Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is the most effective search strategy for a Tracker Specialist when assisting clients?
Which of the following is the most effective search strategy for a Tracker Specialist when assisting clients?
- Focusing solely on keyword searches without utilizing filters to ensure a wider range of job postings.
- Using an overly narrow criteria and uncommon job titles.
- Immediately applying all available filters to narrow down the search to the most specific criteria.
- Starting with a broad search using minimal filters and then progressively adding more filters based on the volume of results. (correct)
A Tracker Specialist should avoid Boolean operators (AND, OR) when crafting search queries, as they often confuse job search algorithms and yield fewer relevant results.
A Tracker Specialist should avoid Boolean operators (AND, OR) when crafting search queries, as they often confuse job search algorithms and yield fewer relevant results.
False (B)
A client is seeking a 'project manager' position, but the initial search results are too broad, encompassing roles in IT, construction, and marketing. What specific action should a Tracker Specialist take to focus the search effectively?
A client is seeking a 'project manager' position, but the initial search results are too broad, encompassing roles in IT, construction, and marketing. What specific action should a Tracker Specialist take to focus the search effectively?
filter by industry
When a client is open to exploring roles in multiple locations, a Tracker Specialist should conduct _________ searches for each location to maximize the potential for relevant job postings.
When a client is open to exploring roles in multiple locations, a Tracker Specialist should conduct _________ searches for each location to maximize the potential for relevant job postings.
Match the common job search filters with their primary function:
Match the common job search filters with their primary function:
What key skill differentiates a Quality Assurance (QA) specialist from a Software Engineer?
What key skill differentiates a Quality Assurance (QA) specialist from a Software Engineer?
Project Managers in tech are primarily responsible for defining what the product should be and setting its strategic vision, rather than overseeing the execution and timeline of projects.
Project Managers in tech are primarily responsible for defining what the product should be and setting its strategic vision, rather than overseeing the execution and timeline of projects.
A job posting seeks a 'Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET).' What combination of skills does this role typically require?
A job posting seeks a 'Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET).' What combination of skills does this role typically require?
While a Project Manager focuses on _____, a Product Manager focuses on _____.
While a Project Manager focuses on _____, a Product Manager focuses on _____.
Match the following tech job roles with their primary responsibilities:
Match the following tech job roles with their primary responsibilities:
How should a Tracker Specialist advise a client who expresses a desire to transition from a QA role to a Software Development role?
How should a Tracker Specialist advise a client who expresses a desire to transition from a QA role to a Software Development role?
Data Scientists primarily focus on building user-facing applications rather than extracting insights and building predictive models from complex datasets.
Data Scientists primarily focus on building user-facing applications rather than extracting insights and building predictive models from complex datasets.
What is the primary distinction between a Data Analyst and a Machine Learning Engineer?
What is the primary distinction between a Data Analyst and a Machine Learning Engineer?
An effective cybersecurity strategy includes both implementing robust defenses and planning for effective _________ in the event of a security breach.
An effective cybersecurity strategy includes both implementing robust defenses and planning for effective _________ in the event of a security breach.
Associate the cybersecurity roles with their core functions:
Associate the cybersecurity roles with their core functions:
What is the primary role of a DevOps Engineer?
What is the primary role of a DevOps Engineer?
When speaking to a potential client, it is always more important to agree with them and their assumptions.
When speaking to a potential client, it is always more important to agree with them and their assumptions.
What are the suggested actions for a client who is not hearing back after applying for a job?
What are the suggested actions for a client who is not hearing back after applying for a job?
What is the most helpful action when a client keeps interviewing but does not get any offers?
What is the most helpful action when a client keeps interviewing but does not get any offers?
Match the following roles with their definitions.
Match the following roles with their definitions.
Which of the following skills is most critical for a technical writer?
Which of the following skills is most critical for a technical writer?
It’s best to keep providing options to a client rather than offering recommendations, as it seems more considerate.
It’s best to keep providing options to a client rather than offering recommendations, as it seems more considerate.
When providing strategic guidance to a prospective client, you should focus on what type of perspective?
When providing strategic guidance to a prospective client, you should focus on what type of perspective?
