Meet Joseph Monaco, SVP, Elite Technical

We asked Joseph Monaco , Senior Vice President at Elite Technical, for information that will help job seekers land the technology positions they want.

A staff augmentation industry veteran, Joe began his career as a technical recruiter specializing in the Aerospace & Defense sector in 1990. At that time, he learned recruiting while placing Software Engineers for a client who was working on the TCAS (traffic collision avoidance system) project for the FAA. In September 1992, Joe co-founded Elite Technical and since then, he’s been responsible, with his talented team, for placing more than 3,000 people in great tech jobs with a diverse range of industries, nationwide.

“Right from my first placement I was hooked,” he said. “Connecting amazingly talented people with great companies is still thrilling. And, helping people land their dream jobs is my greatest ambition.”

Drawing on 28 years of Talent Acquisition experience, Joe is happy to provide job seekers with insights to maximize their search efforts.

“Thanks to evolving technologies and a strong economy, there are constant openings for technically skilled candidates, which is great news,” said Joe. “Even so, job searches can feel daunting, whether the candidate is a newbie or a seasoned professional targeting a managerial or leadership position. To improve the odds of landing the job you want, it’s important to manage your search effectively,” he said.

Joseph Monaco’s “Top 7” Recommendations for Managing Your Tech Job Search:

1. Get organized. Organizing your job search is key to reducing search anxiety and preparing you for success. Create a Job Search Journal. Use a spreadsheet, desktop folder, notebook, or binder to track where you send your resume. Log all your contacts with recruiters into your journal. If needed, create a separate professional email address to use for your job searches. You can create a free g-mail or Yahoo account and make the name sound very professional. As an idea, a Mechanical Designer created [Name]MechanicalDesigner@gmail.com. We liked it!

2. Tailor your resume to the job you want. For example, if you want to be hired as a project manager, then highlight relevant experience and skills, such as budgeting, time management, project planning and implementation successes. Also list the personal attributes that make you (or will make you) a successful project manager.

3. Be proactive. If you are contacted by or call recruiters, make sure to capture their e-mail and/or phone contact information so you can follow up. Recruiters keep very busy reviewing the resumes of your competitors, so don’t wait for them to get back to you. Be proactive. If you haven’t heard back in a few days, be sure to check in with them again. Also, since they are resume experts, ask their opinion about yours.

4. Avoid the risk of double submittals. Make sure you give the “Right to Represent” you for a specific opening with a particular employer to only one recruiter. Steer clear of being submitted twice for the same job by two separate recruiters. Don’t fall for the fantasy that seeing your name multiple times will increase your chance of being chosen. To avoid potential representation conflicts, employers typically discard those resumes submitted by multiple recruiters.

5. Keep your media profiles pristine. Most Recruiters check out your LinkedIn profile right away. A professional looking profile on LinkedIn can give you an edge.Today’s employers search for and evaluate potential candidates based on social media profiles and posts. Before you send out your resume, make sure to delete any photos or posts and comments that could make an employer think you would be a risky hire.

6. Get reviewed. Solid third-party testimonials will help recruiters and prospective employers decide you are a worthy candidate. Invite people and influencers in your circle to act as your advocates by giving you a positive review on LinkedIn.

7. Post a professional photo (not a casual shot) of you on LinkedIn and other sites, and include your resume, when applicable. Invest in a professional portrait if possible. Ask your local chamber of commerce or a friend in the art or marketing fields to recommend a photographer to you.