By: As told to Business Insider, based on a conversation with 34-year-old career coach and former Big Tech recruiter, Brenna Lasky. Her identity and employment have been verified.

I spent eight years working in recruiting for major tech companies like Meta, Salesforce, and Google. Throughout that time, I learned exactly what hiring managers are looking for—and what trips applicants up during the job search.

My Personal Job Search Journey

Before I joined Big Tech, I struggled with job hunting myself. My tactic was to apply to as many openings as possible, assuming that one of those mass applications would pay off. But I wasn’t getting the results I wanted. I also wasn’t tailoring my résumé, which I later realized was a critical mistake.

Launching My Career Coaching Business

In September, I started a career coaching business to help job seekers avoid the pitfalls I encountered and to demystify the hiring process—especially for roles at Big Tech companies. My goal is to show people what it really takes to get into these competitive workplaces.

Below, I share common scenarios where applicants tend to get stuck during the hiring process, along with my advice on how to break through.

If You’re Not Getting Interviews

When you’re not even landing an initial phone screen, it’s usually tied to your résumé. You want to ensure it’s not just a laundry list of every project or responsibility you’ve ever had. Instead, make sure you highlight the relevant skills and direct experience for the position in question.

  • Tailor your résumé: If you’re submitting the same generic résumé to dozens of jobs, you’re likely missing key qualifications specific to each role.
  • Look for keywords: Recruiters often compare résumés against the minimum qualifications. Those qualifications often show up verbatim in the job listing.
  • Create a baseline: If you’re, say, a program manager, develop a core résumé and then adapt it slightly for each position by adding specific tweaks for each job description.
  • Referrals can help: If you know someone at a company you’re targeting, ask for a referral. While it doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the job, it can make your application stand out to recruiters.

If You’re Not Getting Past the Recruiter Screen

Typically, the first step once you’ve passed the résumé review is a screening call with a recruiter. This call is often around 30 minutes and is meant to confirm that your experience matches what’s on your résumé—and that you possess the basic skills the role requires.

Most recruiters will ask at least four core questions:

  1. Tell me about yourself.
  2. Why are you interested in this position or company?
  3. Why are you looking for a new role?
  4. What are your salary expectations?

How to Shine in the Recruiter Screen

Rather than reciting your background in a chronological order, connect the dots between what you’ve done and why you’re a great fit for this specific position. A common misstep is focusing too much on past roles without tying them to the job you want. Instead, help the recruiter see how you’ll leverage your experience to excel in the new role.

Putting It All Together

When searching for a new position in Big Tech—or any competitive field—tailoring your approach can make a world of difference. From refining your résumé to clearly communicating your unique value in the screening call, it’s all about demonstrating relevance to the role and enthusiasm for the company. With a bit of strategy and preparation, you’ll increase your chances of getting interviews, acing the recruiter call, and moving forward in the hiring process.

Original Article:
“I spent 8 years working in Big Tech recruiting. Now I have a career coaching business. Here’s why you’re not getting job offers — and how to fix it.” on Business Insider.