Career Advice

Navigate the job market with confidence.

Practical advice from our consultants — not generic tips, but what we actually observe makes the difference between candidates who get offers and those who don't.

Quantify your impact

Numbers convert résumés from descriptions to proof. 'Managed a team' becomes 'Managed a team of 8 engineers delivering a $4M migration on time and 3% under budget.' Every bullet point should answer: so what?

Prepare for the culture round

Behavioural interviews count as much as technical rounds. Prepare STAR-format examples for: receiving critical feedback, managing competing priorities, handling conflict, and demonstrating initiative without being asked.

Research the actual tech stack

Most job descriptions list technologies. Go deeper — check GitHub repos, the company engineering blog, recent job ads. Understanding the problems they're solving matters more than generic algorithm drills.

Don't skip the cover letter

A tailored two-paragraph cover note that references a specific aspect of the role or organisation consistently outperforms a generic submission. It demonstrates research and communication skills simultaneously.

Negotiate after the offer

The best time to negotiate is after an offer is made, not during initial conversations. Know your market rate, have a range in mind, and be prepared to justify with evidence — not just preference.

Use your consultant

Your Illoura consultant has spoken with the hiring manager and knows what matters most to them. Ask for specific interview prep, not generic advice. We'll tell you what we know.

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