Job Search

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Career Hacks

      Looking for flexibility, personal growth, and competitive compensation? You can have it all at Northwestern Mutual’s industry-leading Internship Program

      by

      Those who take on athletics and extracurriculars in college are individuals with incredible drive who become intensely motivated by their passions and their desire to pursue them. Over the years, Northwestern Mutual has come to understand that these types of people thrive and find success as financial representatives. 

      Whether it’s their desire to make a lasting impact or the ability to have a flexible schedule, there are several reasons why athletes and people involved in nonscholastic activities do so well as financial representatives.

      Recently, we interviewed a couple of college financial representative interns who are also involved with athletics and extracurriculars to understand why the job is so perfect for people like them.

      Complimentary Skills and Characteristics

      While athletes tend to have incredible amounts of drive and motivation, those involved in Greek life and clubs are typically very people-oriented. These traits are particularly beneficial to have as a financial representative because of the self-starter attitude and the communication skills that are essential to the job!

      Phillip Li, a varsity baseball player at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, provides his team with quick hands as an infield baseman in addition to holding down a .429 slugging average this past season. During this time, he also helped a couple plan their retirement. 

      Phillip went on to discuss how the drive he has towards training for a successful season was similar to the efforts he put forward with his clients. He visualized his goal, put together a “game plan,” worked with his teammate (senior partner), and saw the objective through to completion.

      Picking Out Your Own Schedule

      As most students know, especially those involved in athletics, college schedules can get really busy. Academics and social life already take up a large percentage of your time but when you start committing to athletics and nonscholastic activities it often seems impossible to do anything else.

      Northwestern Mutual’s college financial representative intern role is unique because it is built to accommodate the hectic lives of college students with busy schedules. Take Jack Thompson for example, a Division 3 lacrosse player at Union College. In our conversation with Jack, he spoke to us about how his mentors at Northwestern Mutual worked with him to make sure his professional life was fitting well with his college life.

      Maybe you have a big test coming up, practice, or a week-long lacrosse tournament in Austin as Jack did. As a financial representative intern at Northwestern Mutual, there is no need to fret. Northwestern Mutual understands that you have other things going on in your life. This being the case, Northwestern Mutual consults with you to find a balance that works for everyone. 

      Real Game Time Experience

      If you are on a team, you don’t want to be sitting on the bench. The same goes professionally when you’re working at a job! But in order to get game time ready, you need to practice.

      When you’re just getting started as a financial representative, a senior representative will have you shadow them on real client calls, gradually getting you more and more involved. The work you do is the same as if you were a full-time financial representative, but you have the support and mentorship from leaders along the way. 

      After a few times, the training wheels come off and you will be on your own making financial recommendations for clients!

      While there is a short shadow period during which you learn the ropes with a senior employee, this only lasts for a little while until you’re on the field getting real experience with real clients.

      Ambitious Minds Thrive Here

      One trait a lot of athletes and those involved in extracurriculars have that makes them particularly successful at Northwestern Mutual is their ambition. Whether it’s waking up early for practice or just the internal desire to grow and better yourself, these types of people are made for the college financial representative intern position.

      In our conversation with Sayawni Lassiter, a Division 1 Women’s College basketball player at the University of Rhode Island and college financial representative intern, she recounted how she connected with her recruiter and how he expressed that ambition is a key ingredient in being successful as a financial representative.

      If you’re a current college student and want to start experiencing real-life work as a financial professional, take a look at Northwestern Mutual’s industry-leading college financial representative intern position.

      Northwestern Mutual Financial Representatives are Independent Contractors whose income is based solely on production.

      Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with the titles “Financial Advisor” or “Wealth Management Advisor” are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide advisory services.

      Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) and its subsidiaries in Milwaukee, WI. More

    • 113 Shares139 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Abel Hernandez, Lead Product Manager

      by

      Let’s start by discussing your educational background!

      I don’t have a “traditional degree.” I went to trade college for Audio Engineering and I have some unfinished semesters at city colleges. What changed my career trajectory was attending General Assembly’s Full Stack Developer Immersive Bootcamp.

