data structures, algorithms, and system design concepts

  7. Understand the interview structure - Know what to expect in each stage

NEGOTIATING AN OFFER

Negotiation Strategy

Tactical Negotiation Tips

  1. Adjust your approach based on your negotiation counterpart

    • Be more assertive when negotiating with HR or recruiters or the hiring manager

    • Use a more collaborative approach when negotiating with your future direct manager or technical lead

    • Remember that HR often has predetermined salary bands but more flexibility on other benefits

  2. Counter the initial offer

    • Most companies expect a counteroffer and build negotiation room into their initial offers

    • Request 10-20% above the initial offer as a starting point for discussion

    • Frame your counteroffer positively, emphasizing your enthusiasm for the role

  3. Look beyond base salary

    • Equity/Stock options - Ask about vesting schedules, strike prices, and company valuation

    • Signing bonus - One-time payment to join the company

    • Performance bonuses - Annual or quarterly bonuses based on individual or company performance

    • Relocation assistance - Moving expenses, temporary housing, travel costs

    • Retirement benefits - 401(k) matching, pension plans

    • Health benefits - Medical, dental, vision insurance coverage

    • Professional development - Education stipends, conference attendance, training programs

    • Remote work flexibility - Work-from-home days or fully remote options

    • Vacation time - Additional PTO days beyond standard policy

    • Flexible working hours - Adjusted start/end times to fit your schedule

  4. Ask clarifying questions about equity compensation

    • "What is the vesting schedule for the options/RSUs?"

    • "What percentage of the company do these shares represent?"

    • "What was the valuation at the last funding round?"

    • "Are there any upcoming liquidity events planned?"

    • "What happens to my options if I leave the company?"

  5. Get everything in writing

    • Request a formal offer letter that includes all negotiated terms

    • Clarify any verbal promises made during negotiations

    • Don't give notice at your current position until you have a signed offer

Offer Evaluation Checklist

Negotiation Resources

 


RESUME TIPS & TEMPLATES

Modern Resume Templates

Resume Format Tips

  1. Keep it to one page for early-career professionals (1-2 pages maximum for experienced roles)

  2. Use clean, readable fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia (10-12pt size)

  3. Include white space to improve readability

  4. Create clear section headings using bold formatting or subtle color

  5. Use consistent formatting for bullet points, spacing, and alignment

  6. Consider a two-column layout to maximize space usage

  7. Ensure consistent margins (0.75-1 inch on all sides)

  8. Make it ATS-friendly by using standard section headings and avoiding complex graphics

Content Improvement Tips

  1. Include GitHub/portfolio links for technical roles

  2. Showcase projects with measurable results and technologies used

    1. Put projects on github and add to linkedin

    2. Put linkedin and github on resume/cv

    3. Resume Tips for Developers: https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/how-to-write-a-resume-that-works/

  3. Tailor each resume to the specific job you're applying for

  4. Quantify achievements with specific metrics and percentages

  5. Use action verbs to create impact (developed, implemented, optimized)

  6. Include relevant keywords from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking System (ATS) screening

  7. Highlight technical skills relevant to the position

  8. Start with a professional summary/objective highlighting career goals and qualifications (for more experienced jobs)

Tech Resume Essentials

  1. Technical Skills Section - List programming languages, tools, and platforms

  2. Projects Section - Highlight relevant technical work with GitHub links; Incorporate technical terms from the job description

  3. Certifications - Include relevant technical certifications and credentials

  4. Education - Feature relevant coursework and academic projects

  5. Achievements - Emphasize quantifiable technical accomplishments


CAREER DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

Learning Platforms

Career Development Tools

Skills for Tech Jobs

  1. AI/Machine Learning - High-demand area with continued growth

  2. Cloud Computing - AWS, Azure, Google Cloud expertise

  3. Cybersecurity - Critical need across industries

  4. Data Science & Analytics - Growing importance in decision-making

  5. DevOps & SRE - Infrastructure and deployment automation

  6. Blockchain Development - Expanding beyond cryptocurrency

  7. AR/VR Development - Growing applications in various industries

  8. Low-Code/No-Code Development - Democratizing software creation


NETWORKING STRATEGIES

Networking Platforms

Effective Networking Approaches

  1. Attend industry events - Conferences, meetups, and workshops

  2. Engage in online communities - Contribute meaningfully to discussions

  3. Reach out to alumni - Connect with people from your school or bootcamp

  4. Informational interviews - Request brief meetings to learn about roles or companies

  5. Volunteer at expos - Help out and distribute business cards

  6. Join professional associations - Such as ACM or IEEE for tech professionals

  7. Contribute to open source - Build connections while improving your skills

  8. Follow up consistently - Maintain relationships through regular contact

Overall Tips (To Sort)

Networking Tips


Please flag me at rickys@sethi.org if you find any broken links or new resources so that this guide can be regularly updated with the latest resources and strategies to help people succeed in their job search and career development journey.