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      in Talent Acquisition

      Competitive Tech Job Offers? 6 Ways to Compare and Find the Right Fit

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      Steps to take when deciding between multiple job offers

      If you’re considering competitive job offers, you’ve already passed the hardest part of finding a new role. However, it doesn’t mean your job hunt is over yet. Choosing the right company and position might be challenging, particularly given the many factors playing a part in your final decision. Read on for some key tips to help lucky professionals with more than one offer on their plate.

      1. Determine your priorities

      Before you start evaluating job offers, ask yourself: What matters most to you in a job? Is it a high salary, flexible working hours, work-life balance, company culture, or growth opportunities? Knowing your priorities will help you evaluate job offers based on how well they meet your needs.

      Related: Ready to Find Your Dream Job? Start with Knowing What You Want 

      For example, let’s say work-life balance is your top priority. You may want to consider an offer with a flexible schedule or remote work options. On the other hand, if you value career growth, you may want to prioritize competitive job offers with a clear path for advancement and mentorship opportunities.

      2. Consider the salary and benefits

      By the time you’ve reached the offer stage, the salary they offer should not be a complete shock if you’ve had a transparent conversation with the company about your expectations. But, regardless of whether conversations have taken place, chances are the offers will vary slightly. This depends on how each company is calibrating the role and responsibilities for the position they’re offering you.

      An advantage of competitive job offers is your ability to leverage them against each other. This won’t always work depending on the company’s circumstances, but it could be worth a shot. 

      Related: How to Leverage Multiple Offers to Get the Job You Want

      The job offer with a higher salary and better benefits might be very attractive too. However, it’s important to consider the entire compensation package, including bonuses, stock options, and other perks. Additionally, account for the cost of living in the area where the job is located.A high salary may seem impressive, but if the cost of living is also high, it may not go as far as you think. Consider the overall value of the compensation package, including both salary and benefits when evaluating job offers.

      Related: See how companies value your experience with Hired’s Salary Calculator

      Does the offer include other types of cash compensation?

      In addition to base salary offers received, don’t forget to account for stock options and bonuses, or other incentives. 

      Stock options can be difficult to value for private companies since they’re not actually worth anything until (or if) an exit event occurs. That said, many startup employees have made off well after their employer goes public or gets acquired. So, stock options may be a valuable perk if you believe in what the company is doing. 

      Offer packages typically indicate a number of shares. Ask the hiring manager for the total number of shares outstanding to calculate the percent ownership of the company you’ve been offered. This is a better indicator of value than the absolute number of shares. 

      What benefits do the competitive job offers provide?

      Health insurance, commuting costs, and retirement plans are commonly added perks used to attract talent. It’s worth comparing these benefits between companies. If you really want to get granular, research the market value of each of these perks. Then, add it to your cash offers to get a holistic sense of how each package affects your finances.

      For those thinking about starting or growing a family, research the maternity and/or paternity leave policies for the companies you’re comparing. Given the significant cost of adding a new member to the family, a great parental leave policy might make or break whether a salary package makes sense for you.

      In addition, research vacation allowances for each company. Many established tech companies and startups have flexible, or even unlimited, vacation policies. If you’re a big traveler or need frequent weekends away, vacation policies might play a significant role in your decision.

      3. Assess the company culture

      Company culture is also an essential consideration as it will have a significant impact on your job satisfaction and overall well-being. Research the company’s values, mission statement, and work environment to determine if it aligns with your personal beliefs and preferences.

      Consider factors such as work-life balance, employee perks, social events, and company values. A company with a strong culture aligning with your personal beliefs can make a big difference in your job satisfaction and long-term happiness.

      Keep this in mind: There’s more to negotiate beyond salary. The number of options might surprise you! Check out this ebook for guidance on all the perks and benefits you could integrate into your total compensation. 

      How well do you get along with the team?

      At the end of the day, you’ll be spending most of your days with the rest of the people on your new team, so how your personalities mesh is one of the most important factors to consider before accepting a position. 

      Depending on the role and team dynamic, it may even make sense to ask to meet some of the team outside of the office. Maybe ask your potential new manager for a coffee chat if you’re questioning whether you’ll enjoy working with them.

      4. Evaluate growth opportunities

      Assessing each job offer’s potential for career advancement can be difficult before starting a new role. But do your best to have frank discussions with the hiring manager for each position you’re considering. 

      Consider factors such as training and development programs, mentorship opportunities, and potential for upward mobility. You may want to look for a job offer with opportunities for learning new skills, attending conferences, and taking on leadership roles.