      Related: Thinking About a Career Transition? General Assembly’s 4 Immersive Tech Programs to Help You Pivot

      I eventually pivoted into Product Management. While getting real-world experience at tech start-ups, I obtained industry certifications from Scrum Alliance and Product School.

      I’d say the BrightTALK series and being part of the Pivotal Labs practices and culture made the biggest impact on my career. Keeping in touch with my mentors and staying active in the lean UX and agile communities also helped quite a bit.

      What would you like to learn more about?

      Self-care and preventing burnout. I want to learn more about taking better care of myself. Although I’m passionate about tech, it’s important to learn how to unplug and walk barefoot, lay on the grass, and look up at the sky. We spend way too much time in front of screens.

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      I was tired of living paycheck to paycheck and lacking a clear career path. Eventually, I learned about outcomes and had the opportunity to leverage technology to impact people’s lives.

      Related: Expert Tips: How to Manage Your Finances While You Job Hunt

      How has your skill set evolved over the course of your career?

      I’m a lot more focused on understanding people’s motivations and pain points. I value problem-solving while leveraging my team’s expertise to help me determine how we can make a powerful impact.

      What did you choose to specialize in?

      Helping people navigate through ambiguity, or problem-solving by prioritizing ruthlessly. In short, I’m focused on being a champion for lean UX and agile methodologies.

      Is your new role different from previous ones and what excites you about it?

      Yes and no. I continue to work in a heavy compliance-driven environment. However, I do get to work with the private sector as opposed to only the public sector. I also have more opportunities to travel outside the US now.

      I’m excited to work with Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in this role! I’m also looking forward to continuing to provide solutions for folks in the military through healthcare tech initiatives.

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      It was brutal. There were no standards and I came across too many fake recruiters only seeking to get contact details. There was also a lot of ghosting! 

      Related: 9 Smart Tips for Jobseekers to Identify & Avoid Job Scams in 2023

      What’s your best advice for job seekers registered on the Hired platform? 

      Put in the effort to fill out your profile. Include a recent photo and update your criteria often as potential employers focus on that. Also, make sure you reply ASAP when you get a message. It’s important to show you’re active on Hired.

      Related: Want More Interviews and Better Matches? 5 Key Tips!

      Any general advice you’d like to give other tech professionals?

      I don’t want to sound cliché but don’t give up! Stay up-to-date and consistent in the community. Don’t make excuses as there are so many useful resources out there for tech jobseekers. If you put in time and effort, you will find the opportunity you’re seeking. 

      About Humana

      Humana creates innovative solutions and resources that help people live their healthiest lives on their terms – when and where they need it. Founded in 1961, Humana has 10,000+ employees and is headquartered in Louisville.

      Benefits

      Health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, 401K plan/matching, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, work from home flexibility, employee discount programs, and more. More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Breaking Through Bias: How to Overcome Tech Discrimination & Get the Job You Want (VIDEO)

      by

      How can jobseekers advance their careers despite systemic hiring biases in tech?

      Watch this on-demand webinar to hear experts discuss key findings from Hired’s 2023 State of Wage Inequality report and share approaches to help you advocate for yourself in the job market.

      You’ll hear from:

      Co-Founder & Author, Ladies Get Paid, Claire Wasserman

      Assistant Professor, MIT, Nina Roussille

      Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Consultant, Colorintech, Maria Petnga-Wallace

      Program Manager of RISE, Gusto, Mercedez Bluebyrd

      Vice-Chair, Techqueria, Marco Lopez

      Read an excerpt of the conversation here and scroll down to access the full webinar. 

      What’s the temperature on the leverage candidates currently have in the job market?

      Nina

      I won’t deny what the economic situation is. Specifically, in the tech sector (defined narrowly as the Silicon Valley tech roles) it’s been more dire than it used to be. That being said, I’ll try to be optimistic a little bit for the crowd. There are two things I think are interesting. 

      One of them is very actionable: try to redefine for yourself what a tech role is. There are now opportunities in tech occupations in companies that are not defined as tech firms. Every firm out there, even in the older industries, needs tech workers. Those industries have been way less affected recently than the Silicon Valley firms. Broaden your perspective. Think a little bit more creatively about what a tech role should be. 

