Finding a New Job
I don’t know anyone who actually likes searching for a new job. It might be one of the most challenging processes that almost everyone has to do at least once in their careers. Below are some tips to help with the daunting process. Everything mentioned below I have used or done, but there are a plethora of additional resources out there.
Professional Tips
Update your resume
Make it clean and simple
Have quantifiable numbers for each bullet point if possible (3-5 bullet points max per job)
No more than 2 pages! (1 page is ideal)
Update your LinkedIn
Keep your LinkedIn just as up to date as your resume
Add special projects, new skills , or completed courses that did not make it onto your resume (your LinkedIn can be more dynamic than your resume)
Ask former colleagues to write a recommendation for you
Customize job applications to the role you are applying for
Update your resume to include key words that appear on the job posting
Answer questions yourself rather than just using ChatGPT
Don’t spend too much time on any one application; recruiters only glance at applications and your time is just as precious as theirs!
Network, network, network
Join Slack / Discord groups that pertain to you, the industry you want to work in, or the type of job you want
NYCTech - all things NYC tech related
Women in Tech - women who have a tech job or work for a tech company
Ladies Get Paid - women in all jobs and industries
Wizard of Ops - people who work in operational roles
Rands Leadership - people in leadership roles
Ask people in your network (or in a connection’s network) for a remote meeting or to take them for coffee. Be prepared with thoughtful questions to ask as they are giving you their time.
Connect with people in your network at places you want to apply to and ask them about their experience and for a potential referral code
Go to local events
TechWalk - in-person walks with other people in tech in NYC
Diversify where you look for jobs, not just LinkedIn
Otta - curated jobs based on your resume where you can swipe yes or no based on your interest
Wellfound - startup jobs
Y Combinator - jobs with companies who went through Y Combinator
Techstars - jobs with companies who went through Techstars
Built in NYC - tech and startup jobs in NYC
The Mom Project - jobs catered to moms who are looking for part-time or full-time work
Subscribe to newsletters that highlight certain jobs
Ali Rohde Jobs - chief of staff and operational jobs
GarysGuide - all things tech (news, fundraises, jobs, events)
Freelance Opportunities! - freelance, contract, and part-time roles that are more geared towards creatives
Rise - curated job listings across job types
Listings Project - mainly used to find places to live but they also have a jobs section which features more atypical types of jobs
nextNYC - former venture capital investor Charlie O’Donnell highlights startup events and New Yorkers building companies
Cover letters - mainly a thing of the past; I wouldn’t waste your time
Personal Tips
Try not to get down on yourself (easier said than done). Job searching can be depressing and your ego gets crushed time and time again. Know that this happens to almost everyone, not just you.
Take breaks when necessary as it can be draining to continually search and apply for jobs. I recommend taking breaks on the weekends and at nights. Be sure to continue to have free time for yourself in order to recharge. Also, it’s ok to take longer breaks (week, month, etc.) when needed. I find the reset always nice as you come back refreshed and able to tackle the process again.
Enroll in free courses to level up your skillset
Codecademy - free basic online coding courses
I know that job searching can be a drag, but understand you are not alone and just because you are not landing a job right away does not mean your skillset is not valued or you will never find a job. Good luck and keep your head up as high as possible!
- D