      While smaller startups can offer unparalleled opportunities to explore new job functions and learn quickly, career progression isn’t always as clear as it might be at a larger company. Think about what your near and longer-term career goals look like, and how the various companies do (or don’t) fit into those goals.

      5. Analyze the job responsibilities

      The job responsibilities and expectations can significantly impact your job satisfaction and work-life balance. Therefore, you’ll want to analyze each job’s responsibilities and determine if they align with your skills, interests, and career goals.

      Consider factors such as job duties, work hours, and travel requirements. If you’re not excited about the job responsibilities, it’s probably not the right fit for you. 

      6. Seek feedback from people you trust

      Finally, get feedback and advice from trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors. They can provide insight into factors you may have overlooked and offer a fresh perspective on each job offer.

      Ask for feedback on the company culture, job responsibilities, and growth opportunities. Additionally, get their input on how each job offer aligns with your long-term career goals and personal priorities.

      Making the decision between competitive job offers

      When it comes down to making a decision, there is no perfect formula for making a decision when you have multiple offers to choose from. It depends on a variety of factors you ultimately have to prioritize for yourself and your career path. These tips will help organize, guide, and hopefully lead you to the right decision. More

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      in Career Hacks

      Why You’ll Love Working as a Financial Representative at Northwestern Mutual

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      Working with a variety of different people to unlock their financial, personal, and professional goals, the work of a Financial Representative is vast and unbounded. Given that there are so many different options and ways to build your financial health, representatives have the ability to use tools and resources to help design plans for their clients. 

      But what does that actually look like? To find out, we spoke with Josh Chandler, a financial representative at Northwestern Mutual, about why he loves working as a  financial representative. 

      Despite being at an intern level, Josh has already been given several opportunities to drive his career forward. In our conversation with him, we learn a little bit more about what working at Northwestern Mutual as a financial representative is like and how he became so successful early on in his career. 

      Impacting Your Clients

      When I first asked Josh what it was about financial consulting and planning that interested him, he shared an anecdote about a family member who he wished had help from a financial representative. 

      Today, Josh is inspired to help other people reach financial wellness because of the story his family member went through. For him, working with people from all different walks of life is what really makes him feel fulfilled. 

      Although blue-collar folks are Josh’s favorite clients to work with, they only represent a  portion of the clients that representatives get to work with. Maybe you want to help out single moms, maybe you want to work with athletes, or maybe you want to work with people like yourself who just got their first job!  

      The beauty of being a financial representative is getting to build your own portfolio and working with the people whose lives you truly get to make a difference in. 

      Celebrating Wins

      Another rewarding part of being a financial representative is that you get to enjoy celebrating the success of your clients every single day. The work you’re doing with these people is very real and impacts their lives in very meaningful ways. What you’re doing might help someone buy a new car, pay off debt, or even send their child to college! These are all milestones that you get to celebrate with your client. 

      It is clear that financial representatives have a really big impact on people’s lives and well-being. This means on any given day, you could be helping someone reach their goals that wouldn’t have been possible without you! It works like this that makes the day-to-day of a financial representative so fulfilling.  

      Interns Do the Same Things as Full-Time Representatives

      By the end of my conversation with Josh, I had to ask him again if he was still an intern  because it hardly seemed that way. Josh had his own office, tons of clients, and was  continuing to build his career in profound ways. 

      However, a good portion of his success can be attributed to the fact that Northwestern  Mutual gives interns the chance to work as full-time representatives right from Day 1  and work with people who inspire them to succeed. Senior advisors help guide in the beginning and along the way as needed, but the role is still very autonomous. 

      The financial representative internship at Northwestern Mutual is hardly an internship at all. Take Josh Chandler’s story as proof that you can have a limitless impact on the  clients you serve while building a business for yourself, but not by yourself. 

      Northwestern Mutual is looking for more people to join their internship program and start  experiencing what life working as a financial representative is really like! Check out their  WayUp profile for more information on jobs, news, and the company itself. 

      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

    • 100 Shares189 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Karina Celis, Engineering Manager

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      Let’s kick off by hearing a bit about your educational background! 

      I studied Computer Engineering in my hometown of Caracas, Venezuela at the University of Simon Bolivar. Later, I did a Master’s in Online Marketing in Madrid, Spain at ESDEN College. I believe in our field we need to improve and keep up with technology every day. So, I try to do courses on programming languages or management skills and do Katas every now and then. 

      My university experience taught me the most important things for my career. I remember clearly what my first algorithm professor told us in our first class. He said, “Forget everything you have learned so far on programming if you know anything at all. Here, you will really learn all you need to know to succeed. You will learn to solve a problem, think logically, and then apply any language to it.” Boy, he was telling the truth!

