What I wish I could tell every woman (from a former hiring manager)

Hey reader,

You might recognise that the Tech job market was completely different just 5 years ago. You could send out your CV, land multiple interviews, and land multiple offers. There were opportunities everywhere!

Everything's changed now. Companies are getting 400+ applications per role. Companies and candidates use AI throughout the application and interview process. And the strategies that still worked in 2020 are leaving women wondering why they can't land interviews or offers.

The game has changed, and we need to change how we play.

As someone who's been on both sides of hiring (I spent years working as a Recruiter and was a Hiring Manager before starting my coaching business), I want to share what's happening behind the scenes right now.

Think of this as your friendly reality check with actual solutions:

Casting a wide net won’t help you land a job faster.

Applying to every role that remotely matches your experience, thinking that more volume means better results, is not getting you anywhere. You’re actually confusing Hiring Managers (and maybe even yourself) about who you are and what you want.

Here's what works instead: Get crystal clear on your target role and the companies where you'd LOVE to work. 5 strategic applications where you're actually excited about the opportunity will beat 50 random applications every single time. This is what gets you interviews and offers.

Standing out just by applying is practically impossible.

Recruiters are drowning in CVs. We're talking 400+ applications for single roles at some companies. Even if you're perfect for the position, you're one of 100s in a digital pile of CVs.

Here's what works instead: Your network is everything. 1 warm introduction can skip you right past that list of applications. Start having conversations with people at your target companies before you need them. Referrals increase your interview chances by 10x, I’ve seen that firsthand with the majority of my clients!

The best applicant doesn’t always land the role.

Focusing too much on your previous work experience can get you rejected. Hiring Managers want to hear how you can solve their team and department’s problems from day 1.

Here's what works instead: Research what the company is actually struggling with and speak their language. Your CV should show how your wins translate to value and impact for them. Make Hiring Managers think "we need her problem-solving skills on our team."

Getting rejected for your dream role is not the end.

Making it to the final rounds and not getting an offer really stings. But in this market, being the #2 choice at your dream company is actually HUGE, and most people completely waste this opportunity.

Here's what works instead: Stay connected with everyone you met during the interview process. Send thoughtful follow-ups that show you're still interested in joining their company. Companies are always hiring new people. Being top of mind for the next opportunity beats starting from scratch every time. I’ve had clients get a direct offer for the next role that opened up, simply because they stayed in touch!

These insider tips give you a massive advantage over everyone else who’s still winging it. While others are still using their strategies from 2020, you will be the woman that Hiring Managers remember. You’ll be the obvious choice!

Your experience is incredibly valuable! And now you know exactly how to show it so you can land that fulfilling role you deserve.

Talk to you soon,

Jenn

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