      The other one is remote work, which makes it so you don’t need to find a job exactly where you’re located. A lot of these dinosaur industries are more open to remote and flexible workers. My optimistic take is it will require more creativity and a broader search, but there are still opportunities out there.

      Claire

      I read recently that despite all of the layoffs, a lot of these companies actually still have more employees now than they did at the beginning of the pandemic. Take data and statistics with context. 

      Marco

      It is true. Even though there were massive layoffs, a lot of people kept their jobs. We have a certain loss per se of DEI experts in the marketplace but we still need more representation. 

      Maria

      A number of our members have been impacted in terms of mental health and the experiences of belonging. However, a lot of the large tech firms still do have a commitment to engage in networks with potential employees. 

      If it’s not now, it’s certainly with a view of engaging with talent in the near future. There’s still a need for particular skills, especially in AI and machine learning. Within the company I work with in cyber, there’s still a real drive to have, for example, female and underrepresented group representation.

      I encourage everyone to network. Identify the organizations you wish to work with in the near future and engage with people in those tech firms.

      Mercedez

      Of course, we have seen some major shifts in the DEI work in a lot of companies, but I have to double-click on what Maria said. There are still companies very much committed to the work. There has been a shift in availability and what is actually being done on each team to where it can feel very performative. I don’t think we want to ignore that some companies are just doing what needs to be done to hit numbers. 

      But you have leverage in really understanding who you are and what you bring to the table. If you’re a talented person who really understands what you can do for a company, there’s a value add there and that leverage is limitless. 

      What’s really important is understanding what you can do for a business and using that as well as any demographic aspects or DEI work to create value. 

      There are some performative companies out there but if they are at least being performative that’s another notch for you to utilize as a way to get a job. So either way, figure out where you want to be and what you bring to the table and use that. 

      Also, make sure you’re working somewhere where you want to work. Are you just taking a job because you need a job? Some of us are and some of us are looking for the perfect unicorn job. Be aware of what that really is so you’re holding yourself to those parameters and doing something that works for you, whether it’s to pay your bills or because you really want it to be the perfect place.

      What else does the summit cover? 

      Why networking is essential 

      How to ask about a company’s DEI initiatives 

      How to negotiate a fair salary

      Culture fit vs culture add

      And more!  More

    • 75 Shares189 Views

      in Career Hacks

      Building a Career at Capital One

      by

      When first starting out, you’re going to want to look for an employer that enables you to perform and gives you the tools you need to grow. For Chesdin, a product manager at Capital One, these were the very same elements he noticed when he was introduced to the company.

      Over a cup of coffee with a Capital One associate, Chesdin learned about our Management Rotation Program (MRP), where recent grads gain business acumen and leadership skills by working with two separate teams, each for a one-year stint. Chesdin—who wasn’t sure exactly what he wanted to do with his career—was intrigued by the opportunity to try two different jobs with the same company. 

      He successfully applied to the MRP and started in 2020. 

      “Capital One brought me in and hired what they’ve deemed is a good person with a lot of potential,” said Chesdin, now a product manager. “This place will help you grow and build a solid foundation for an incredible career.”

      Finding career direction

      Chesdin was nervous to start his first rotation as a project manager and analyst for a cybersecurity team. He had no tech background and was afraid of making mistakes.

      His team and manager quickly squashed those fears. They explained their work to Chesdin and were always available for simple and complex questions. Chesdin grew confident enough in the position to help the team plan and mobilize an education program to help Capital One customers improve their cyber security. 

      “There’s a culture here where people want to put you in a situation where you can be great,” Chesdin said. “People respond well when you show a willingness to learn.”

      During Chesdin’s second year with the MRP, he worked as a product manager for a software engineering team that handles a messaging platform for texting and emailing customers. He helped manage projects that improved the quality of messages to customers’ phones.

      He realized—through his time in the second program rotation—that he wanted to continue working on products that help with customer care. So when Chesdin’s time with the MRP ended in 2022, he accepted a position as a product manager for a Capital One team that manages the platform our agents use when speaking to customers.

      “In two years, I figured out some things I did and didn’t like. Both of which are so helpful,” Chesdin said. “It was a big accomplishment for me to finish the MRP and have such a clear idea of what direction to take for my career.”

