Top 10 Effective Job Hunting Strategies for New Orleans Tech Professionals

As a 20-something tech pro grinding it out in the Big Easy, you can't sleep on the importance of networking your way into NOLA's tech scene.

These local meetups are where the real action happens - connecting with the movers and shakers, showcasing your skills, and getting the inside scoop on open gigs.

I mean, a number of local tech orgs have popped up for this exact reason - to give us young guns a place to link up, level up, and land those dream jobs.

• Networking opportunities: Meetups like NOLA Entrepreneur Week, NOLA.rb for Ruby devs, and the Python User Group provide a fantastic platform for connecting with other tech professionals. They are instrumental in building relationships and expanding your network.
• Showcase your skills: Attending these events allows you to present your technical abilities and engage with others who share your passion. Building a strong personal brand is essential for advancing your career.
• Gain insights: By participating in discussions and asking questions, you can demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm, making you stand out during Q&A sessions.

We're talking meetups like NOLA Entrepreneur Week (which attracts over 25K entrepreneurs annually), NOLA.rb for the Ruby devs, and the Python User Group for all you Py-thons out there.

And don't even get me started on the value of building that standout tech portfolio - these meetups are the perfect place to get that extra edge.

Prep that elevator pitch highlighting your skills and career goals.

Roll up early, introduce yourself to the organizers and speakers - that's how you get noticed. And when it's Q&A time, hit 'em with those insightful questions to really flex that brain muscle.

Before you know it, you'll be landing that first remote tech gig from the comfort of the 504, all thanks to your meetup networking game.

Tulane University's esteemed career services offer a wealth of resources for tech professionals, even if you're not a current student. Their comprehensive offerings empower job seekers with the tools and connections needed to thrive in the dynamic tech landscape of New Orleans.

One standout program is their Career Wave Expo, a biannual job fair that welcomes external participants. In Fall 2022, the event hosted over 100 employers spanning industries like tech, consulting, and engineering.

Job seekers can leverage this platform to network, interview, and explore opportunities with leading companies.

Beyond job fairs, Tulane's career services provide invaluable workshops and webinars tailored to the needs of tech professionals.

Recent offerings have covered crucial topics such as:

• Crafting a Compelling Tech Resume
• Mastering the Virtual Interview Process
• Salary Negotiation Strategies for Tech Roles

These interactive sessions equip attendees with practical skills and insights from industry experts.

As Brittany Smith, a local software engineer, attests, "The negotiation workshop gave me the confidence to advocate for my worth and secure a competitive offer."

For those seeking personalized guidance, Tulane's career counselors are available for one-on-one appointments, offering resume critiques, mock interviews, and career planning advice.

Additionally, their online job board, Handshake, serves as a hub for thousands of tech job postings from local and national companies. By leveraging these comprehensive resources, tech professionals in New Orleans can gain a significant competitive edge in their job search.

Nexus Louisiana Tech Park is the spot where start-up dreams come to life in this state. It's a breeding ground for fresh tech talent and innovative ideas.

This place gets you plugged into a vibrant community that's all about supporting one another, leveling up skills, and watching businesses flourish.

As a member of Nexus, you gain access to a treasure trove of resources designed to propel your growth.

You'll receive personalized coaching from certified growth experts who know the ropes, along with cutting-edge cloud-based visual tools to streamline your workflow.

Plus, you're tapped into a network of potential investors, always handy when you're trying to turn that passion project into a full-fledged reality.

Nexus rolls out the red carpet with 24/7 access to sleek workspaces and amenities fit for a tech mogul in the making.

From coding bootcamps and hackathons to entrepreneurship workshops and pitch competitions, their event calendar is stacked with opportunities to expand your professional network and stay ahead of the curve.

If you're looking to score a sweet tech gig in the Big Easy, DXC Technology is definitely worth checking out. This massive IT company has a huge presence in New Orleans and offers a ton of different career paths, whether you're into app dev, cloud computing, cybersecurity, or digital transformation.

Showcase your tech skills on platforms like New Orleans DevJobs and you might just catch their eye.

When you're putting together your resume for DXC, make sure to highlight your coding skills in languages like Java, Python, and .NET, as well as your experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

They're all about agile methodologies, project management, and client-facing roles too, so don't forget to mention any experience you have in those areas. Building a killer portfolio can really set you apart from the competition.

One former DXC employee says, "Make sure your resume is tailored to the specific role you're applying for, and be ready to explain how your skills and experience match up with what they're looking for during the interviews." Measurable achievements, like successful projects or process improvements, can really give you an edge.

If you do land a gig at DXC, they've got plenty of opportunities for you to level up your career through training programs, mentorship, and cross-team collaborations.

The key skills they're looking for are solid communication, problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to keep learning and growing as the tech world keeps evolving.

Did you know APPA has some events coming up for those looking to level up their facilities management game? They're offering both in-person and virtual Leadership Academy sessions, where you can learn to be at running the show.

Imagine being able to handle any curveball thrown your way when it comes to managing buildings and operations.

APPA is also hosting regional conferences, so you can connect with other savvy folks in your area.

It's like a networking party, but instead of boring small talk, you'll be trading insights on the latest trends and best practices. Plus, they have this Supervisor's Toolkit series, where you can pick up skills for leading a team and keeping everything running smoothly.

