Tips and tricks: Get back to your old software job vs. Jump into a new one

You know it already: we spend as much time working, as with family and friends. Therefore, it is only natural that you will want to increase the quality of your time in the office – and what better moment to reconsider it, than the return to a (almost) regular schedule in September?

So, what goes into “reconsidering”? Whether you are looking inside the company to improve your current work (and status), or outside at new opportunities, we have some tips & tricks.

Something new: get a new job

There are moments when new opportunities start pouring out of the blue sky. You are not actively looking for a new job, but *it* looks for you. So, either because you haven’t been “on the market” in a long while, or just because the software industry is special, here is our “get a new job” refresher:

• Set your target: it can be a specific set of technologies or a hot industry. Either way, do not let the job specs discourage you. The perfect candidate should cover some 20+ tech skills, but we all know there is no such thing as a perfect candidate. Just make sure that you are on top of the most important skills, and that you are willing to learn others on the job.
• Pro tip 1: at Berg Software, we do offer a broad range of upskilling training and/or support with professional reconversion.
• Your application: the CV should put you into the best, honest light. Make it specific by mentioning your impact on previous projects, education, and anything that clarifies your unique skillset.
• Pro tip 2: GitHub and/or portfolio? Yes, please!
• Interviewing is definitely *not* hard. The hardest part is reaching one.
• There is no need for you to get all emotional – but if it helps, feel free to schedule the interview(s) in the morning, when you are presumably chiller (or sleepier). If you have one, make sure to put your friendly, just-enough-caffeinated face on. If not, just make sure you get a good rest the night before.
• Be a pro. There are two things that you *can* control (i.e. your work and the way you present it), so make sure they are both strong. Business-casual dress code is the safest (we will have to see your cargo shorts and flip-flops some other time) – and the same goes with having the right, genuine answers to professional experience-related questions.
• Make sure to ask your own questions. Most recruiters will have a dedicated timeslot for it; but if not, they will be open to listen and answer.
• Pro tip 3: if introverted or in doubt about non-verbal communication (we know we are), try mirroring some of the interviewer’s gesture. Keep it subtle, though.
• Especially with technical roles, we promise to *not* hire you on the spot. The regular flow is a phone call — tech interview — tech assessment and/or practical test. Since we prefer long term relationships, both you and we want to have the best understanding of all the great things we can do together.
• Pro tip 4: Let things flow as scheduled (as long as they are not delayed), in order to increase the chances of mutual appreciation and win-win scenarios. If something is not clear regarding the recruiting flow, please ask questions. If the recruiter is late to get back, please ask questions. If all is going according to the schedule, please do not push (it is probably useless).
• Feedback is hard, for both of us – this is why we do it in the most candid, constructive manner. Approach it with an open mind and heart, learn the best out of it, and take it as one more source of growth.

See? It is not that hard: keep chill, be professional, master what is in your hand, let go of useless stuff.

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Ready to make the jump? Let us know!