      I learned to deeply understand languages, take the best of them, and work around the bad to make them great! I learned to write effective, efficient code and be critical of key functionalities and behaviors. Even today, 14 years since I graduated, I find my education to be the base of every single situation.

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I am constantly reading about Cloud Technologies, AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure! Also – plus new monitoring and reporting tools. Today’s world is not meant for failure. We have no patience when it happens. It is important to achieve low latency and high availability in all our systems. We want to make sure we are on top of any failures and can fix them promptly. 

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      When I was 13 years old, around 1998, we got our first computer at home. It was a 3GB hard drive, Intel 3. It was the best we could get at the time. My aunt’s boyfriend was a Software Engineer working at Unisys. He lent it to her so she could work on her degree thesis. One day it broke down and the system was not booting. My aunt was in a crisis because months of work was lost.

      I sat next to her boyfriend, watching him fix it. He re-installed the software and recovered the data. I was fascinated by this! That day I asked him, “What do I have to study to do what you do?” It was Computer Engineering. I set a goal in life to understand and work on that black box machine. I wanted to make sure it was always up and running and doing everything right to help others achieve their goals. 

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

      Since graduating, I’ve had several roles:

      Full Stack Engineer at an E-com company in Venezuela (Python and Django)

      Front-end and TV App Engineer at a startup in Madrid (Samsung SDK written in JavaScript and Java in the Back-end)

      Technical Support Engineer at SmartADServer, which is a great company to work for! (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Every now and then, I read Android and Apple apps code)

      Front-End Engineer at eDreams Odigeo (JavaScript and an in-house version of Angular). Then, I had the chance to move up the ladder as Team Leader in that company before moving to London.

      I learned so many technologies over the years and even now as a manager, I continue to do so. In my new role, my team mostly uses C# for day-to-day work. This is a language I have not worked with yet so I am looking forward to learning! 

      Related: Engineering Manager or IC? Which Tech Career is Best for Me? (Video)

      If you chose to specialize in one area, what was it and why?

      I chose to specialize in people. I help them become better Software Engineers, work effectively on a team, and hopefully grow as people too. As an Individual Contributor, I learned how much managers can impact your career. If I can make a difference in helping others achieve their goals, why not do it?

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

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      I changed industries. My previous role was at Expedia, a travel company. Now, I am moving into Fintech. I will still hold the Engineering Manager role but will work with different languages and manage a different team size.

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

      I have always been very cautious about roles in the finance world. I think traditional, older banking companies can be intimidating. But there is something about tech companies specializing in finance that intrigued me. In this industry, the software is prioritized – good, reliable, efficient software – and I’m all for that.

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

      There were usually two ways of looking for a new job. First, lots of recruiters contacting via LinkedIn. It would be endless amounts of calls with them. Then, the waiting. It sometimes felt like ages before I would finally hear back from the hiring managers to start the process.

      The second way was to apply directly to companies or go to job post sites like LinkedIn. I’d submit my CV and cover letter. Then I’d wait until one day (after I completely forgot about that job application!) I received an email from the company to begin the process.

      In summary, it was a waiting game. I must add though, I met incredible people through these searches and have collaborated with them on other endeavors. I am thankful for each and every minute all recruiters and HR professionals spent with me or on me!

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

      With Hired, the coin is flipped. You are not looking, you are being looked at. Make sure you are presenting your experience in a way that makes companies curious about you.

      Here are a few tips:

      Give constant, quick responses (even if it is a thank you or a no, thank you). 

      Salaries are negotiable, so put your expectation on the table and hear the company out. 

      Inquire about the hiring process if it is not mentioned in the first contact email or initial conversation.

      With Hired, it’s true you can find a job in less than a month. In fact, you can even find one as quickly as two weeks – I’ve done that twice! 

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

      Learn to solve problems, not just how to work on a specific language. Tech evolves every day but that’s not necessarily the same for logic. Also, listen to other people’s ideas. You never know who might help you see a problem in a different way!

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

      About TrueLayer

      TrueLayer is building universal APIs that allow companies to access the financial data of their end-user and initiate direct bank payments, securely, reliably, and efficiently. Founded in 2016, TrueLayer has 51-200 employees and is headquartered in London.

      Tech Stack

      .NET Core, Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, PostgreSQL, Redis, Elasticsearch, Python, TypeScript, React, C#

      Benefits

      Stock options, paid time off, work-from-home flexibility, management training, employee discount programs, and more. More

    • 150 Shares149 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Write an ATS Friendly Resume in 2023: 6 Tips to Reach Recruiters

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      As a tech (or any!) jobseeker, it’s crucial to have an ATS-friendly resume in today’s job market. Why? In a highly competitive job search, it’s critical your resume is easily scannable to pass the ATS test. It increases your chances of moving past the ATS screen to a human recruiter. 

