Finding the proper opportunities, crafting resumes (and sometimes cover letters), navigating the technical and behavioral interview process, and negotiating offers may all be stressful. I spent many months experimenting, switching between hundreds of tools and tactics, and often felt confused. However, after experimenting with a number of sites, I discovered a collection of tools that really helped me on my path, and I’ve put them together here to assist others who are looking for work.

With links and advice to help you apply more effectively, interview more effectively, and negotiate like a pro, here is a carefully chosen collection of the best resources I’ve used, arranged by step of the job hunt.

🔍 Applications 📄 Portfolio + Resume 💬 Interview Craft 💰 Bargaining & Offers 🔗 Building a Network and Branding

Now, let’s examine each category and the resources that go along with it to assist you accelerate your job hunt.

Programs 1. LinkedIn Premium

Use case: Provides access to sophisticated job search filters, company data, insights on profile viewership, and the InMail tool for direct communication with managers and recruiters.
With features like messaging and comprehensive application analytics, LinkedIn Premium goes above and beyond the free plan to increase your chances of being seen by the appropriate individuals.

2. Jobright.ai

Use case: Save time and get exposure to relevant chances by finding new, carefully selected job vacancies that fit your profile (all you have to do is submit your most recent CV).
Jobright.ai searches through hundreds of job sites every day to find the most recent positions that fit your interests and skill set. It is comparable to having a personal employment agent.

3. Shake hands

Use case: The premier resource for recent graduates and students looking for internships and entry-level jobs.
Handshake has partnered with several colleges to link students with companies that are actively seeking recent grads. There are early career chances on this specific employment platform.

4. Make things simpler (Chrome Extension)

Use case: Quickens the job application process by handling job applications and autofilling forms, which saved me a ton of time while filling out those workday-based job applications.
Description: Simplify uses stored data to automatically fill up application forms (update your profile) so you can apply to several jobs quickly. In high-volume job searches, it saves a ton of time (best in the present situation, as job search has become a numbers game).

5. Previously known as AngelList Talent, WellFound

Use case: Sort, locate, and apply to startup positions with clear equity and compensation information. Friendly to international students since you may filter for businesses that provide work permits.
WellFound links you to startup possibilities that generally have quicker recruiting procedures and allow you to apply directly to founders or hiring teams.

Take a look at this spreadsheet for sponsors of startups: Google Docs/spreadsheets/d/1LOulbPzt6mM89q_zO3Obp3L_Jb3w6CkHZfYnjmwOpAA/edit?gid=0#gid=0

6. ResumeWorded Resume + Portfolio

Use case: Offers practical suggestions for improving your LinkedIn profile and CV for employers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
In order to increase your chances of avoiding automatic filters and making an impression on recruiters, ResumeWorded examines the language, structure, and keyword use of your resume.

7. Concept

Use case: With a single, adaptable workspace, you can plan your interview preparation, keep track of your applications, and arrange your job search notes.
With customized databases and templates for assignments, resumes, and more, Notion is a flexible productivity tool ideal for maintaining an orderly and disciplined job search.

8. Github

Use case: Present your coding endeavors to potential employers, create an online code portfolio, and showcase your abilities.
Description: Having your work hosted on GitHub acts as a dynamic portfolio in addition to demonstrating your proficiency with code. For ideas on creating websites for personal portfolios, see tharunpolu.com.

💬 Planning for the Interview 9. LeetCode

Use case: Develop your algorithms and data structure abilities by practicing coding challenges that are often asked in technical interviews.
Description: To help you prepare for technical coding interviews, LetCode provides a vast library of programming issues, company-specific questions, and practice interviews.

10. Blind 75 / Neetcode 150

Use case: Selected lists of key coding issues and patterns to get proficient in for coding interviews.
Description: By distilling essential concerns from platforms such as LeetCode, these carefully chosen lists help you concentrate, be more productive, and save time throughout your preparation.

11. Interviewing.io

Use case: Have engineers from leading IT firms participate in anonymous mock technical interviews.
Real interview experiences in a relaxed environment are offered by Interviewing.io, along with feedback and sometimes actual employment prospects contingent on performance.

12. Handbook of Technical Interviews

Use case: A well-organized manual that addresses everything from behavioral inquiries to code. Before each technical interview, I consult this handbook.
This free guide, which was written by a former Meta Staff Engineer, is a great tool for methodically getting ready for tech interviews.

💰 Offers & Negotiation 13. Levels. Just so you know

Use case: To negotiate better offers, compare job levels and compensation ranges across leading IT businesses.
Levels.fyi provides clear salary information and explains how job levels differ between firms.

14. Ignorant

Use case: Conduct anonymous research on pay, negotiating tactics, and business culture.
Blind is a professional network where workers exchange candid information about pay and company dynamics, which might help you negotiate a better wage.

15. Glassdoor

Use case: Investigate businesses, read reviews, get ready for interviews, and look for wage information.
Glassdoor provides you with insider information to customize your applications and negotiating strategy by combining employee evaluations and interview comments.

🔗 Branding & Networking 16. Apollo.io Email Locator

Use case: Locate recruiting managers’ or recruiters’ confirmed email addresses to get in touch with them directly.
Description: Beyond LinkedIn, Apollo.io facilitates individualized and direct conversation by helping you find the emails of professional connections for outreach.

17. Topmate.io

Use case: Make booking pages that make it simple for mentors or recruiters to arrange phone conversations with you. To obtain the best advice, arrange phone conversations with mentors as well.
Topmate.io makes it easy to organize meetings and networking calls, which is ideal for establishing connections while looking for a job.

18. The Chrome Extension froghire.ai

Use case: Automate and maximize your outreach to contacts and recruiters on LinkedIn. Excellent tool for determining whether a business has previously sponsored (it scrapes the history H1B data so you don’t have to)
This AI-powered Chrome plugin saves you time while searching the H1B database by assisting you in determining if a corporation sponsors or not.

19. MailSuite

Use case: Automate, monitor, and manage your job hunt emails using templates.
Description: MailSuite helps you follow up in a consistent and professional manner by streamlining email contact during your job search.

20. Blaze Text

Use case: Use keyboard shortcuts to quickly enter frequently used phrases, templates, emails, or portions of cover letters. Custom keyboard shortcuts may be configured so you can utilize them while on the road.
Description: Text Blaze allows you to produce reusable text snippets, which saves time and is perfect for follow-ups and job applications.

Concluding Remarks

Although the job search process might seem like an uphill struggle, having the appropriate resources and tactics can help you succeed. I was able to remain organized, rehearse successfully, and bargain with confidence thanks to these materials, regardless of how far along you are in the interview process.

What you should do next: Choose two to three resources from each category or phase, then include them into your daily job search process. Maintain consistency, monitor your development, and don’t be afraid to contact mentors and recruiters (including me at tharunpolu.com). You’re just around the corner from the ideal employment. Good luck and best wishes 🙂

I’ll be sharing more of my experiences and resources to assist you advance your career and technical skills in my next blog entries, so stay tuned. You won’t want to pass up these helpful pointers to aid you in your quest and get the chances you are due!