Top 10 Effective Job Hunting Strategies for St Louis Tech Professionals

The job market here is straight fire right now, and you'd be crazy not to take advantage. According to the latest report, while tech job listings dipped a bit recently, that just means more focus on dope startups and entrepreneurs killing it.

And let's be real, St. Louis is one of the hottest job markets in the whole country right now.

But landing that dream gig ain't easy.

You gotta play it smart, network like a boss, and stand out from the crowd. That's why I'm dropping these top 10 job hunting tips for my fellow STL tech.

From building that killer portfolio to networking your way into the scene, we're covering all the bases to help you score your first remote or in-person role.

And don't sleep on those Nucamp scholarship opportunities either - every bit counts when you're just starting out.

The future is now, STL! Let's get that bread.

Let's talk about this whole LinkedIn thing for landing that sweet tech gig in St. Louis. It's like the spot to be. Check it - a whopping 92% of recruiters are scoping out talent on there.

That's insane! By being active on LinkedIn, you can link up with industry bigwigs, potential bosses, and crew that's on the same wavelength.

One clutch feature is the endorsement system.

As of August 2024, LinkedIn's got over 850 million members across 200 countries. Endorsements from your connections are like a major co-sign for your skills and achievements.

According to LinkedIn, peeps with 5 or more skills listed are 27 times more likely to get noticed by recruiters. Wild!

To ball out on LinkedIn, keep that profile fresh with the latest deets:

• Detailed work experience: Keep your work history detailed with accomplishments achieved.
• Relevant skills: Highlight relevant skills and expertise to catch a recruiter's eye.
• Professional certifications: List your certifications and training for credibility.
• Portfolio links: Share links to your portfolio or personal website for more insights.

As a tech pro, flaunt that coding ability, industry know-how, and knack for staying ahead of the curve.

84% of hiring managers are all about candidates with up-to-date technical chops.

Getting active in LinkedIn groups and discussions can make you the hotshot in your field.

As Michael Javanmard said,

"Sharing valuable insights and engaging with your network can lead to new opportunities and open doors you never knew existed."

Lisa Perez, a St. Louis software engineer, scored her dream job at a major tech firm just by connecting with folks in a JavaScript devs group on LinkedIn. Boom!

Attending tech meetups and conferences in St. Louis is a major move if you wanna level up your game and make connections with the local tech scene.

This city's tech community is fire, and these events are the perfect place to network, learn from the pros, and stay ahead of the curve.

One event you can't miss is the STL TechWeek, happening from April 8-12, 2024.

This year's lineup is stacked with speakers dropping knowledge bombs on topics like AI, cybersecurity, and emerging tech trends. You'll have a chance to attend hands-on workshops, network with industry leaders, and gain insights that'll give you a serious edge.

But it's not just about the major conferences.

St. Louis has a thriving meetup scene with weekly and monthly gatherings covering everything from coding to cloud computing. Groups like Code and Coffee, Tech on Tap, and the GDG St. Louis Chapter are great places to connect with like-minded techies, collaborate on projects, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends.

According to the stats, over 63% of tech professionals in Missouri credit their career growth to consistent participation in local meetups.

So, if you want to take your skills to the next level and build a solid network, get out there and start attending these events.

Let me tell you about this dope website called Built In St. Louis that's a total game-changer for anyone looking to score a sick tech job in the Lou! As of August 2024, they've got like over 1,200 job openings listed, from entry-level gigs to executive roles, covering everything from software engineering to data science and cybersecurity.

What makes Built In St. Louis so clutch is that it's all about the local tech scene. They know the ins and outs of what's poppin' in our city, so you'll find openings at all the biggest tech companies and hottest startups in St. Louis and the surrounding areas. We're talking major players like Spectrum, Block, PwC, BAE Systems, and CrowdStrike, just to name a few.

But here's the real money move: you can set up personalized email alerts on Built In St. Louis based on your dream job title, industry, and location. As soon as a new posting matches your criteria, you'll get a notification straight to your inbox.

No more constantly refreshing job boards or missing out on opportunities – it's all delivered right to you. 68% of tech peeps who used this feature landed interviews within three months! Talk about a serious advantage in the job hunt game.

St. Louis! Are you itching to kickstart your tech career? Then you gotta check out LaunchCode. These guys are on a mission to help driven peeps like us break into the tech world, no matter our backgrounds.

They're all about creating legit pathways into the industry, offering free tech training and paid apprenticeships to turn us into certified coding masters.