      In this article, we’ll explain what an ATS is, why having an ATS-friendly resume helps jobseekers (and recruiters), as well as six steps to helping your resume get past the ATS.

      What is ATS or Applicant Tracking System?

      An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software application that automates and streamlines the recruitment process for employers. It allows companies to manage job postings, track and organize resumes and applications, and communicate with candidates. ATS systems have become increasingly popular over the years as more companies move their recruitment processes online and generative AI becomes more prominent.

      What is an ATS friendly resume?

      An ATS-friendly resume means the resume is formatted, or optimized to be easily read by applicant tracking system software. These systems are used during the hiring process to scan and filter through a large number of resumes quickly. Sometimes recruiters receive thousands of resumes for job postings and an ATS helps them identify candidates who match qualifications efficiently. 

      It includes a clear format, standard fonts and headings, and relevant keywords and phrases from the job description. Imagine if an engineering role required candidates to be fluent in Brazilian Portuguese, but 3,000 people who aren’t fluent in the language applied anyway. It’s impossible for recruiters to manually review at such large volumes, especially if many of them don’t meet basic requirements. 

      Why is an ATS friendly resume important for jobseekers? 

      When it comes to resumes, ATS software typically uses a process called parsing to extract relevant information from resumes and applications. Parsing involves breaking down the document into individual data points such as contact information, work experience, and education. 

      The software analyzes this information against predefined criteria. This may include skills, like React, Go, or Ruby on Rails, or keywords to identify candidates matching the requirements of the job posting.

      If the ATS doesn’t parse your experience and skills, your resume might be rejected even if you’re highly qualified for the job. 

      How do I get past the ATS?

      To make sure your resume isn’t overlooked follow these six steps to create and optimize your resume.

      1. Format your resume in the right way

      ATS software is designed to read and process resumes following specific formats, so it is crucial to use the appropriate one. Opt for a simple and standard resume format with bullet points, and use bold, italics, and underlining as necessary. 

      Most fonts are parsed effectively by the majority of ATS software, so you have more flexibility when it comes to this. However, it’s essential to ensure the font you choose is legible and easy to read. While formatting dates, use the format MM/YYYY or “Month Year.” 

      A myth or just outdated assumptions?

      Conventional wisdom advises jobseekers to avoid graphics, images, tables, or columns as they may confuse the ATS. 

      However, Volen Vulkov, the co-founder of our partner Enhancv, suggests otherwise. Based on the thousands of resumes Enhancv processes daily, evidence suggests resumes with visual graphics and tables are parsed just as well as those without. Further testing with other parsers and other resume templates (e.g. MS Office’s) confirms these elements would not result in different outcomes. 

      More importantly, however, jobseekers should carefully consider whether including graphics and tables will enhance the overall appearance and effectiveness of their resume. They should also assess if these elements drive more attention to their qualifications and experience. 

      Ultimately, the decision to include those items should be based on the individual jobseeker’s circumstances and the requirements of the job.

      Enhancv’s platform found less than 10% of resumes imported to their site, including their own resume templates, embed the information within the PDF. This means the ATS doesn’t need to parse the resume to extract information. It only needs to read the embedded information in the PDF. This revolutionary approach to solving parsing issues is something Vulkov expects other resume builders to follow soon.

      2. Include relevant keywords

      To increase your chances of getting noticed by an ATS, it’s crucial to incorporate relevant keywords and phrases from the job description in your resume. Take the time to carefully read the job description and use the same keywords consistently throughout your resume, particularly in the skills and experience sections. 

      Caution: avoid overloading your resume with too many keywords. This can make it appear spammy and ultimately harm your chances of being selected.Despite the large number of resumes an ATS processes, not all of the information in your resume may be parsed. In fact, according to Enhancv’s resume checker, the average number of words in a parsed resume is between 200-350. 

      This is significantly less than the average number of words in an uploaded resume (over 500). Therefore, it’s crucial to include the relevant keywords and phrases in your resume, especially in the skills and experience sections.

      Keyword Tip: 

      Keep in mind how logical variations help you cover essential terms without overtly repeating them. For instance, if you have experience developing ATS software, use both “ATS” and “Applicant Tracking System” software in your resume. 

      Some job applicants try to manipulate the ATS by adding extra keywords at the bottom of their resume or using white text as an attempt to camouflage them to human readers. We don’t recommend this, of course. An ATS might actually penalize you for it too.

