Applying for jobs in today’s market has changed significantly over the last 15-20 years since I have worked in the sector. Java Engineering jobs today are in abundance, there seems to be plenty of opportunity to land that perfect Java Engineer job, so if I am looking for a Java Developer job, how do I go about getting a job.  So, applying for a job is a piece of cake, right?

A Java Developer is in a hugely advantageous position in todays market and it doesn’t look like the sector is slowing down any time soon. Yes late 2022 early 2023 has seen huge layoffs from the likes of Amazon, Salesforce, google etc, but not so much Java Engineer jobs were laid off. Or Software Engineering in general. The loss of requirements in those mega companies that are balancing things after the wild run they took to during those dark Covid 19 restriction days. Its now time for the smaller companies to take advantage of the available talent in the market.

Here are 8 tips to get that perfect Java Engineer job:

  1. Update your Social media profile (Github, Linkedin etc)
  2. Update your CV.
  3. Keyworks are critical.
  4. Research
  5. You can be selective, take your time with your search.
  6. Track your applications.
  7. Network
  8. Get your application right

 

  1. Update your Social media profile (Github, Linkedin etc)

This is an obvious step, but countless people forget or simply are not bothered. Nearly every time I am connected with someone, or they apply for a role, I check that person’s profile. LinkedIn have lots of content to assist with that. Check here for one, but in a nut shell. Have a professional photo, leave out the picture of you and your dog. Just you, plain background will do just fine. Makes your Headline more personal, not just a job title. Make your summary a small story about you. List your relevant skills, add some interesting project work also. Make the profile as relevant as you can to the job you WANT. Not have.

  1. Update your CV

A CV is an important document. I would always recommend to people to keep it updated all the time. We wrote a blog on the importance of a CV, please check that out here. Always keep relevant and interesting project work, latest project accomplishments etc really easy to see and read. Remember you only have between 5-20 seconds to make an impression. So the start of your CV is critical to make it relevant to the job you are applying for.

  1. Keywords are critical.

In both your social profiles and CV, specific keywords are very important. For example, as a Java Developer, you should include your entire tech stack. Ideally rate yourself out of 10 on each skill. The more key words you add the more likely you will come up on peoples searches.

AI and application tracking systems use key words to determine if you are a fit to the job or not. So leaving them out can mean your CV might not be seen by the Recruiter or hiring team.

  1. Research

As you progress your Career from Java Developer, to Senior, Principle, Lead and so on its important that you are aware of the companies team size and retention rates. If you join a small team, promotional opportunities might be limited. There are exceptions to this rule of course, team might be growing, sales of the companies products might be starting to take off. So, dig into the company you are interested in joining. There is so much information on LinkedIn that can answer nearly everything. You just need to be creative.

  1. Be Selective.

As a Java Developer, but would also go for most professions in high demand, I would urge you not to just apply for any and all jobs you see one evening you decide now is the time to make a move. Always assess what it is you want to do, who do I want to work with, what do I want to work on etc. Make a list of those really hot companies right now, with really interesting technology that is growing fast. Look at specific roles that will lean on your strengths but also give you plenty of space to learn and grow.

  1. Track your applications.

Again, a simple and obvious step, again you would be surprised who forget and when someone reaches out about the application they have no idea who the company are or what role they applied to. This means the Recruiter or Manager is spending 10-15 minutes explaining the company and the role, taking that time from you talking about how great you would be in that role.

Simply create an excel sheet, add the job title, company, when you applied and if possible, who your manager might be (LinkedIn can help you here). You can then chase up maybe within a few days of the application etc. Just keeping track will give you a lot more control over the situation.

  1. Network

Networking is always a key skill, it’s a great way to understand more about a business, when those really interesting jobs are and more importantly get a really good understanding on what its like to work in a specific place. Networking has never been easier, both online and in person. I do get in person networking is a little harder for the more introverted among us, but online there is Linkedin and the likes of Stack Overflow, boards etc that will get us in touch with the people that matter.

Finding the perfect job is really difficult, please do check out our current open roles, but be mindful we don’t advertise them all. Our jobs page can be found here. There are generally lots of Java Engineer job there We also offer consultancy services if you are in the market for a new role and things just are not working out, please do check that offering out here. We are really responsive also if you have any questions at all.