      Investment for the future

      Chesdin has continued learning well past graduating from the MRP in 2022.

      He regularly sets up Meet & Greets—casual conversations with colleagues across Capital One—to learn about people’s careers and job fields. He blocked off work time to study for and earn certifications in Amazon Web Services and product management. 

      Chesdin also volunteered at a Capital One diversity, inclusion and belonging summit, where he answered questions from high school students and shared how he has found a fulfilling career at the company.

      “Anytime I had a class, a certification I wanted to study for, or any type of learning, my managers and team were all in on me doing it,” Chesdin said. “I haven’t found just a job, but a career. It’s exactly what I was looking for as a student.”

      Head over to Capital One’s profile to learn more about the company and browse open roles, upcoming events, and more. More

    • 113 Shares189 Views

      in Career Hacks

      What Are Software Engineering Recruiters Looking For on Applications?

      by

      As you will begin to notice in your job-hunting adventures, no two application processes are the same. When you’re preparing to apply to more than one company it is important to adjust your strategy accordingly.

      Application processes tend to vary by company, industry, and job level. It could be difficult to know how to make these adjustments as an entry level applicant. One question that’s often asked from candidates is: What are recruiters looking for and how can you impress them?

      At our Job Searching event in January, we invited a panel of industry experts to answer these questions as it pertains to the world of Software Engineering. In our discussion with Tony Burdett, Global University Relations Leader at the NCR Corporation, Heidy Garcia, Early Careers Recruiter at Expedia Group, Iona AlGhafli, TRACK Hiring and Onboarding Lead at General Motors, and Lei Young, Emerging Talent Strategist at Dell Technologies, we learn what it takes to get a job offer at their companies.

      Resume Storytelling

      When it comes to putting together your resume, it’s best not to overthink things. In our recent virtual event, Tony Burdett spoke about how “your resume is kind of like the story of who you are.” He emphasizes prospective candidates to concentrate on the top half of their resumes and really make an effort to make that part shine. If you are someone without much experience to write about, here is what Burdett suggests.

      In addition to your engineering-related experiences, you’ll also want to list all the languages, skills, and tools you’ve worked with and be able to relate that knowledge back to your experience. Are you comfortable with JavaScript and list that as a skill on your resume? Then you must be able to talk about where you learned it and where you’ve applied it as well. As Tony Burdett said, it’s all about the “storytelling” aspect of your resume and how well you can discuss your capabilities and the experiences where they’ve come into play.

      Research the Company You’re Applying To

      When you’re first starting your career, you are going to be very eager to find a job. This being the case, you might make the mistake of applying to multiple companies at once without looking into them.

      While this might seem like you’re saving time, in the end, recruiters can tell if you want a job for a paycheck or because you’re actually passionate about the position. For Iona AlGhafli of General Motors, she believes that what interests potential employees about a company is one of the most important questions that will be asked in an interview. It’s at this time when the recruiter can really get a good understanding of whether or not the candidate is actually passionate about the opportunity.

      If you’re applying for a software engineering position, it is critical that you arm yourself with knowledge regarding that department and the recent applications or projects they’ve worked on. Maybe there is a developer whose work you admire or maybe there is a software they work on that no other company is working with. Whatever the case may be, just make sure you have concrete examples to reference during the application process.

      Make Use of Every Opportunity to Meet & Learn

      The companies our panelists work for (Dell Technologies, General Motors, the NCR Corporation, Expedia Group) are always giving potential candidates a chance to meet and learn a little more about them. In addition to virtual events hosted right here on WayUp, these companies are oftentimes frequenting college campuses for career fairs, info sessions, and more.

      Every recruiter we’ve spoken with encourages students and prospective employees to find and attend as many of these events as possible. On the one hand, it gives you an opportunity to meet with recruiters face to face and make your first impression. On the other, it also gives you an opportunity to see if the company is a good fit for you and gives you something to talk about when you’re interviewing.

      Whether it’s to get a leg up on the interview and application process or to see if you like an employer, company-sponsored events are incredibly conducive to getting a job that fits you.

