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Considerations when Applying for a New Role
What type of skills are in high demand in the Alberta Market and Canada?
Currently there are a lot of opportunities across Alberta and Canada in the IT space. Some key aspects that various organizations are looking for is individuals that are more at a technical level in the Business Analyst roles. These additional skills include understanding around various aspects such as Agile methodology, data focused initiatives/tools and development background (application, web, or ERP initiatives).
Have you seen an increase or decrease in remote opportunities with things starting to open up again?
Some organizations have continued to offer fully remote opportunities as they are focused on finding the right candidate to do the job or task at hand. Additionally, these organizations have implemented the proper tools to allow for employees to be successful in their roles.
Then there are some organizations that are doing a flexible scheduled such as two days in office and three days from home. Reason for this is these organizations strive on collaboration in an office setting and completed various surveys to get employee feedback on what they would like to have in terms of flexibility.
Also, you have other organizations that are going completely back to in-office but most of these are from the Oil and Gas and Government organizations from our conversations. In short, there is an opportunity out there that will align with your expectations as you continue your search for your next step in your career.
Do you have any tips on how to make your profile stand out when applying for any opportunities?
This has been a topic of much conversation over the last year or so with the increase of remote opportunities as there is more competition that in the past. A couple things I can recommend that have been shared by our clients at ITIQ are as follows:
- Research: This is very important as it will show the individual who is looking over your resume that you have put some thought in your application and invested time to get to know them and what they are all about. This can be done in various ways such as reaching out to someone who is working there to discuss their experience working there (make sure to add context and a message on your intentions when reaching out) or attending events sponsored by the organization to meet people who can guide you in any application process. Additionally, should you get an interview request it will prepare you for a conversation that will make you stand out against your fellow applicants.
- Personal Touch: What I mean by this is changing your resume or application to fit the position you are applying for. This can be done in various ways such as changing your professional summary on your resume to highlight why you are a fit for the respective position. Sending a thank you note after your interview or connecting with them on LinkedIn (I would typically recommend doing these at the same time). There are so many ways this can be done, and you would be surprised of the results.
- Follow Up: There is nothing wrong with following up with your application for an opportunity or even to reach out to HR after a few days of your interview should you have not heard from them. This I find shows them that you are genuinely interested in the position and/or organization. Sometimes this can lead to opening other opportunities that you are unaware are available and speed up the process as the market is very competitive.
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