Darian Vance

Posted on Jan 3 • Originally published at wp.me

Solved: Applying for Jobs is Indeed still good or is there better?

#devops #programming #tutorial #cloud

🚀 Executive Summary

TL;DR: Traditional job search methods are increasingly inefficient for IT professionals, leading to low response rates and generic rejections. The solution involves a multi-pronged strategy that optimizes traditional platforms with targeted keyword usage, leverages proactive networking and direct outreach, and utilizes niche job boards and tech communities to uncover better opportunities.

🎯 Key Takeaways

Optimize resumes and LinkedIn profiles with specific, job-description-derived keywords (e.g., ‘Kubernetes’, ‘Terraform’, ‘CI/CD’) to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and improve recruiter visibility.
Differentiate platform usage: Indeed is effective for broad job exploration and quick applications, while LinkedIn excels for targeted company searches, professional networking, and direct recruiter interaction through personal branding.
Access the ‘hidden job market’ by engaging in proactive networking, conducting informational interviews, contributing to open-source projects, and utilizing specialized platforms like GitHub Jobs or Hacker News ‘Who’s Hiring?’ threads.

Navigating the IT job market effectively requires more than just mass applying. Discover actionable strategies to optimize your job search beyond traditional platforms, leveraging networking, niche boards, and direct outreach for better opportunities.

The Job Search Labyrinth: Symptoms of Ineffective Strategies

For many IT professionals, the job search process feels like a frustrating loop. The familiar cycle of refining your resume, scouring job boards like Indeed, applying to dozens of roles, and then… nothing. Or worse, automated rejections.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you’re not alone:

Low Response Rates: Applying to 50+ jobs with only a handful of initial replies.
Generic Rejections: Receiving automated emails citing “not a good fit” without specific feedback.
Endless Scrolling Fatigue: Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of postings on general job boards, many of which seem irrelevant.
Questioning Platform Effectiveness: Wondering if established platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn are still the best use of your time, especially for specialized roles.
Lack of Visibility: Feeling like your unique skills and experience aren’t being seen by the right decision-makers.

These symptoms point to a fundamental truth: while traditional job boards still have a place, relying solely on them with a generic approach is increasingly inefficient. It’s time to diversify and optimize your strategy.

Solution 1: Mastering Traditional Platforms with a Surgical Approach

Instead of broad-stroke applications, treat platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn as powerful tools for targeted outreach. The key is quality over quantity, combined with intelligent platform utilization.

Optimize Your Profile and Resume for Keywords

Recruiters often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and internal search tools that rely heavily on keywords. Your resume and LinkedIn profile must reflect the language of your target roles.

Analyze Job Descriptions: Identify common keywords, technologies, and phrases in your desired roles. For instance, if you’re a DevOps engineer, beyond “DevOps,” look for “Kubernetes,” “Terraform,” “CI/CD,” “AWS Lambda,” “observability,” “GitOps.”
Integrate Keywords Naturally: Weave these keywords into your resume’s summary, experience bullet points, and skills section. Do not just list them; demonstrate how you used them.
Customize for Each Application: While time-consuming, a tailored resume for critical applications significantly boosts your chances.

Example: Keyword Integration

Original (generic):

Managed cloud infrastructure and deployed applications.

Optimized (with target keywords for a DevOps role):

Implemented scalable AWS infrastructure using Terraform for an EKS cluster. Developed and maintained CI/CD pipelines with GitLab CI, accelerating deployment cycles by 30%. Instrumented applications for enhanced observability using Prometheus and Grafana.

Leverage Advanced Search Filters and Alerts

Don’t just type “DevOps” and hit enter. Use specific filters:

Location/Remote: Specify “remote” if desired, or target specific cities/regions.
Experience Level: Filter by “Mid-Senior level” or “Associate” to match your profile.
Company Size/Industry: Target companies that align with your preferences (e.g., startups, large enterprises, specific industries).
Keywords: Use boolean operators (e.g., "DevOps Engineer" AND (AWS OR Azure) NOT (GCP OR Kubernetes)) for precise searches.

Set up daily or weekly email alerts for these refined searches to be among the first to apply.

Indeed vs. LinkedIn: A Feature Comparison

While both are giants, they excel in different areas for IT professionals.