      Communication is Everything

      Before, during, and after the application process, it is important to communicate in a very professional manner. The first thing you want to make sure you’re doing is being responsive. Whether it’s to schedule your interview or to thank the recruiter for their time, communicating promptly will show them that you are engaged and highly interested in the position. 

      Tony Burdett recommends that applicants think of who they’re talking to as “people that might be potential networking contacts for the future” and to always leave the door open. 

      After an interview, it’s best practice to reach out and thank the hiring manager and/or person you spoke with. However, only reach out once! We know how stressful it can be waiting to find out whether you got a job or not. Don’t let this stress cause you to trouble the recruiter with repeated emails asking about the status of your application as this could make things go south.

      How to Negotiate an Offer

      If an offer is made, there are four things you can do. You can accept, deny, negotiate, or ask for more time to consider. While those first two options are straightforward, it’s when you negotiate or ask for more time that you need to choose your words wisely.

      When you negotiate, it’s best to have another offer to use as leverage. Otherwise, you need to explain the reasons why you think you’re entitled to more money, whether that has to do with your experience or what you’re going to contribute to the company.

      According to Iona AlGhafli, candidates should attach the offer they’re asking to match to their negotiation email. AlGhafli states that it’s important to “own the process” and not to beat around the bush or be indirect. 

      In the case that you want some more time to make your decision on an offer, it is best to ask the recruiter how long you have rather than decide for yourself.

      Don’t Stress Yourself Out

      One of the last pieces of advice we got from our panelists, and this is something they unanimously agreed on, is not to let the application process stress you out. While it can be a nerve-racking endeavor, try to look at it with excitement instead of dread! It might seem like it at the time, but this is not the biggest decision in your life. Job opportunities will come and go, but the right one always finds you eventually!

      One way to increase your chances of finding that perfect match is by keeping up with us on WayUp. Whether it’s our virtual events, blogs, or job boards, we’re here to help you get that offer. Stay tuned for more career tips and ways to land the job of your dreams! More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Concerned about Employee Monitoring Software? How to Ask about It in a Job Interview

      by

      In today’s digital work-from-home world, as many as 60% of companies with remote employees use employee monitoring software to track employees’ activities during work hours. While this may be insightful for the company, it also raises concerns for jobseekers who value their privacy and autonomy. 

      If you’re a jobseeker who wants to know more about employee monitoring software before accepting a job offer, keep reading for tips on how to ask about it during an interview.

      What is employee monitoring software? 

      Employee monitoring software (EMS) is software used to keep track of when and how employees work. It essentially monitors productivity and collects data through employees’ tech devices. From supervising performance to intercepting illegal activities, employers use EMS for a number of reasons.

      The software may track:

      Time 

      Activity

      Project management 

      Email 

      Generally, if you’re on the clock, an employer has full discretion to make the rules. Employers do need to inform employees they maintain the right to monitor behavior. But they don’t need to be specific about the info they are obtaining or what they are using to get it.  

      And in case you were wondering: yes, employee monitoring software is legal. An employer using it might even notify employees and get their consent. 

      New data regulation laws

      In July 2023, New York City will release a new AI law requiring employers to inform candidates of any personal data collected during hiring and promotions. Oher locations inlcuding California, Washington DC, and Vermont are in the process of enacting similar AI-related laws. 

      New York’s AI law has received some mixed feedback from public advocates. Even tech leaders such as Google’s Sundar Pichai and Microsoft’s Brad Smith are calling for more oversight into AI algorithms at the national level. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also recently warned employers that they’re responsible for any AI-generated discrimination. 

      So, what are some graceful ways during the interview process to go about discovering if a company uses employee monitoring software? 

      1. Research the company’s policy beforehand

      Before going into the interview, do some research on the company’s policy on employee monitoring software. Check the company’s website or LinkedIn page for any information on their policy. You can also reach out to current or former employees of the company to get an idea of how the company uses monitoring software. In this instance, Glassdoor or Blind might provide relevant information.

      2. Ask about the company’s policy during the interview

      We wouldn’t recommend asking this immediately, of course. Determine how critical an issue this is for you and gauge the pros and cons along with the rapport you’ve created with the interviewer. 

