How could any reader of this blog not have come across a book with a title like Land the Tech Job You Love? What could be a more perfect read? Author Andy Lester did a quick Q&A with Network World and said that much of what we assume is the right way to find a good tech job is actually off the mark. Some of his wisdom:

Shotgunning resumes is a waste of time.
When you're sending out 100 resumes that are all the same, you're not focusing on the one or two solid choices of jobs that are likely to be what you want and for which you're qualified. The other candidates for tech jobs are also going to be tech-savvy and well acquainted with using the Net for research. They'll know how to search on the Net for inside information about companies and the people who work at them. They will probably have extensive networks of contacts in social networking sites.

Serious research is pivotal.
The hiring manager is praying that the next resume, the next interview, will be the ideal candidate that he can hire so he can get back to work. Most candidates send out generic resumes, or walk into the interview jaded and uninterested. The techie who has done enough work to create a resume and cover letter that addresses the needs of the company is far more likely to get the job.

Personal contacts still matter.
Techies have to learn the value of social networking, and I don't mean Facebook and other social networking sites. It's important to make contacts with others so that when the time comes, the connections are in place.

That final point is a big one. Techies are accustomed to sitting in front of their screens relying on a few clicks of the mouse to find what they need. Yes, job listings are online, including here at Dice, of course, but don't forget the human touch, too.

--Don Willmott