      3. Use clear and concise language

      To increase your chances of passing the ATS scan, it’s important to use clear and concise language in your resume. Avoid using industry-specific jargon, acronyms, or abbreviations the ATS may not recognize. Even if you do use them, spell them out at least once to ensure the ATS can identify them. 

      However, in some industries like IT and tech, it’s difficult to avoid jargon and abbreviations altogether. Follow the lead of the job description and use the same terms from the posting. You might also use different variations of the same term – spell it out the first time but abbreviate it later in the resume. 

      Make it easy for the ATS to scan your resume by using standard headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Avoid using unconventional headings or getting too creative with your formatting. Remember, the goal is to help the ATS system easily identify your qualifications, not to stand out with a fancy design.

      4. Connect the job title to your resume headline

      Your resume is more likely to surface if you include the job role in your attention-getter of a headline. When a recruiter searches for a specific title, your resume will be sure to show up. So, if you are applying for a job listed as “Sales Manager,” your ATS-compliant resume headline might look something like this: “Sales Manager with 6 Years of Fintech Experience.”

      Another important factor related to the job title is the name of the file you send to the employer. Some ATS systems actually rate the name of the file so it’s a good idea to make sure it corresponds to the job position and your name. 

      For example, if you’re applying for a job as a “Software Engineer” at “XYZ Company,” your resume file name might be “JohnDoe_SoftwareEngineer_XYZCompany.pdf.” Although a small detail, this can help your resume stand out in the ATS and increase the chances of a human recruiter seeing it.

      Imagine looking at a list of files and 90% of them are titled “Resume.” If you’re customizing your resume for different companies or roles, this helps you stay organized too. 

      5. Use the right file format

      When it comes to submitting your resume to an Applicant Tracking System, many jobseekers are unsure about which file format to use. The good news is both Word and PDF formats can work well with an ATS. According to Enhancv data, the parse rate of a PDF is 47%, and for a Word document, it’s 48%. So, there isn’t a significant difference in the rate between the two formats.That being said, it’s important to note PDFs tend to be larger in size, which may cause them to be parsed at a lower rate. Enhancv recommends you keep your resume under 2MB in size to ensure it can be uploaded and parsed properly by an ATS. 

      Ultimately, the decision of whether to use PDF or Word for your resume comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the job application. One of the main benefits of using PDF is it maintains its formatting across various operating systems and software. 

      This ensures the document’s layout remains the same regardless of how it’s opened. On the other hand, Word documents might look different depending on the different operating systems or software used to open them.

      6. Proofread your resume

      Finally, double-check your resume to ensure there are no spelling or grammar errors to confuse the ATS. Use a free grammar checker tool such as Grammarly to eliminate errors and ensure the language is clear and professional.

      Typically, less is more when it comes to ATS-friendly resumes. By keeping it simple and using these tips, you increase your resume’s chances of advancing through ATS software and straight to a recruiter.    More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Career Hacks

      How Insight Partners Is Championing Diversity in the VC & Private Equity Space

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      There are a lot of things to consider as you determine what you want out of a job. In addition to role, salary, and location, one thing that might take high priority on your list is inclusivity and belonging. In other words, being welcomed, wanted, and represented at the company you’re working for.

      Depending on who you are and what background you come from, your sense of belonging will be determined by a number of different factors. At Insight Partners, a New York-based global private equity and venture capital firm, they’ve made it a priority to find out what these factors are and how to properly embed them within their company.

      Recently, we spoke with Insight’s Dhanya Madhusudan, Director of DE&I Community at the firm, and Isabelle Rodriguez, Senior Manager of Campus Recruiting, to learn more about these diversity and inclusivity initiatives at the 28-year-old investment firm.

      In our conversation, we discovered that Insight’s employee resource groups, recruiting efforts, CEO ScaleUp Pledge, and Vision Capital fund are just a few of the ways they promote diversity and inclusion within their firm and the software startups they invest in.

      Employee Resource Groups

      At Insight Partners, employee resource groups (ERGs) are an integral part of company culture and employee benefits. Currently, Insight Partners has Black@Insight and OUTsight ERGs which focus on the empowerment, continued education, and advancement of Black and LGBTQIA+ individuals, respectively.

      As a member of these ERGs, or non-members who are interested in learning more, you can attend monthly meetings, educational series, and panels to discover what it takes to grow and thrive as a young professional. Additionally, a mentorship program is rolled out in which employees can learn from those who have been embedded in the industry and company for a while.