Here's the deal – LaunchCode has this dope program called the LC101 where you learn the fundamentals of web development.

Once you crush that, you can level up to their immersive CodeCamp and get hands-on experience. After completing the program, you'll have access to a network of over 500 employer partners, including heavy hitters like MasterCard, Boeing, and World Wide Technology.

These companies are actively hiring LaunchCode grads, so you know the skills you're learning are on point.

LaunchCode isn't just about teaching you to code – they've got your back when it comes to landing that dream tech job too.

Their career experts will help you craft a killer resume, prep you for interviews, and even hook you up with networking opportunities. Plus, they offer specialized tracks in areas like cybersecurity, data analytics, and software engineering, so you can zero in on the field that excites you the most.

And let's not forget the numbers – a whopping 90% of LaunchCode's CodeCamp grads land jobs within 180 days of completing the program.

That's some serious success right there. Just ask David Smith, a former retail worker who's now crushing it as a software engineer at Centene Corporation, all thanks to the skills and connections she gained through LaunchCode.

With their help, over 2,000 aspiring tech rockstars like you have kickstarted their careers in St. Louis' booming tech scene. So, what are you waiting for? Level up your life and check out LaunchCode today!

Let me tell you about this sick opportunity to land your first remote tech gig from St. Louis in 2024. With the world going digital, you gotta level up your skills to stay ahead of the game. That's where Nucamp Coding Bootcamp comes in clutch. These guys offer legit programs to turn you into a coding ninja.

Check it out:

• Portfolio-building course: They've got a dope course that'll make your work shine like a diamond.
• CoderGirl Program: For the ladies out there, their CoderGirl Program is a total game-changer, helping you network and connect with other rad women in tech.

But it's not just about coding.

Nucamp has got your back with courses like Cybersecurity Fundamentals, covering ethical hacking and risk assessment. Or you could go all-in with their Complete Software Engineering Bootcamp Path, which packs in everything from web development to DevOps with Python.

And the best part? They offer flexible financing options, so you don't have to break the bank to chase your dreams.

“Whether you're a high school grad, a college dropout, or a military vet, Nucamp has scholarships and sponsorships to make their programs accessible. So, if you're ready to level up your skills and join St. Louis' booming tech scene, Nucamp is the move. Trust me, it's lit.”

And remember, when you're ready to take the plunge, reach out to Matthew Lee who can guide your enrollment process.

It's time to step into the future of tech with confidence!

Check out this dope platform called Handshake if you're trying to network with tech employers in St. Louis. It's like a job search site made just for students and recent grads.

According to their site, over 1,000 employers from the STL area are on it, including big names like Boeing, Mastercard, Microsoft, and World Wide Technology.

You can easily discover and apply for tech job listings tailored to the St. Louis region.

Handshake has some great features that'll help you connect with employers:

• Build a profile showcasing your skills, experiences, and career goals
• Get personalized job recommendations based on your interests and qualifications
• Schedule virtual interviews and info sessions with companies you're interested in
• Link up with alumni from your school for career advice and mentorship
• Stay up-to-date on local tech events, career fairs, and workshops hosted on the platform

Did you know that over 80% of students at Washington University in St. Louis used Handshake to land full-time jobs in 2021? Career expert Patricia Jackson suggests optimizing your profile with relevant keywords for the roles you want, so employers can find you easily.

With over 17 million users, Handshake is a prime spot for St. Louis tech professionals to showcase their skills and build connections in the local industry.

For all you tech peeps in St. Louis looking to level up your game, you gotta check out the Cortex Innovation Community.

This place is like the ultimate playground for startups and ambitious entrepreneurs. According to their stats, since they kicked things off in 2002, they've helped over 425 companies get off the ground and scored a whopping $2.4 billion in investment capital.

Talk about a breeding ground for success!

Inside Cortex, there's always something dope happening. You got events and workshops going down regularly, giving you the perfect chance to expand your knowledge and network with the movers and shakers in the industry.

Recently, they had the Cortex Tech Meetup Series where you could rub shoulders with industry legends and get the scoop on the latest tech trends. Plus, their annual InnovateHER Pitch Competition is a major platform for aspiring female entrepreneurs to pitch their brilliant ideas.

Cortex has programs and resources to help you dive headfirst into the startup world.

Their Square One initiative hooks up early-stage startups with mentors, workspaces, and even seed funding opportunities.

And if you're on the hunt for a dope job, their Cortex Talent Connector platform makes it a breeze to connect with innovative companies that are hiring.