APPA isn't just about boring lectures.

They've got resources to help you showcase your tech talent and land that dream remote job right from the Big Easy.

We're talking strategies for building a killer portfolio, networking like a pro, and nailing those job applications. It's like having your own personal career coach, but without the hefty price tag.

So, whether you're looking to up your facilities management game or break into the tech scene, APPA's got your back with the inside scoop on getting ahead in your field.

This is the kind of opportunity you don't want to sleep on.

The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce is where it's at if you're looking to get your foot in the door in the tech world. These guys are the real deal when it comes to building your network and finding job opportunities.

Their events are the perfect spot to meet industry leaders, hiring managers, and other professionals in your field. It's like a one-stop shop for making those game-changing connections.

72% of members have scored new contacts through the chamber's events.

That's insane! And they've got a crazy lineup of tech-focused happenings, from workshops and panel discussions to startup pitch competitions and hackathons. It's like a buffet of opportunities for techies like us.

• Member access to a curated job board from top companies.
• Career services that include resume help and coaching sessions.

"The Chamber is all about connecting businesses, creating opportunities, and boosting the local economy,"

says William Taylor, the Chamber's President.

"By tapping into our network and resources, tech professionals can truly take their careers to the next level in New Orleans."

And who doesn't want that, right?

As a recent addition to New Orleans' tech scene, I've discovered that Flatiron School's networking events are incredible opportunities to break into the industry.

The school currently offers an exciting mix of in-person and online events across multiple tech disciplines, including software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and UX/UI design.

For those looking to overcome career transition barriers, check out their "JUMP!" series, which helps navigate common job market challenges.

Upcoming highlights include Final Project Showcases, where you can see real projects in action, and the "Becoming Tech Series" that tackles important topics like impostor syndrome.

What makes these events especially valuable is the chance to connect with the Silicon Bayou community and learn from industry experts like AWS managers.

The Alumni Ask-Me-Anything sessions are particularly helpful, offering direct insights from professionals who've successfully made the transition into tech. Whether you're interested in coding, data analysis, or cybersecurity, these events provide real opportunities to build connections and learn about job openings.

The best part? Many events are available online, making it easier to fit them into your schedule. Based on recent attendee feedback, these networking events consistently lead to job interviews and valuable industry connections, proving they're worth every minute invested.

Looking for a tech job in New Orleans? Working with a staffing agency can seriously speed up your job search. ProFocus Technology stands out in the New Orleans tech scene, getting candidates placed 13 days faster than their competition.

What's really cool is that they send an average of just 3 resumes per position, compared to the industry standard of 11 - which means less competition for you.

While job hunting, it's smart to also check out ways to overcome common job market challenges specific to New Orleans.

The tech staffing landscape here covers everything from Big Data and AI to software development and cloud infrastructure. Plus, if you're interested in remote work, there are plenty of opportunities - just make sure to check out the strategies for landing remote tech jobs from New Orleans.

The best part? You don't pay any fees as a job seeker, and you get access to positions in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Metairie too. Whether you're looking for contract work, direct hire positions, or something in between, these agencies can connect you with opportunities that match your skills and career goals.

Check this out - joining the right Slack communities is clutch for expanding your network and landing that dream tech gig in the Big Easy.

The real deal Slack groups to plug into are:

• NOLA Devs Slack Group - Got questions? Seeking advice? Jump on line here to visit this virtual community space for tech professionals and enthusiasts.
• Online Geniuses - This digital marketing and SEO crew is seriously next level, with over 7,000 members and tons of channels to level up your skills.
• Gophers - If Go programming is your thing, this 9,000-member strong Slack is an absolute must-join to connect with other Go devs and stay in the loop.

To make the most of these Slack squads for your job hunt, here's the game plan:

• Introduce Yourself - Let everyone know what you're all about. Stay active by joining convos, sharing your work, and helping others out - it'll make you way more visible to potential employers.
• Network Like a Boss - Connect with pros in your field, attend virtual events, and maybe even line up some informational interviews.
• Build Real Connections - Avoid spamming job boards or hitting people up without an intro. Focus on genuine connections within the community, and watch those job opps start rolling in.

LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for tech professionals looking to break into New Orleans' tech scene. Through industry-specific LinkedIn groups, you can connect with professionals who share your interests and career goals.

Start by joining the Silicon Bayou Community and local tech groups where professionals actively share job openings and industry insights. When building your profile, focus on highlighting your technical skills and any projects you've completed through bootcamps like Nucamp's Full Stack Development program or personal ventures.

Make sure to connect with the Tulane University Alumni Network and other local tech communities for additional networking opportunities.

The key to standing out is maintaining regular engagement.

Comment on posts from local tech companies, share relevant articles, and participate in discussions about emerging technologies. Follow organizations like DXC Technology and Louisiana Tech Park, and keep an eye on their job boards.

For those interested in remote work, many New Orleans tech professionals have successfully landed remote positions by building their online presence through LinkedIn.

Remember to update your profile regularly with new certifications, projects, and skills you've gained. Whether you're completing a coding bootcamp or working on personal projects, sharing your journey can attract potential employers and mentors in the local tech community.