Summary

In this episode of Quality Talks Bitesize, host Stu Day welcomes Dalbir Sehmbi, a seasoned professional in software testing, who shares his journey through job hunting and the strategies he employed to secure a new role.

Dalbir discusses the importance of tracking job applications, building relationships with recruiters, and the lessons learned from various interview experiences.

He emphasises the significance of networking and community engagement, offering valuable tips for job seekers navigating the challenging job market.

Useful Links:

1. Follow Dalbir on ⁠LinkedIn⁠
2. Dalbir's articles: ⁠My Job Hunt – A Game of Rejections, Rewrites & Resilience ⁠& ⁠Why AI will not replace Software Testers⁠
3. Join ⁠Ministry of Testing⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introductions

04:26 Dalbir's Job Hunt Experience

09:59 Data-Driven Job Applications

15:58 Building Relationships with Recruiters

21:57 Interview Preparation and Lessons Learned

27:57 Final Tips for Job Seekers

33:12 End

Takeaways

1. Dalbir has nearly 20 years of experience in software testing.
2. He applied for over 150 jobs during his job hunt.
3. Tracking applications helped him stay organised and focused.
4. He experienced a high rate of being ghosted by recruiters.
5. Building rapport with recruiters can lead to better opportunities.
6. Dalbir learned to customise his CV for each application.
7. Networking can uncover hidden job opportunities.
8. Celebrating small wins is crucial during job hunting.
9. Engaging with the community can lead to unexpected opportunities.
10. Dalbir emphasises the importance of giving back to others.