FROM APPLICATION TO OFFER: The Tech Job Search Playbook

Stop guessing. Start applying with a strategy.

Applying for tech jobs can feel overwhelming.

You’re updating your CV, submitting applications, trying to get noticed by recruiters and preparing for interviews - often without knowing what actually works.

I know the feeling.

Five years ago, I graduated from the University of Birmingham with a degree in Chemical Engineering. A month later, I started my first graduate job as a Data Engineer, despite having little understanding of what Data Engineering was.

Since then, I’ve worked across five companies, attended countless interviews and learned how to position my experience, build relationships with recruiters and communicate my value to employers.

This playbook shares the job-search system I used to secure my Data Engineer contract at Mars, broken down into practical steps you can apply to your own career journey.

What’s inside?

01 - Position Yourself

Learn how to present your skills, experience and CV effectively so employers can recognise the value you bring.

02 - Apply Strategically

Build a repeatable application process, identify relevant opportunities, optimise your LinkedIn profile, connect with recruiters and track your progress.

03 - Prepare for Interviews

Learn how to communicate your experience, structure compelling STAR answers, prepare for technical interviews and demonstrate the value you can bring to a team.

04 - From Interview to Offer

Navigate the final stages of the hiring process, from following up after interviews to preparing for references, reviewing offers and negotiating with confidence.

Your bonuses

BONUS 1: The Actual CV That Helped Me Secure My Mars Data Engineer Contract

Get access to the CV I used to secure my Data Engineer contract at Mars. See how I presented my skills, experience and technical expertise, and use it as a practical reference when building or improving your own CV.

BONUS 2: Your 4-Day Job Search Action Plan

Turn what you’ve learned into action with a practical four-day plan to help you strengthen your CV, start applying strategically, prepare for interviews and build momentum.

Who is this playbook for?

This playbook is for:

• Aspiring tech professionals looking for their first opportunity.
• Career changers looking to break into the tech industry.
• Graduates navigating the job market.
• Experienced professionals looking for their next role.
• Anyone applying for jobs but struggling to get responses or progress through interviews.

Whether you’re targeting Data Engineering, Data Analytics, Software Engineering, Business Analysis or another tech role, the principles can help you approach your job search more strategically.

Your next opportunity starts with action.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin.

You need a clear process, the willingness to learn and the consistency to keep improving.

Get the playbook, study the process, use the bonus CV as a reference, and take the next step towards your tech career.

Created by Orinayo Akingbolagun | Pivoteq

This playbook provides practical guidance based on personal experience.