673: Getting Hired, Interviewing, and Why Recruiters Suck with Taylor Desseyn
Sep 29, 2023
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In this discussion, Taylor Desseyn, a talent advocate at Gun.io, shares his insights into the tech hiring landscape. He reveals how the recruitment process has evolved and highlights key soft and tech skills developers need to succeed. Taylor explains common mistakes candidates make that cost them job offers and discusses the increasing role of AI in hiring. He also gives tips on how to stand out during interviews and emphasizes the importance of personal connections and authenticity in applications.
Passion and inquisitiveness are highly valued in job interviews, showcasing your ability to bring enthusiasm and dedication to your work.
Building a personal brand through platforms like LinkedIn can help you stand out and establish yourself as a thought leader in your field.
Adapting to changing hiring trends, being a problem solver, and having a broad skill set are crucial for success in the tech job market.
Deep dives
The Importance of Passion and Inquisitiveness in Job Interviews
When it comes to job interviews, employers value candidates who demonstrate passion for their work and are inquisitive. Being passionate about a specific topic or industry shows that you are likely to bring that same level of enthusiasm to your job. Additionally, employers appreciate candidates who ask thoughtful questions, communicate openly when they don't know something, and actively problem-solve. These soft skills demonstrate your ability to think critically and work effectively within a team.
The Power of Personal Branding and Content Creation
Building a personal brand and creating content can be instrumental in differentiating yourself in the job market. While it's not necessary to have a podcast or a blog, sharing your experiences and insights through platforms like LinkedIn can help you establish yourself as a thought leader in your field. By consistently posting about your journey, learnings, and industry insights, you can attract attention and build a network that may lead to job opportunities. Sharing your passion and expertise increases your chances of standing out and being recognized by potential employers.
The Evolution of Hiring Trends and Skills in the Tech Industry
The tech industry is constantly evolving, and it's important for job seekers to adapt to changing hiring trends and skill requirements. Currently, back-end engineers are in high demand, as companies have shifted their focus from front-end development. It's also becoming more valuable to have a broader skill set and be comfortable working with multiple programming languages. Employers are looking for problem solvers who can think critically and communicate effectively. Staying up to date with industry trends and regularly learning new technologies can help you stay competitive in the job market.
Navigating the Interview Process with Intentionality
During the interview process, it's essential to approach each interaction with intentionality. Employers appreciate candidates who demonstrate genuine interest and take the time to understand the company and its culture. Asking thoughtful questions about the company's goals, culture, and projects can help set you apart. It's equally important to have open and honest communication. If you don't know the answer to a question, don't hesitate to admit it. Employers value problem-solving skills and appreciate candidates who are willing to think through challenges. By approaching interviews with intentionality and curiosity, you can create a positive impression and increase your chances of success.
The Role of Social Media and Personal Networking
Social media platforms like LinkedIn can be powerful tools for networking and personal branding. Engaging with industry professionals, following thought leaders, and contributing to discussions can help you expand your network and stay up to date with industry trends. Additionally, participating in meetups, Slack channels, and online communities can provide valuable networking opportunities and allow you to learn from others in your field. Remember that networking is not just about building connections, but also about actively engaging and providing value to the community. Social media and personal networking can be instrumental in expanding your professional horizons.
In this supper club episode of Syntax, Wes and Scott talk with Taylor Desseyn about his work as a job recruiter, how hiring has changed over the last few years, what soft and tech skills developers need, what not to do when applying, and how AI is affecting the hiring process.