      If you feel it’s necessary to your feelings about the role, you could ask the interviewer about the company’s policy on employee monitoring software. You can phrase your question as follows: “Can you tell me more about the company’s policy on employee monitoring software? How does the company use it, and what kind of data does it collect?”

      Tone is important here. Be curious, and upbeat, to keep the conversation friendly but professional. 

      3. Ask about the reasons behind using the software

      It’s important to understand why the company is using employee monitoring software. Ask the interviewer why the company feels the need to use it and what benefits it provides. You can also ask about any specific incidents that led the company to start using the software.

      4. Ask about how the software is used and who has access to the data

      It’s important to know how the software is used and who has access to the data it collects. Ask the interviewer about how the software is used on a day-to-day basis and who has access to the data it collects. You can also ask about the security measures the company has in place to protect the data.

      5. Express your concerns and ask for clarification

      If you have any concerns about the company’s policy on employee monitoring software, express them to the interviewer and ask for clarification. For example, if you’re concerned about your privacy, ask about how the company protects your personal data. 

      If you’re concerned about being micromanaged, ask about how the company balances monitoring with trust. 

      For example, you might say: “Trust is a key value for me. How do you demonstrate trust with employees? Does the company have specific rules around being online at certain times or not using company property for private emails outside of work hours?”

      How can I protect my privacy? 

      Keep your work life and personal life separate. Assume what you do with company property is not private. This includes devices and programs (email, Slack, Zoom, etc.) you use through work.  

      When is the most appropriate time to ask?

      The simple answer is: the sooner the better. If EM software is a dealbreaker for you, don’t let time pass in the process without inquiring.

      Is a company using employee monitoring software right for me?

      Based on the information you get from any questions asked in an interview, how does that company compare to others? Determine what it is you’re looking for in the answers to understand if the company and role are right for you. 

      Concerned about employee monitoring software? Be proactive.

      As we continue to navigate an increasingly digital landscape, it’s important for both employers and employees to understand the nuances and implications of technology like employee monitoring software. Consider your own comfort and needs as a jobseeker regarding privacy and autonomy at work. Be proactive and ask questions if you have concerns. 

      If you’re a jobeeker on Hired, the Candidate Experience Team is there to help you throughout your search. The team is available to coach jobseekers through the hiring process and even support them if the need to ask tough or awkward questions arises.  More

    • 138 Shares159 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Autumn Skerritt, Site Reliability Engineer in the UK

      by

      Let’s start by talking about your educational background!

      I have a degree from the University of Liverpool in computer science. I have not attended any bootcamps but I do have the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification. 

      What’s made the biggest impact on my tech career is choosing to work on side projects (which have become popular on GitHub!). I realized my degree does not matter nearly as much as my GitHub projects do. I highly suggest others think about projects first and degrees second.

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I’d love to learn more about building solutions for business problems. Right now I code and write solutions for bugs but actually adding business impact is where I find the challenge.

      Related: Site Reliability Engineer Career Path

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      I had no other choice! I wanted a job where I could earn money and tech was the right fit. Maybe I could crochet or skateboard but tech is far more viable for me than skating!

      How has your skill set evolved over the course of your career?

      I originally started off with a small skill set of Python and Bash. Eventually, I learned more about pen testing. Then I started doing AWS certifications to land my first job. I moved into infrastructure and then security. I currently use a mix of both!

      Related: Code Your Career: Staying Competitive in the Developer Job Market (VIDEO)

      I have not really decided on what I want to specialize in yet. My ideal specialty is being able to make things quickly. I currently work in infrastructure but at a security company, I’m mostly doing IAM projects.

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      It’s in a different industry but roughly has the same tech stack. I did IAM work before, which used SCIM/ OIDC protocols and I currently work with these a lot.

      What are some of the things you’re most excited about in your new role?

      I’m super excited about innovating and making our team more efficient. Currently, there’s a mishmash of things and we’re not too focused on a specific process to streamline our work. 

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      It was actually very hard. I applied to 90+ companies and had 27 interviews, most of which were not an ideal match. Hired was super good for my job search! Companies applied to me. Plus, I knew the salary before having to struggle in an interview to find out how much they’d offer.