One company that's killing it at Cortex is Bayer Crop Science, a global leader in sustainable agriculture.

By teaming up with local startups, they're driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of ag-tech. Joseph Brown, Head of Operations at Bayer's Cortex facility, put it best:

"Our presence at Cortex allows us to tap into the vibrant ecosystem of startups and entrepreneurs, fostering synergies that fuel our mission to advance sustainable agriculture practices."

With its dynamic community, diverse resources, and commitment to driving innovation, Cortex is the place to be if you want to connect, collaborate, and crush it in St. Louis' booming startup scene.

If you're looking to level up your tech game here in St. Louis, the Missouri Job Center-St. Louis City is where it's at.

These are packing some serious heat when it comes to helping folks like us score those sweet tech gigs.

• Coding Bootcamps: They offer coding bootcamps and training programs that'll turn you into a certified coding ninja. Whether you're into Python, Java, JavaScript, or any other hot language, they'll hook you up with the skills to make those keyboards sing.

But that's not all! They also offer certifications in cybersecurity, so you can become a real-life hacker (the good kind, of course) and keep those pesky cyber criminals at bay.

And if data is more your vibe, they've got workshops to teach you how to analyze and visualize data like a boss.

Once you've leveled up your skills, the Job Center steps in with their job matching services. They've got connections with all the major tech players in St. Louis, like Belden, World Wide Technology, and Centene Corporation. It's like having a personal concierge to hook you up with the juiciest job opportunities.

• Career Coaches: And let's not forget about the career coaches. These are like your personal hype squad, giving you the lowdown on how to craft a killer resume, nail those interviews, and negotiate like a pro. Elizabeth Rodriguez, who's been there and done that, said, "The career coaching was invaluable. My coach helped me navigate the local job market and position myself as a strong candidate for tech roles in St. Louis."

Whether you're a coding newbie or a seasoned tech warrior, the Missouri Job Center-St. Louis City has your back. With their training programs, job connections, and career guidance, they're like a one-stop shop for leveling up your tech career in the Lou.

Time to get your grind on!

Landing a sweet tech gig in St. Louis requires more than just a solid resume - you gotta show these companies you vibe with their scene. Check it out, St. Louis is home to some major tech players like Brilliant Earth, Crowdstrike, Square, and Block.

By tailoring your applications to connect with their culture and values, you'll stand out from the crowd.

First up, do your homework on the top St. Louis tech companies you're interested in.

Scope out their websites, social media, and recent projects to understand their mission and vibe. Then, weave some of those details into your cover letter and resume to show you're a perfect fit.

If you've got any local connections, like attending a university in the area or participating in community events, flaunt those ties! It demonstrates your commitment to the city and shows you're not just another applicant, but someone who genuinely wants to be part of the St. Louis tech community.

When it comes to highlighting your skills, study those job descriptions like a hawk and make sure you're emphasizing the exact talents they're looking for.

Top IT recruiters in St. Louis know that candidates who can clearly articulate how they meet the requirements have a serious advantage.

Finally, don't sleep on your network! Reach out to any connections you might have at your target companies and ask for a referral.

According to the stats, referred applicants are more likely to get hired.

By localizing your job application game and showing St. Louis tech companies that you're the full package, you'll increase your chances of scoring that dream role in this thriving tech hub.

Stay focused and keep grinding – your big break in St. Louis could be just around the corner!

In this fast-paced tech world, landing a sick job in St. Louis it's no wonder it ain't no cakewalk.

But with the right moves and a relentless hustle, you can make it happen. Persistence is key, my friend. A study by Zety shows job seekers who kept pushing for over 6 months were 2.5 times more likely to score their dream gig.

So don't let rejections get you down – use 'em as fuel to keep grinding.

But there's more – adaptability is equally crucial in this ever-changing game.

Tech moves fast, and staying ahead of the curve means continuous learning and upskilling.

Take Karen White, a local web dev who hit up coding bootcamps like Nucamp to level up her skills. Her adaptability allowed her to pivot smoothly into AI development and snag a position at a top St. Louis tech firm.

To keep that learning game strong, tap into local resources like LaunchCode's apprenticeships, Nucamp's specialized bootcamps, and the Missouri Job Center's training programs.

And don't sleep on industry events like the STL Tech Summit or innovation hubs like Cortex – these are prime spots to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. Blend that persistence, adaptability, and continuous learning, and you'll be unstoppable in St. Louis's thriving tech scene.