It’s ok to begin by challenging client assumptions to help them refine their job search strategies, but always maintain a good ________ with your clients.
It’s ok to begin by challenging client assumptions to help them refine their job search strategies, but always maintain a good ________ with your clients.
Match each definition to a persona:
Match each definition to a persona:
According to research, what do customers and clients respond well to, other than purely service-oriented actions?
According to research, what do customers and clients respond well to, other than purely service-oriented actions?
A Tracker Specialist should avoid helping a client when they feel like it is likely to be a pivot.
A Tracker Specialist should avoid helping a client when they feel like it is likely to be a pivot.
You should use ________ to communicate to clients your collaboration.
You should use ________ to communicate to clients your collaboration.
Which of the 3 pillars involves customizing your approach to the client’s specific goals and personality? _________
Which of the 3 pillars involves customizing your approach to the client’s specific goals and personality? _________
Match each definition to its correct job title
Match each definition to its correct job title
What would you want to target if the client is very data driven?
What would you want to target if the client is very data driven?
Order-taking, rather than guidance, is a stronger attribute of an Advisor position.
Order-taking, rather than guidance, is a stronger attribute of an Advisor position.
According to the challenger sales model, what 3 attributes describe the ideal client interactions?
According to the challenger sales model, what 3 attributes describe the ideal client interactions?
A client wants to work directly in a tech company rather than a consulting company. What action can you take to improve the odds of finding the right jobs for the client? _______
A client wants to work directly in a tech company rather than a consulting company. What action can you take to improve the odds of finding the right jobs for the client? _______
Associate the role with its description:
Associate the role with its description:
To get the most effective job posting result, why is it important to incorporate the best keywords for a specific level?
To get the most effective job posting result, why is it important to incorporate the best keywords for a specific level?
It is useful in guiding clients towards the right details by only asking direct questions, rather than thought provoking suggestions or questions
It is useful in guiding clients towards the right details by only asking direct questions, rather than thought provoking suggestions or questions
When a client is interested in multiple potential roles what should be done to provide effective results
When a client is interested in multiple potential roles what should be done to provide effective results
Which of the 3 pillars involves offering the client with new perspectives or insights that they hadn’t considered? _________
Which of the 3 pillars involves offering the client with new perspectives or insights that they hadn’t considered? _________
Match each definition to its corresponding job title:
Match each definition to its corresponding job title:
A client insists on only applying to Fortune 50 companies for software engineering roles, despite having limited experience. Which of the following is the most appropriate Challenger approach for a Tracker Specialist?
A client insists on only applying to Fortune 50 companies for software engineering roles, despite having limited experience. Which of the following is the most appropriate Challenger approach for a Tracker Specialist?
The primary responsibility of QA (Quality Assurance) specialists is to write the production code that users interact with.
The primary responsibility of QA (Quality Assurance) specialists is to write the production code that users interact with.
What is the main difference between a Project Manager and a Product Manager in the tech industry?
What is the main difference between a Project Manager and a Product Manager in the tech industry?
When conducting a job search, using too ______ a search term can yield irrelevant results, while overly narrow criteria can exclude good matches.
When conducting a job search, using too ______ a search term can yield irrelevant results, while overly narrow criteria can exclude good matches.
Match the following search filters to their best use case:
Match the following search filters to their best use case:
A client is interested in a "data role" but cannot decide between Data Scientist, Data Analyst or Data Engineer. To best help them, what is the best first step for the Tracker Specialist?
A client is interested in a "data role" but cannot decide between Data Scientist, Data Analyst or Data Engineer. To best help them, what is the best first step for the Tracker Specialist?
When using Boolean logic in job searching, the 'NOT' operator can be used to exclude specific terms or phrases.
When using Boolean logic in job searching, the 'NOT' operator can be used to exclude specific terms or phrases.
What are the three pillars of the Challenger Sales Model applicable to client interactions, often summarized?
What are the three pillars of the Challenger Sales Model applicable to client interactions, often summarized?
In the technology job landscape, ________ Engineers are responsible for ensuring that software meets certain standards and is free of critical bugs.
In the technology job landscape, ________ Engineers are responsible for ensuring that software meets certain standards and is free of critical bugs.