Feature	Indeed	LinkedIn Jobs
Primary Focus	Job aggregator, direct applications	Professional networking, direct applications, personal branding
Job Volume	Very high, aggregates from many sources	High, often direct from companies, recruiter posts
Networking Potential	Minimal within the platform	Excellent, connect directly with recruiters/hiring managers
Profile Emphasis	Resume-centric	Rich professional profile, recommendations, skills endorsements, portfolio
Recruiter Access	Recruiters search resumes, apply via sponsored posts	Recruiters actively search profiles, InMail outreach
Ease of Application	Quick Apply often available, but often generic	Easy Apply (LinkedIn profile-based), but also direct company links
Best For	Broad job search, exploring diverse roles, quick applications	Targeted company search, leveraging network, showcasing personal brand, direct recruiter interaction

Solution 2: Proactive Networking and Direct Outreach

The “hidden job market” is real. Many roles are filled through referrals or internal hires before ever being publicly advertised. Your network is your most powerful asset.

Informational Interviews

These are low-pressure conversations with professionals in roles or companies that interest you. The goal is not to ask for a job, but to gather insights, learn about the industry, and build rapport. This often leads to referrals or being considered for future openings.

Identify Targets: Use LinkedIn to find people in your target roles/companies. Look for alumni, mutual connections, or people working on interesting projects.
Craft a Professional Request: Be clear about your intent (learning, not job-seeking). Keep it brief and respectful of their time.

Example: LinkedIn Informational Interview Request

Subject: Quick chat about [Company Name/Industry] - [Your Name]

Hi [Name],

I'm a [Your Role/Specialty, e.g., Senior DevOps Engineer] with X years of experience, and I'm very impressed by [Company Name]'s work in [specific area, e.g., their approach to cloud-native deployments].

I'm currently exploring opportunities in [your target area] and would greatly appreciate 15-20 minutes of your time for an informational interview. I'd love to learn more about your experience at [Company Name], the challenges you tackle, and any advice you might have for someone looking to grow in this space.

I'm not looking for a job directly from this conversation, just insights and perspective.

Please let me know if your schedule allows for a brief virtual coffee chat in the coming weeks.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

Engage with Open Source Projects

Contributing to open-source projects relevant to your field is a fantastic way to demonstrate your skills, build a public portfolio, and network with influential developers. Many companies actively recruit from contributor communities.

Find a project using a tech stack you love (e.g., Kubernetes, Prometheus, Ansible).
Start small: fix a typo, improve documentation, or tackle a simple bug.
Engage on forums, Slack channels, or mailing lists.

Your GitHub profile becomes a living resume, showcasing your practical skills and collaborative abilities.

Solution 3: Niche Platforms and Community Engagement

General job boards can be a firehose of irrelevant postings. Specialized platforms and community hubs often yield higher-quality, more targeted opportunities.

Specialized Job Boards and Aggregators

These platforms cater to specific tech stacks, industries, or work models (e.g., remote-first).

GitHub Jobs: Directly from companies looking for developers, often highlighting open-source contributions.
Hacker News “Who’s Hiring?”: Published on the first business day of every month, this thread is a goldmine for tech roles, often from innovative startups and established tech companies alike. Companies post directly, and you can apply by email, often directly to the hiring manager.
Remote-Specific Boards: Sites like RemoteOK, We Work Remotely, or Working Nomads specialize in remote roles, which are increasingly common in IT.
Industry-Specific Boards: Look for job sections on websites of professional organizations or user groups related to your specialty (e.g., cloud provider user groups, specific programming language communities).

Leverage Tech Communities (Slack, Discord, Forums)

Many tech communities have dedicated “jobs” or “hiring” channels where companies (often the same ones participating in the community) post roles. These often bypass public job boards entirely.

Slack/Discord: Join communities related to your tech stack (e.g., Kubernetes Slack, AWS Community Builders Slack, specific programming language Discords).
Forums/Reddit: Participate in subreddits like /r/devops, /r/sysadmin, or technology-specific forums. Many allow job postings or have dedicated threads.
Meetups & Conferences: Even virtual ones offer networking opportunities. Often, sponsors or attendees are hiring.

Example: Finding “Who’s Hiring?” on Hacker News

Navigate to https://news.ycombinator.com/
On the first business day of the month, search for “Ask HN: Who is hiring?” (ensure you use the exact phrase for the current month, e.g., “Ask HN: Who is hiring? (July 2024)”).
Read through the comments, which are direct job postings from companies. Apply via the email or link provided.

Conclusion: The Multi-Pronged Approach

In today’s competitive IT job market, relying solely on traditional job boards is akin to fishing with a single line in a vast ocean. The most effective strategy is a multi-pronged approach:

Optimize your presence on general platforms with tailored content and smart search techniques.
Proactively network and build genuine connections.
Seek out niche opportunities where your specific skills are valued.

By diversifying your job search efforts, you not only increase your chances of landing the right role but also gain valuable insights into the industry and expand your professional network. Happy hunting!