      What’s your best advice for job seekers registered on the Hired platform? 

      Generalise the roles you’re looking for. Instead of DevOps, I wrote software engineer, which means a larger pool of companies can see you. Also, reply to employers quickly! Being responsive is really important on Hired. It will show companies how much you care.

      What would you tell someone who’s curious about Hired?

      Just try it. There’s no harm. It takes maybe an hour to sign up and you get to see the platform. You might also just find a job!

      Any general advice you’d like to give other tech professionals?

      Take a break. It’s not life or death. You’ll survive and it’ll all be okay! Just breathe. If you lose your job, you’ll find another one and life will go on. Be sure to look on the bright side.

      Related: Recently Laid Off? A Jobseeker’s Guide to Bounce Back Better Than Ever

      Congrats on the job, Autumn! Interested in landing a great role in the UK like Autumn did? Complete your free profile on Hired today!

      About Cisco

      Cisco hardware, software, and service offerings are used to create the Internet solutions that make networks possible. Founded in 1984, Cisco has 5,001+ employees and is headquartered in San Jose.

      Tech Stack

      Python, Spark, Javascript, React, AWS, Kubernetes, Java, Go, Docker, Microservices, Kafka, iOS, Android, Kotlin, Kibana, Datadog, Terraform

      Benefits

      Health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, 401k plan/matching, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, stock options, employee discount programs, job training, and more. More

    • 100 Shares189 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Evan Feliciano, Senior Product Designer

      by

      Can you share a little bit about your educational background? 

      I studied Marketing at the University of Pittsburgh. I started working in tech during and after college. Then, I completed a product design bootcamp and transitioned into design after completing it.

      Working in tech, the bootcamp, and mentorship from experienced designers and other tech workers definitely had a big impact on my career trajectory.

      Related: Thinking About a Career Transition? General Assembly’s 4 Immersive Tech Programs to Help You Pivot

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I am very interested in getting more into animation, 3D modeling, and developing my software engineering skills. I built my own website from scratch, but haven’t had as much time to continue learning in this area yet.

      Related: Hired’s 2023 State of Software Engineers report

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      I actually first started working part-time for a tech company while in college. It was in a business and operations role and I loved the startup environment. That was my first exposure to product design and research. I knew right away I wanted to work in tech – and more specifically, product design.

      How has your skill set evolved over the course of your career?

      Early in my career, design was all about design. While my visual and research skills have definitely evolved, the biggest change has been adopting a business mindset as a designer with a focus on product strategy.

      What did you choose to specialize in?

      Definitely visual design. To me, this area of design is the most fun and allows for the most creativity. Visual design is also a great place for designers to infuse their personality into the product.

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      My role is a bit different, as this is a true tech company selling software. In my last role, I was in the fintech space where technology was only a part of the product.

      What are you most excited about in your new role?

      I am really excited about working with very smart teammates! I’m also looking forward to helping scale the business and improve the product experience for users and partners.

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      Before Hired, there were a lot of cold applications and time wasted typing the same information in over and over and over again – just to never even hear back from most places. Using Hired was by far the best hiring experience I’ve had in a long time!

      The best part about Hired to me is that it’s very low maintenance. Apart from keeping your profile up to date, the most important thing is to respond to companies as quickly as possible.

      Related: Want More Interviews and Better Matches? 5 Key Tips!

      What would you tell someone who’s curious about Hired?

      I would definitely recommend it! Even if you don’t get hired right away, it provides a much better hiring experience. It’s easier to make meaningful connections with hiring managers at various companies for future opportunities too.

      Related: How to Get Approved on Hired

      About Lob

      Lob is the only direct mail automation platform that enables businesses to transform campaign ROI and employee productivity. Lob is looking to make the world programmable by providing tools for enterprise companies to automate their workflows. Founded in 2013, Lob has 51-200 employees and is headquartered in San Francisco.

      Tech Stack

      Node.js, Postgres, Docker, Elixir, Go

      Benefits

      401K plan, RSUs, health insurance, maternity/paternity benefits, unlimited time off, flexible working hours, employee groups and committees, and more. More