Place the following Data specializations with the tools or primary focus:
Place the following Data specializations with the tools or primary focus:
Client says "I want a product management job because I want to control the team."
What is the MOST appropriate Tracker response?
Client says "I want a product management job because I want to control the team."
What is the MOST appropriate Tracker response?
As a Tracker Specialist, it's best to always agree with a client's job search strategy to maintain a positive relationship.
As a Tracker Specialist, it's best to always agree with a client's job search strategy to maintain a positive relationship.
What are the key responsibilities of a DevOps Engineer?
What are the key responsibilities of a DevOps Engineer?
The "________" is a sales approach useful for leading client interaction, built around the three pillars often summarized as Teach, Tailor, and Take Control.
The "________" is a sales approach useful for leading client interaction, built around the three pillars often summarized as Teach, Tailor, and Take Control.
Link the roles with its description:
Link the roles with its description:
When helping a client interested in security positions, one candidate has a Security+ certificate but is only just entering the job market. Which of the ways listed helps the most?
When helping a client interested in security positions, one candidate has a Security+ certificate but is only just entering the job market. Which of the ways listed helps the most?
A consultative Tracker Specialist should always prioritize quickly fulfilling a client's requests over providing strategic job search advice.
A consultative Tracker Specialist should always prioritize quickly fulfilling a client's requests over providing strategic job search advice.
What is the primary skill set distinguishing Security professionals from others in IT?
What is the primary skill set distinguishing Security professionals from others in IT?
In tech projects, a ________ is responsible for ensuring the scope, schedule, budget, risk, quality, and resources of a project that coordinates with a variety of stakeholders to achieve the project goals.
In tech projects, a ________ is responsible for ensuring the scope, schedule, budget, risk, quality, and resources of a project that coordinates with a variety of stakeholders to achieve the project goals.
What are the key responsibilities associated with each specialty? (NOTE: This can very depending on the employer and role)
What are the key responsibilities associated with each specialty? (NOTE: This can very depending on the employer and role)
A client wants "something in tech; I am very creative" What question to ask?
A client wants "something in tech; I am very creative" What question to ask?
When a client articulates specific requirements or preferences, these automatically correspond to a neat filter available on job search platforms.
When a client articulates specific requirements or preferences, these automatically correspond to a neat filter available on job search platforms.
What is a high level summary for cyber security specialists?
What is a high level summary for cyber security specialists?
Using multiple potential job roles, plan to run separate searches for _______ or use OR in a single query if the platform allows
Using multiple potential job roles, plan to run separate searches for _______ or use OR in a single query if the platform allows
Match the following search styles with its description:
Match the following search styles with its description:
A client explains "I want a remote job". What is the best Tracker first action for a Tracker Specialist?
A client explains "I want a remote job". What is the best Tracker first action for a Tracker Specialist?
It is inappropriate for a Tracker Specialist to ask a client why they're looking for a new position; that is too personal.
It is inappropriate for a Tracker Specialist to ask a client why they're looking for a new position; that is too personal.
What is the difference between asking "What do you want" and leading in job search?
What is the difference between asking "What do you want" and leading in job search?
If a client has a suboptimal job search strategy, part of the specialist's job is to professionally challenge and refine it, rather than just _______ it as-is.
If a client has a suboptimal job search strategy, part of the specialist's job is to professionally challenge and refine it, rather than just _______ it as-is.
Match the following Digital roles with its responsibilities:
Match the following Digital roles with its responsibilities:
After gathering information, I’m seeing a bunch of results.
The first few look like 'Business Intelligence Analyst' at a healthcare startup, 'Data Analyst II' at a financial firm. How do those sound? Which type of question should I be prepared for?
After gathering information, I’m seeing a bunch of results. The first few look like 'Business Intelligence Analyst' at a healthcare startup, 'Data Analyst II' at a financial firm. How do those sound? Which type of question should I be prepared for?
Even if a Tracker Specialist is new to the role, they can project confidence by focusing on what they do know and leveraging training resources.
Even if a Tracker Specialist is new to the role, they can project confidence by focusing on what they do know and leveraging training resources.