      Campus Recruiting

      One of the most direct ways to expand representation at a company is through recruiting efforts. Insight’s campus recruiting efforts, led by Isabelle Rodriguez, intend to not only recruit individuals from diverse backgrounds but retain them as well. One of the ways they do this is through immersive learning experiences, including the Inclusion by Insight Diversity Summit.

      This diversity summit is a two-day event in which top-tier candidates from minority backgrounds are invited to learn and grow their skills. The goal of the summit is to learn about Insight Partners and venture capital and private equity spaces, but also to grow professional skills in a number of ways. An example of this is when they partnered with Great on The Job, a company that leads workshops on perfecting your pitch, owning your brand, mock interviews, and more.

      But what’s most commendable about Insight’s recruiting efforts is the end goal they are striving for.

      CEO ScaleUp Pledge

      Among Insight’s various DEI initiatives is the firm’s bold CEO ScaleUp Pledge, which Insight’s portfolio company CEOs sign to commit to prioritize DE&I at the executive level and drive tangible change in their workforce. Working alongside the CEOs and their companies, Insight helps them building an inclusive workforce that is representative of various genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, ages, socio-economic statuses, religions, physical abilities, and more.

      Those companies that do sign the pledge aren’t only given the resources needed to make these strides, but they are also held accountable by the firm through progress reports. By both implementing and measuring progress on DEI initiatives, Insight Partners intends on making a difference across the many industries and sectors that the firm invests in.

      Vision Capital Fund

      Insight’s Vision Capital 2020 Fund is putting their money where their mouth is, so to speak. Insight believes that underrepresented fund managers have access to differentiated perspectives, networks, and deal flow capable of driving strong fund performance. The Vision Capital Funds are governed by Insight’s senior leadership and leverage Insight’s network, experience, and operational expertise to support fund managers’ investment and operating efforts.

      For Insight Partners, it isn’t enough to make strides just inside their own workforce and portfolio. While the firm’s ERGs, diversity recruiting efforts and ScaleUp Pledge cultivate internal change, the Vision Capital 2020 Fund looks to make change outside of the company.

      To learn more about Insight Partners, the work they do, and the sectors they’re impacting, check out their WayUp company profile. There you’ll find information on everything from job opportunities to more groundbreaking efforts that are changing the private equity and venture capital space as we know it. More

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

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

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      With layoffs on the rise, job scammers are keen on taking advantage of a crowded market. As a jobseeker, it is important to be aware of job scams and how to protect yourself from falling victim to them. Often, scammers are seeking money, personal information, or free labor. 

      Don’t let the job search become more overwhelming than it already might be. Use these tips to spot job scams and protect yourself during your search for a legitimate new role. 

      1. Do your research 

      Before applying for any job, research the company thoroughly. Check their website, social media presence, and online reviews to verify their legitimacy. Glassdoor is a popular resource for checking out company reviews and getting the inside scoop on employers. If the company has a poor online presence or lacks information about their products or services, consider it a red flag.

      2. Watch out for job postings with vague descriptions

      Legitimate companies usually provide a detailed job description, including the required qualifications and responsibilities. If the job posting or ad doesn’t provide specific details about the job responsibilities, qualifications, or compensation, it might signal a scam. Real postings should have clear and concise descriptions of what the job entails and the qualifications required.

      3. Be cautious of unsolicited job offers

      If you receive a job offer without having applied for a job, chances are you are dealing with a scam. While recruiters may reach out to notify you about job opportunities, legit companies do not send out unsolicited job offers to random people. This is another point at which you should do some research. Look into the individual’s LinkedIn profile and be careful before clicking any links they share with you.

      4. Never pay for a job

      If a job requires you to pay a fee for training, equipment, or any other reason, you have a scam on your hands. Employers should be paying you. Companies never require jobseekers to make upfront payments. 

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

      5. Be wary of high-paying job offers

      If a job offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of job offers that promise high pay for minimal work or require little to no experience.

      Related: Try Hired’s salary calculator to see how companies value your experience.

      6. Verify the job offer

      Before accepting a job offer, verify it with the company directly. Scammers often use fake company names and email addresses to impersonate legitimate companies.

      7. Protect your personal information

      Do not provide your personal information, such as your social security number or bank account information, until you have verified the legitimacy of the company and the job offer. Employers should only ask for this information after you’ve been hired. 

      A note on background checks 

      Typically, any part-time, full-time, or IC employee, regardless of department, seniority, or employment status, will complete a background check. 

      Expect to complete once an offer is in hand. More often than not, you’ll find a sentence in the offer letter stating, “Please understand that your offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.”

