As the tech job market continues to evolve, job seekers and companies alike are navigating uncharted waters. We sat down with Amy Cell, a seasoned talent expert and founder of Amy Cell Talent, a successful recruiting firm based in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to get her inside scoop on the current state of the industry and her top tips for success.
The Tech Roller Coaster
The tech world has been on one wild ride lately. "It's been a real roller coaster," Amy tells us. Between the layoffs, AI advancements, economic concerns, and election uncertainty, the landscape is extremely volatile.
But Amy remains cautiously optimistic. She believes that the market will stabilize soon, and businesses will feel more comfortable making hiring decisions.
"The economy seems to be coming into that soft landing. And I think once the election is behind us, then there'll be more comfort," says Amy.
One area that's seen a significant shift is the impact of AI on tech roles. Rather than replacing workers, Amy notes the sentiment is that "AI won't replace you, but somebody who uses AI will." Companies are leveraging AI to enhance their capabilities and do more with the same number of employees. "If you have those skills right now, you're going to be more in demand," Amy explains.
Tech Homecoming
Despite a turbulent market, there are still many tech opportunities, especially in emerging tech hubs. Ann Arbor SPARK’s job board features some of the top jobs in Ann Arbor, and more opportunities across the Midwest can be found on the Purpose Jobs site.
Ann Arbor SPARK is also hosting its annual Tech Homecoming event to help both local Michiganders and expats who are interested in returning to the state find tech jobs while they’re home for the holidays.
Image courtesy of Ann Arbor SPARK
The event is held during happy hour on Wednesday, November 27th, at Venue by 4M in Ann Arbor. The reception-style job fair will have food and drinks, Heather Nash Photography will take professional headshots for use on LinkedIn, and a drawing will be held for a reMarkable 2 tablet to keep your new job organized. It’s a relaxed and fun way to meet hiring companies and learn about opportunities in Southeast Michigan. Learn more and register for Tech Homecoming.
Amy Cell Talent will be at the event, helping people connect and learn about new opportunities. In the lead up to the event, Amy is sharing some of her best advice for job seekers and hiring companies alike.
Advice for Job Seekers
Narrow Your Search
When it comes to navigating the job market, Amy emphasizes the importance of a focused and strategic approach.
"You need to have a very focused search. Find 30 to 50 companies who would hire you to do what you want to do and then network into them," she says.
Candidates should take what Amy calls a 10-80-10 approach, where 10% of your time is looking online, 10% is going to events like Tech Homecoming, and 80% is doing research and networking.
By looking at who in your network (or your network’s network) is currently employed at those 30-50 companies you want to work at, you can build relationships with people and really stand out as a candidate once they have a position that’s right for you.
"It's about planting seeds, and sometimes those seeds take a few months to sprout," Amy says. And the extra work you put in can really set you apart.
Network Through Events
Attending events like Ann Arbor SPARK’s Tech Homecoming can help job seekers make meaningful connections.
Amy says the event is really fun and relaxed with food and drinks. Come with a few resumes (tailored to a few specific roles you’re looking for) and don’t be afraid to meet people. Do research on companies in advance to take a more targeted approach at events.
Image courtesy of Ann Arbor SPARK
Use, Don’t Abuse AI
Amy has reviewed countless AI-generated resumes that look exactly the same. Instead of using AI to create a resume from scratch, it’s better to use it as a tool to help tailor or improve a resume or cover letter — which, yes, she strongly encourages writing as well. Cover letters are a great way to stand out, to show that you’ve put in the extra time to learn about the company and share your story with them.
Advice for Companies
For companies navigating the evolving tech landscape, Amy emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. She says that being open-minded and focusing more on skills and culture fit is crucial.
Know What Your "Must-Haves" Are
A mistake Amy sees companies making over and over again is not having a clear understanding of their "must-haves." No candidate is perfect, so what are three non-negotiables that everyone agrees on? This is also something the hiring team can communicate to candidates, who will then have a better understanding of what the job entails. Candidates should have a few "must-haves" of their own, too, so that both parties can determine if it’s the right fit.
Offer Modern Benefits
Of course, companies should offer competitive salaries, but beyond just compensation, Amy highlights the other benefits candidates are seeking, such as paid time off, training, healthcare, and parental leave.
While many companies are bringing employees back to the office full time, Amy says that she sees most companies adopting a hybrid approach. It’s a great way to be in the office and build strong relationships with the team, but to still offer that flexibility, she says.
"The flexibility is huge, so if companies can offer hybrid, that's going to go such a long way," Amy says.
Be More Inclusive
Companies should review their job descriptions and hiring practices, ensuring they are inclusive and focused on the necessary skills rather than arbitrary requirements. Amy suggests getting rid of requirements for education and years of experience. These requirements can prevent strong candidates who might not have had access to traditional education from applying, and studies show that women often refrain from applying to a job if they don’t meet 100% of the criteria.
Instead, companies should focus on skills and competencies to create a more equitable hiring process and attract more diverse applicants.
Navigating the Ebb and Flow
The tech job market is in a state of flux, but with the right strategies, both job seekers and companies can find success. By focusing on building genuine connections, highlighting unique skills and offerings, and creating inclusive environments, companies and candidates can find a perfect match.
Both job seekers and hiring companies can register now for Ann Arbor SPARK’s Tech Homecoming, Wednesday, November 27, 4 – 7 p.m. at Venue by 4M. Plus, job seekers can sign up for the virtual SPARK Your Elevator Pitch event hosted by Amy Cell Talent on November 20 from 12 – 1 p.m. to make sure you’re ready.
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