What is the key is to translate a client’s needs into well-crafted search criteria?
What is the key is to translate a client’s needs into well-crafted search criteria?
A well-stated plan reduces anxiety. Having a clear plan of action shows ________ and it also helps the client feel progress is being made.
A well-stated plan reduces anxiety. Having a clear plan of action shows ________ and it also helps the client feel progress is being made.
Match the following roles with responsibilities:
Match the following roles with responsibilities:
Client : “I am worried I don’t have the right degree for these developer jobs”
Tracker :[_____] Select the BEST response.
Client : “I am worried I don’t have the right degree for these developer jobs” Tracker :[_____] Select the BEST response.
When discussing potential companies on the market, clients will know what they need/want in the next career move.
When discussing potential companies on the market, clients will know what they need/want in the next career move.
A client insists on applying only to Fortune 50 companies for cybersecurity roles, despite lacking required certifications. Which response best exemplifies the 'Challenger' mindset?
A client insists on applying only to Fortune 50 companies for cybersecurity roles, despite lacking required certifications. Which response best exemplifies the 'Challenger' mindset?
Cybersecurity specialists primarily focus on developing new software features to enhance system functionality.
Cybersecurity specialists primarily focus on developing new software features to enhance system functionality.
A client seeks a role that combines software development with testing. What specific role should be targeted?
A client seeks a role that combines software development with testing. What specific role should be targeted?
A product manager is often described as the ______ of the product.
A product manager is often described as the ______ of the product.
Match the following roles to their corresponding primary focus:
Match the following roles to their corresponding primary focus:
A client with a strong background in mathematics and statistics expresses interest in a tech role that leverages these skills, but prefers not building user-facing applications. Which role would be most suitable?
A client with a strong background in mathematics and statistics expresses interest in a tech role that leverages these skills, but prefers not building user-facing applications. Which role would be most suitable?
It is always best to apply as many filters as possible to narrow down job search results for optimal efficiency.
It is always best to apply as many filters as possible to narrow down job search results for optimal efficiency.
What Boolean operator can be used to broaden a search to include multiple job titles or synonyms?
What Boolean operator can be used to broaden a search to include multiple job titles or synonyms?
When encountering a new job title, a tracker specialist should always ______ the role to understand its responsibilities.
When encountering a new job title, a tracker specialist should always ______ the role to understand its responsibilities.
Match the given actions with elements of the Challenger sales model:
Match the given actions with elements of the Challenger sales model:
A client expresses frustration over receiving interview offers but no job offers. What is the most strategic guidance a Tracker Specialist can suggest?
A client expresses frustration over receiving interview offers but no job offers. What is the most strategic guidance a Tracker Specialist can suggest?
In a consulting approach, the primary aim is simply to fulfill a client's immediate request without challenging their assumptions or strategy.
In a consulting approach, the primary aim is simply to fulfill a client's immediate request without challenging their assumptions or strategy.
What type of questions are helpful to uncover an individual's passions and values?
What type of questions are helpful to uncover an individual's passions and values?
Using collaborative language such as "we" instead of "you" conveys that
you're a team and that you're ______ in their success.
Using collaborative language such as "we" instead of "you" conveys that you're a team and that you're ______ in their success.
Match the search queries with a likely client employment background:
Match the search queries with a likely client employment background:
What filter helps to increase your chances of response from companies that may be actively hiring?
What filter helps to increase your chances of response from companies that may be actively hiring?
Knowledge of waterfall project managment is more important than communications skills
Knowledge of waterfall project managment is more important than communications skills
Give an example of an open-ended question used when trying to understand a goal
Give an example of an open-ended question used when trying to understand a goal
Software developers are expected to stay current with the latest tools and tech since the space is constantly ______.
Software developers are expected to stay current with the latest tools and tech since the space is constantly ______.
Match the IT specialist to typical places of employment.
Match the IT specialist to typical places of employment.
Flashcards
How Job Search Platforms Work
How Job Search Platforms Work
Modern job platforms operate as search engines, matching keywords (job titles, skills) in job postings to user queries.
Search Results Ranking
Search Results Ranking
Platforms rank results by relevance (best match) or date (newest first), allowing users to prioritize based on their needs.