      Companies often use third-party services for their background checks like Checkr, Trusted Employees, GoodHire, and ShareAble.

      Background checks usually cover these areas: 

      County Criminal Search (Current)

      National Criminal Search (Standard)

      Sex Offender Search

      SSN Trace

      Global Watchlist Search

      The timeframe of background checks may vary by company, with some looking for current data and others looking into the past 5+ years.

      Sometimes companies will also run a credit check. This is for a few different reasons. According to NerdWallet, these checks are more likely if your role involves security clearance or access to confidential customer data, company information, or money. They don’t see your credit score, but a high-level version of your credit report. Basically, they’re looking for any signals of financial problems providing a vulnerability to fraud or theft. 

      8. Job scams often target workers receiving benefits

      If you’re unemployed and plan to file for unemployment insurance, be careful. Do not google “unemployment benefits” to apply. Many of the top search results are fake sites, encouraging you to register your claim while taking your personal information. Instead, get the correct agency’s URL from your former employer or verify them through your state government site. 

      Even after you’re registered, be careful when it comes to communication. Many scammers send texts suggesting there’s a problem with your benefits. They might say they need additional financial information to process your claim. Or that you’re owed additional money and they need to confirm information. 

      The majority of workforce agencies communicate with you by mail or a secure portal on the website. If you get a text that appears suspicious – do not click on any links or respond. Report it for phishing, block the number, and delete it. 

      One of the classic “tells” of a phishing email has always been misspellings or poor grammar. It’s safe to assume that with ChatGPT and other AI tools, scammers of all varieties will use them to their advantage. So, be extra vigilant. 

      This is also a good time to make sure you have your voicemail set up. It’s tempting to quickly answer calls when you’re job hunting, but let it go to voicemail if you don’t recognize the number. 

      First, job scammers often like to record you saying “yes” or other things they can manipulate later. Second, it’s often better to take a beat and return the legitimate calls when you have the time to focus on your response. 

      9. Trust your instincts and inquire

      If something seems off or suspicious about a job offer or company, trust your gut and proceed with caution. Ask questions about the company, culture, role responsibilities, etc. to evaluate the opportunity. 

      While you should inquire about these aspects for any job (whether it’s a scam or not!), questions will help you weigh the legitimacy. Real employers and recruiters would be happy to share more about the company and verify its authenticity. 

      Related: 7 Interview Questions You Never Have to Answer (& How You Should Respond)

      Completing technical assessments is common for tech roles 

      When it comes to tech roles, it is common for employers to request jobseekers complete technical assessments and challenges. If you are seeking a job in tech, keep in mind what’s reasonable when it comes to these tests. We asked Hired’s Senior Internal Recruiter, Jules Grondin, for her insights. Here’s what she had to say:   

      You should be given notice ahead of time on the languages used in the tech assessment or have the option to choose the language you’re most comfortable with to complete it.

      Expect to spend about 60-75 minutes independently on a tech assessment. This is not including a follow-up interview with the hiring manager or team.

      To expedite the tech interview process, ask about the tech stack from the start and tailor your work examples accordingly. Be eager and ask questions. Teams will prioritize scheduling and next steps to candidates who actively engage and are excited about the opportunity. 

      While accuracy is important, employers often look for your thought process in solving any sort of tech assessment. It’s important to show your work and be able to speak through the steps you took.  

      Every role is different but know what might be fair to expect from potential employers as a tech candidate.

      At Hired, we partner with employers to offer jobseekers a few ways to showcase their technical skills. 

      Hired Assessments empower jobseekers on the platform to take remote technical tests to prove their skills to employers. When Hired jobseekers successfully complete an assessment, they’re rewarded with a badge that surfaces on their profile for employers to see. Fun fact: High-intent candidates who earn technical assessment badges are 3X as likely to get hired!

      Coding challenges are an opportunity for talent to take 45-minute technical tests so employers can see the coding skills they bring to the table. Jobseekers can bypass the first step in the interview process (and win some awesome prizes) if they impress recruiters.

      Related: Want to Ace Technical Interviews? A Guide to Prep Software Engineers

      The job search process can be daunting and even more so if you fall victim to job scams. Such scams complicate the search and may take both a financial and emotional toll on unsuspecting jobseekers. Follow these tips to protect yourself, evaluate opportunities, and have a smooth job search!  More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Future-Proof Your Tech Career: How to Make Strategic Decisions (VIDEO)

      by

      These days, making strategic career decisions is often tied to conversations about “quiet quitting.” This term was coined in 2022 due to a mix of:

      Unclear expectations

      Few growth opportunities

      Disconnects between a company and the employee’s needs

      Quiet quitting transformed jobseekers’ way of thinking, with most centering the job search around their needs, goals, and values. 

