74. Follow this 3-step process to land your first job with Mahindra Guman

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Mahindra Guman is an experienced Career Services professional with a career spanning the non-profit, public, and private sectors. With a keen interest in learning & development and years of recruitment experience, Mahindra possesses firsthand knowledge of strategies emerging professionals can implement to develop their brand and land fulfilling career opportunities. In addition to talent development, Mahindra enjoys healthy living, gardening, and laughing.

Connect with him to learn more.

Here are Five Things We Cover:

1. Focus on Skills Over Titles: Mahindra advises that job seekers should search for jobs using key skills or technologies (e.g., Java, Python) rather than relying solely on job titles, which may not accurately reflect the role’s responsibilities.
2. Utilize Niche Job Boards: Mahindra emphasizes using niche job boards like Handshake, Welcome to the Jungle, Built In NY, and Idealist, instead of heavily saturated platforms like LinkedIn. These specialized boards often have less competition and more relevant opportunities.
3. Network Strategically: To enhance your chances of getting noticed, connect with recruiters and hiring managers on LinkedIn, personalizing your connection requests to show genuine interest in the position and the company.
4. Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews: Conduct comprehensive research on the company, industry trends, and the interviewers themselves. Prepare questions and tailor your resume and examples to match the job description, demonstrating your direct experience and interest in the role.
5. Be Organized and Persistent: Keep a detailed spreadsheet of your job applications, including company names, positions applied for, and notes on outreach efforts. Consistently apply and view rejections as opportunities for redirection and growth.

Here are Three Actionable Takeaways From This Episode

1. Focus on Job Function, Not Just Title

Often, job seekers limit their search by strictly focusing on job titles. Instead, Mahindra advises searching for specific skills or technologies that align with your expertise and interest. For example, instead of just searching for “Software Developer,” use keywords like “Java,” “Python,” or “API.” This broadens the scope of potential opportunities and can reveal roles that might have unconventional titles but fit your skill set perfectly.

2. Use Niche Job Boards

While platforms like LinkedIn are great for networking, for actual job applications, Mahindra recommends using more niche job boards. These platforms often have less competition and more specialized roles tailored to your field. Some examples include:

• Welcome to the Jungle: Focuses on tech and fintech startups.
• Built In NYC/LA/SF: Cater to tech roles in major cities.
• Tech Jobs for Good: Ideal for tech roles in companies with a social mission.
• Handshake: Particularly useful for university students and recent grads.
• InterestStride: Great for international candidates with additional resources.

3. Strategic Networking and Application Follow-ups

Networking is critical and should be approached methodically. Here’s how:

Reapply if Necessary: If a job you were excited about gets reposted, don’t hesitate to reapply. Take the time to improve your resume and cover letter, making them even more aligned with the job description.

Personalized Connection Requests: When reaching out to recruiters or hiring managers on LinkedIn, always send a personalized note. Mention how you found their profile and specifically ask if they are the right person to help with your application.

Track Your Applications: Use a spreadsheet to keep track of every application—include the company name, position, date applied, whether you’ve tailored your resume and cover letter, and any networking actions taken (e.g., LinkedIn messages sent). This organization helps you follow up effectively and recall details when you get interview callbacks.