Job Alerts and Saved Searches
Job Alerts and Saved Searches
Users can save search queries to receive job alerts for automatic notifications when new jobs match their criteria.
Key Job Search Filters
Key Job Search Filters
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Job Title / Keywords Filter
Job Title / Keywords Filter
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Location Filter
Location Filter
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Experience Level Filter
Experience Level Filter
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Company Filter
Company Filter
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Job Type Filter
Job Type Filter
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Date Posted Filter
Date Posted Filter
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Industry or Category Filter
Industry or Category Filter
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Salary Range Filter
Salary Range Filter
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Start Broad Then Refine
Start Broad Then Refine
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Avoid Over-Filtering
Avoid Over-Filtering
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Software Engineering
Software Engineering
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Quality Assurance (QA)
Quality Assurance (QA)
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Project Management (PM)
Project Management (PM)
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Product Management (PM)
Product Management (PM)
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Data Science & analytics
Data Science & analytics
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Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity
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DevOps Engineer / Cloud Engineer
DevOps Engineer / Cloud Engineer
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UI/UX Designer
UI/UX Designer
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Business Analyst (BA)
Business Analyst (BA)
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Technical Support / Help Desk
Technical Support / Help Desk
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Cybersecurity sub-specialties
Cybersecurity sub-specialties
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Hardware Engineer
Hardware Engineer
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Embedded Systems Engineer
Embedded Systems Engineer
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Network Engineer
Network Engineer
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Systems Engineer
Systems Engineer
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Database Administrator (DBA)
Database Administrator (DBA)
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IT Support/Help Desk Specialist
IT Support/Help Desk Specialist
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Technical Writer
Technical Writer
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User Experience (UX) Researcher
User Experience (UX) Researcher
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UI/UX Designer (Expanded)
UI/UX Designer (Expanded)
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Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst
Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst
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Digital Marketing Specialist (Tech-Focused)
Digital Marketing Specialist (Tech-Focused)
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Fintech Analyst/Engineer
Fintech Analyst/Engineer
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Blockchain Engineer
Blockchain Engineer
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Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineer
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IoT (Internet of Things) Engineer
IoT (Internet of Things) Engineer
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Telecommunications Engineer
Telecommunications Engineer
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Product Marketing Manager
Product Marketing Manager
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Sales Engineer / Pre-Sales Engineer
Sales Engineer / Pre-Sales Engineer
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Customer Success Manager / Technical Account Manager
Customer Success Manager / Technical Account Manager
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Program / Portfolio Manager
Program / Portfolio Manager
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Desired Role(s) and Titles
Desired Role(s) and Titles
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Location Preferences
Location Preferences
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Study Notes
- This handbook equips individuals with foundational knowledge to excel in assisting clients with their job search. It covers how job search platforms function, essential filters for locating relevant job postings, an overview of common technology job roles, tips for creating effective search criteria, and approaches for engaging in consultative client interactions.
Understanding Job Search & Filters
- Modern job platforms are search engines for job postings.
- Mastery of search mechanics enables pinpointing opportunities matching a client’s goals.
How Job Searches Work on Major Platforms
- All platforms utilize keywords (job titles, skills, company names, etc.) to identify relevant job postings.
- Search algorithms analyze job titles and descriptions for matches.
- Results are based on relevance or date of posting.
- Sorting by newest displays fresh openings, while relevance highlights well-matched listings.
- Job alerts automate the search process, notifying users of new matching jobs.
Key Filters for Refining Job Searches
- Job search filters narrow results, focusing on opportunities meeting specific criteria.
- Filters include job title/keywords, location, experience level, company, job type, date posted, industry, and salary range.
- It's important to use quotes for exact phrases or Boolean operators (AND, OR) for advanced searches. Try synonyms
- Location filters can specify geography, ensuring jobs are in the desired area.
- Remote work widens pool of results.
- Experience level filters ensure you find roles that align with the candidate’s skills and career stage.
- Company filters display jobs only at target organizations.
- Job Type filters commonly include full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, internship, and sometimes remote or on-site.
- Date posted filters display the newest postings to improve chances of response.