      But what happens when jobseekers find companies they align with? They stay longer and are generally happier. Studies show retention is highest when employers invest in long-term learning and growth opportunities.

      Watch this on-demand webinar to hear experts from the Get Hired Summit discuss how jobseekers can strategize to future-proof their careers in tech. You’ll hear from:

      Related: Hired’s 2022 List: Top Employers Winning Tech Talent  

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

      Amid the uncertainty, what are you seeing in the market right now? What advice would you give those in entry-level or mid-career positions in tech?

      Adam

      There definitely has been a shift in the last six months or so. We’re seeing conditions start to change in the market. I’m seeing that it’s still quite competitive for… people with 5+ years of experience. Those people are still in very high demand and they still have competitive offers from a variety of companies. Where it’s getting a lot harder is for the entry-level, junior candidates — people with 1-2 years of experience. 

      We’ve had the same role open at different times over the last few years. A year ago we would have seen maybe a handful of applicants come in. Recently, we had 1,500 applicants come in within the first few weeks.

      The advice I would give to someone just starting out is to just build things. Do what you can to optimize for learning and practice your craft. Even if it’s something you build, get it up in GitHub, GitLab, or wherever you host your code. Practice and build it. Maybe you’ll throw it away but you’ll learn something along the way. 

      Related: Hired Releases 2023 State of Software Engineers Report

      I highly value the people who want to show their commitment to practicing their craft and showing they enjoy it and like building things. That’s what I want to have a conversation about in the interview process. I want to learn why they were excited about it, why they built it, and what they learned along the way. That goes such a long way.

      Matt

      Definitely try new things and take some risks early in your career. The world is your oyster. There’s no time like the present to jump in and swim. You’re going to try a lot of things and you’re going to fail. You’re going to find some things you don’t like but you’re also going to find something you do like — something you’re really excited about. That’s what you want to run toward. 

      Think of your career as this marathon that will be many years of your life. Do you want to spend it doing something… you don’t love? Find what you can be really passionate and excited about. There will be hard days and hard projects but you should have more positive experiences than not. Implicit in that is to learn from those experiences.

      Kelly

      I speak to a lot of candidates in my career. Some of them have just finished college and have known exactly what they wanted to do their whole life. I speak to other people who had multiple careers. They’re in their thirties or forties and just starting bootcamp. They’re excited and passionate. Trying as many different careers until you find something you’re really passionate about is important. It’s never too late to start something new!

      Related: Partner Spotlight: Coding Bootcamps & Non-Traditional Education for Tech Talent

      Watch the full panel discussion to learn:  More

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      in Career Hacks

      Capital One Recruiters’ 5 Resume Tips for Students

      by

      It’s time to boil down your college experience into a one-page document that sells who you are to a stranger. Where do you list your major? How do you summarize your invigorating internship or great part-time job? What kind of file should my resume be?

      We know it can be intimidating putting together your resume. Thankfully, Nyla Walker and Olutoyin Asubiojo, recruiters for our Students & Grads programs, are here to help. Check out their answers to five common resume questions that will help you build a career with real impact.

      Q: Should I make my resume one page?

      Nyla: Yes. Recruiters only look at resumes for about six seconds, so we need to find your information quickly. You’ll eventually get to a point in your career where you can have a longer resume but stick to one page while you’re a student or recent grad.

      Q: How should I organize my resume?

      Olutoyin: Put your school, major and graduation date at the top of your resume so we can figure out which of our programs best match your skills and start date. You can also add relevant coursework, research and academic honors.

      Your jobs, internships and leadership roles should come next—in chronological order—giving us a glimpse at your relevant experience. Finally, you can have a separate section toward the bottom of your resume for extracurriculars like sports, volunteering and hobbies. 

      Q: How do I describe my experiences?

      Nyla: Use vivid descriptions, ranges or scales that show off your achievements, contributions and key results. Go deeper than listing a job description. Share how you improved parts of the company you worked for, and make connections between the job you want and the job you have. 

      If you’re a cashier, tell us you’re a mathematician extraordinaire and share how you can solve problems quickly. Maybe you worked in retail and organized a sales event. That’s project management. You’ll find ways to tweak your resume for each opportunity you’re applying for.

      Q: How should I format my resume?

      Olutoyin: Save it as a PDF. This guarantees your resume format will look the same on different computers.

      Q: Where can I get help preparing my resume and application?

      Olutoyin: Visit our events page for information on workshops about resume building, explaining your career journey, interview preparation and more.  More