- Industry or Category filters specify the industry or job function category.
- Salary range filters narrow results to roles likely matching compensation expectations; not all job postings disclose salary.
Best Practices for Using Filters
- Broaden search and then refine if you get thousands of hits, if too few hits, remove or loosen some filters.
- Over-filtering leads to limited results; too broad leads to irrelevant jobs, so find the sweet spot.
- Keywords and filters combined ensure precision.
- Glance at which filters are active because it’s easy to forget a filter is on.
- Indeed and LinkedIn have slightly different filter sets.
Crafting Search Queries: Examples
- To refine a broad software engineering role search, use "Software Engineer" as the keyword and "Seattle, WA" as the location on LinkedIn, then filter for "Entry level" experience and "Past Week" date posted – if results include too many unrelated tech jobs, consider adding a specific skill keyword the client has.
- To refine niche role with skills, use"Data Scientist" and remote work on Indeed, click filters: add Industry = Healthcare, and a Skill keyword like "Python" or "SQL".set Experience Level if the client has a certain level (say 1-3 years experience = Entry Level/Associate).
- To refine search for Multiple Titles & Synonyms, use LinkedIn with keywords "Project Manager OR Product Manager" and location "New York City", filter Experience = "Mid-Senior", include keyword "Fintech".
Technology Job Roles Overview
- A solid understanding of the technology job landscape is needed to effectively assist clients.
- Clients mention roles or titles, so knowing what those roles entail is crucial for credible conversations.
Software Engineering
- Software Engineers are the creators of software applications and systems; apply the principles of software engineering to design, develop, maintain, test, and evaluate computer software
- Key Responsibilities include writing, testing, and debugging code, designing software architecture or modules, code review and collaboration and maintaining and improving software.
- Key Skills include proficiency in programming and software development, algorithms and data structures, familiarity with databases, and problem-solving, as well as soft skills.
- Variations and Specializations include front-end, back-end, full-stack, mobile app developers, and DevOps engineers.
- Software engineering remains one of the most in-demand roles in tech.
Quality Assurance (QA) and Testing
- Quality Assurance specialists and testers ensure that software meets certain standards and is free of critical bugs.
- QA roles are responsible for creating and performing tests, identifying errors, and providing feedback to verify that the final product meets the company’s quality requirements
- Key responsibilities: testing software functionality, identifying and logging bugs, regression testing, ensuring the product meets requirements and communicating with the development team.
- Key skills are attention to detail, methodical and good at problem-solving, familiarity with the software development process and tools.
- QA and testers do not usually write the production code.
- Increasing emphasis on test automation means many QA roles now look for some programming ability.
- There’s also the concept of "QA embedded in agile teams" are becoming increasingly popular for continuous testing.
- Demand for QA can be strong, make sure to carefully parse job postings for different expectations.
Project Management (PM)
- Project Managers plan and oversee the execution of projects to ensure they are completed on time, within scope, and on budget, project manager for the scope, schedule, budget, risk, quality, and resources of a project, coordinating with a variety of stakeholders to achieve the project goals.
- Key Responsibilities include project planning, team coordination, timeline and deliverable management, budget and resource management, risk management and stakeholder communication.
- Key Skills are organizational and planning skills as well as communication skills, problem-solving and adaptability, and methodology knowledge.
- Project Managers focus on execution, while Product Managers focus on definition.
- PMs are needed in most industries, not just tech, and demand is steady for competent PMs, though the specific title might vary.
Product Management (PM)
- Product Managers are the "CEO of the product" as they identify customer needs and the larger business objectives that a product or feature will fulfill; defines what the team should build and why.
- They own the product strategy, roadmap, and feature definition, working at the intersection of business, technology, and user experience, ensuring the product is valuable, usable, and feasible.
- Key responsibilities: product strategy and vision, gathering requirements, prioritization and roadmap planning, collaborating with development/design teams and stakeholder management.
- Key Skills: strategic thinking and user empathy, strong skills in communication and leadership, prioritization and decision-making
- Product Managers decide what the product should do, while Project Managers decide how the team will execute to deliver those features on time.
- Product Management has grown in demand as more companies become product-focused and domain expertise can matter.
- Trend of specialized PM roles.
Data Science & Analytics
- Data Scientists leverage data to derive insights, build predictive models, and inform decision-making as well as analyze and interpret complex data to help organizations make better and more timely decisions.
- Roles include Data Analysts and Data Engineers; all these roles are part of the data domain.
- Key Responsibilities (Data Scientist focus) include data analysis and exploration, building models, data visualization and reporting, experimentation and collaboration with domain experts
- Key Skills: Strong foundation in statistics and mathematics, programming skills, analytical thinking and problem-solving, Machine Learning frameworks.
- Data scientists create insight or model performance rather than a user-facing application.
- Data roles have been very hot with roles titled "ML Engineer" or "AI Specialist" emerging at the top of many most-wanted lists and Data Analytics roles remaining plentiful.
- Clarify which aspect they lean towards – heavy modeling vs. reporting vs. data pipeline engineering.
Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity specialists protect an organization’s computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats.
- Roles include Cybersecurity Analyst, Information Security Analyst, Security Engineer, Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker), and Security Architect.
- Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for protecting organizations from cyber threats through monitoring, analysis, and response to security incidents.
- Setting up defenses and planning how to respond if those defenses are breached are also key duties.
- Key Responsibilities include monitoring and detection, incident response, vulnerability assessment, security policy and enforcement and Security architecture.
- Key Skills: strong understanding of IT systems (OS, networks, databases), knowledge of security tools and Security standards and practices.
- Security roles are proactive and defensive in nature vs. other IT positions, and they may require a security clearance.
- Some cybersecurity roles require programming or scripting skills to automate tasks or understand exploits.
- Cybersecurity roles requires specific certifications (e.g., Security+, CISSP, CEH) which are common.
- Sub-specialties: Penetration Testers (ethical hackers who attempt to break systems), SOC Analysts (monitor security operations center consoles), and Security Architects (design overall security infrastructure).
- In great demand and industry will most likely remain that way.
Other Notable Tech Roles
- DevOps Engineer / Cloud Engineer: They create pipelines for continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD), automate infrastructure, and manage cloud services; key skills are cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), scripting, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
- UI/UX Designer: Craft the look and feel of software products, design layouts, graphics, and user flows, and create wireframes, prototypes, and do user research to ensure the product is intuitive.
- Business Analyst (BA): Gather and document requirements, analyze business processes, and often help ensure that the final product solves the right problem.
- Technical Support / Help Desk: Involve assisting users or clients in resolving technical issues with strong problem-solving and communication skills.
Additional Job Functions & Roles
- Hardware Engineer: designs, develops, and tests physical components of computers, mobile devices, and other electronics, developing circuit designs and schematics.
- Embedded Systems Engineer: works on integrating software with hardware in devices such as IoT gadgets, automotive systems, and consumer electronics, writing firmware for microcontrollers.
- Network Engineer: designs, implements, and maintains an organization’s network infrastructure, configuring routers, switches, and firewalls.
- Systems Engineer: focuses on integrating and ensuring the smooth operation of complex systems – bridging hardware and software, Coordinating different system components.
- Database Administrator (DBA): Manages databases to ensure data integrity, security, and optimal performance, Installing, configuring, and upgrading databases.
- IT Support/Help Desk Specialist: Provides technical support to end users and ensures smooth operation of IT services, Troubleshooting hardware and software issues.
- Technical Writer: Creates clear documentation, manuals, and guides that explain complex technical concepts, writing technical documentation and collaborating with engineers and developers.
- User Experience (UX) Researcher: Studies user behavior and needs to inform design decisions, conducting user interviews and usability testing.
- UI/UX Designer (Expanded): Designs engaging, intuitive interfaces and ensures a seamless user experience, Creating wireframes, prototypes, and visual designs.
- Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst: Transforms raw data into actionable insights to support business decision-making, designing and maintaining dashboards and reports.
- Digital Marketing Specialist (Tech-Focused): Leverages digital channels and data analytics to drive online marketing efforts for tech products or services, Creating and optimizing online campaigns.
- Fintech Analyst/Engineer: Focuses on developing and managing technology solutions within the financial services sector, building financial applications.
- Blockchain Engineer: Designs and develops systems based on blockchain technology, often for secure and decentralized applications, developing smart contracts and blockchain applications.
- Robotics Engineer: Focuses on designing and building robotic systems used in manufacturing, research, or consumer products, designing robotic components and control systems.
- IoT (Internet of Things) Engineer: Designs solutions that connect everyday devices to the internet for smarter, data-driven operations, developing IoT hardware and integrating sensors.
- Telecommunications Engineer: Focuses on designing and maintaining communication systems, including voice, data, and video networks, Planning and implementing telecommunication networks.
- Product Marketing Manager: Bridges product development and marketing by defining product messaging and positioning, Crafting go-to-market strategies.
- Sales Engineer / Pre-Sales Engineer: Combines technical expertise with sales skills to help clients understand and adopt technical products, Demonstrating product capabilities to prospective clients.
- Customer Success Manager/Technical Account Manager: Ensures customers derive value from a product or service and maintains long-term relationships through support, onboarding and monitoring product usage and satisfaction.
- Program / Portfolio Manager: Oversees a collection of related projects or initiatives to ensure alignment with business strategy efficiently, coordinating multiple project teams.
Crafting Effective Search Criteria
- It’s about applying knowledge with the client’s specific situation in mind, translating their needs into well-crafted criteria.
Guiding Clients to Provide the Right Details
- Ask questions to extract details that will make the job search fruitful.
- Clarify desired roles, location preferences, experience level, specific skills, industry interests and company size.
- Encourage the client to articulate anything they absolutely require or cannot accept.
- Sometimes clients don’t know what they want until they see options, so iteratively refine.
Translating Client Needs into Precise Filters
- If the client gave a specific title, use that as your primary keyword.
- If they mentioned multiple roles, plan to run separate searches for each.
- If possible, incorporate experience level and location, filter based on client preference or multi-select locations
- Leverage Skills/Technology filters along with Advanced Search Techniques.
- Advanced search techniques may include Boolean logic to refine searches.
Avoiding Common Job Search Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Mistake: Using too broad a Keyword and results (add specific title).
- Mistake: Only looking for jobs with a certain filter turned on, or Overly Narrow Criteria excluding results (make a reasonable parameter).
- Mistake: Ignoring Synonyms and Alternate Titles (brainstorm and note more options)
- Mistake: Not Using Filters at All (or Enough) (always look what you can set as filters, and explain it to the client).
- Mistake: Misinterpreting Job Postings (pay atention and adjust filters and keywords).
- Mistake: Overlooking the Date/Activity on Postings (update and focus on recent postings).
- Mistake: Not Adjusting When Getting Poor Results (try a different combination of keywords or filters).
Consultative Client Interaction
- Differentiate yourself as a consultative partner, not just someone punching in search queries; advise, clarify, and sometimes challenge their thinking to improve their outcomes.
The Challenger Mindset: Leading with Insights and Expertise
- Instead of simply asking “What do you want?” lead the conversation by sharing valuable insights.
- The Challenger Model: Teach, Tailor, Take Control.
- By teaching something, you add value with basic search.
- Research shows that agreeing and being service-oriented is less effective. Customers respond well to being challenged with credibility.
Asking the Right Questions to Uncover Goals
- Higher-order questions get at the client’s true goals.
- Open-ended questions encourage the client to reflect and share more.
- The motivation can affect search strategy.
- Assess and note if they need a higher salary, so focus on industries or companies known to pay better.
Communicating with Confidence and Thought Leadership
- Focus on what you do know and project confidence.
- Thought leadership comes across as someone who stays informed, using an assured tone and positive language.
- Share examples and mini case-studies; remember, knowledge is more persuasive than emotion.
- Handle objections or concerns with empathy and facts and always Position yourself as “we” with the client.
Delivering Strategic Guidance (vs. Order Taking)
- One hallmark of being consultative is that you’re thinking a few steps ahead, and considering the big picture; offer recommendations not just options.
- Loop back what you’re doing to their stated goals, and be honest and constructively show any issues in the client approach.
- Help clients manage stress.
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