Landing a job in 2025 – Part 2

Welcome back to Landing a job in 2025, if you missed Part 1 check it out here -> Landing a job in 2025 – Part 1

Once again, a big thank you to Principal Talent Partner at Contentful, Andreea Tilvan for supporting us on this blog and sharing her insights to help as many of our readers try to secure their next job in 2025.

In Part 2 we’re diving into Networking & Outreach, Interviewing and Negotiation, breaking down tips, tricks, do’s and don’ts from someone who has been part of the hiring community for over a decade.

Building Meaningful Connections

Networking in a digital-first world can be challenging, but building strong professional connections remains a key driver of career success. Here’s some suggestions Andreea shared on how to navigate networking and outreach effectively, even when remote:

Engaging in the Right Spaces

• Join digital and in-person events: If you can’t attend in person, engage in online conferences, webinars, or LinkedIn Lives.

• Be visible in conversations: Comment on discussions, share insights, and participate in live chats to make your name recognisable.

• Understand the importance of touchpoints: Networking isn’t about a single interaction. It’s a series of small engagements that build familiarity over time.

• Keep an open mind: Great connections can come from unexpected places. For example, Andreea shared recently that a product designer attending a talent acquisition event made a key industry connection that led to an opportunity.

• Shortlist top companies and key people: Identify companies that align with your goals and engage with relevant professionals inside those organisations.

Reaching Out Effectively

• Don’t let fear of awkwardness hold you back: One thing Andreea learned quickly was that we are your own worst critic. People are generally more focused on themselves than on how you come across.

• Balance persistence with respect: Follow up if needed, but don’t overwhelm someone with multiple messages.

• Focus on adding value: Instead of just asking for a job, inquire about the person's experiences or insights on industry trends.

• Be authentic: Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not just to land a role. Build relationships that are based on genuine interest and mutual value.

  
  

Interviewing: Making a Strong Impression

Having sat in hundreds of virtual and in-person interviews, Andreea highlighted several basics that still go amiss from time to time.

• Eliminate distractions: Close Slack, email, or other notifications to stay fully engaged.

• Don’t multitask: Interviewers can tell when your attention is split.

• Ensure a strong setup: Have a stable internet connection, good lighting, and a quiet environment.

• Engage fully: Mute yourself only, when necessary, maintain eye contact, and avoid talking to someone else in the background.

Answering "Tell Me About Yourself" Effectively

This broad question often trips candidates up. Instead of launching into a long monologue, Andreea offered clear steps to stay focused on what is important to the interviewer.

• Seek clarification: Ask, “Would you like me to focus on my most recent role, or provide a high-level overview?”

• Keep it concise: Aim for a 3–5-minute structured response that highlights key career movements, relevant experiences, and your alignment with the role.

• Avoid rambling: A 25-minute response with no interaction is a red flag. Stay focused and allow space for engagement.

Negotiation & Follow-Up: Securing the Best Offer

Negotiating a job offer goes beyond just the salary, it’s about making sure the entire package aligns with your needs. While this topic could stand on its own, we covered a few key aspects of negotiation in our conversation with Andreea:

Key Negotiation Strategies

• Put all your requests on the table at once: Negotiating one aspect at a time can backfire. Be upfront about salary, stock options, benefits, or flexibility.

• Communicate potential blockers early: If you know salary might be an issue, discuss it sooner rather than later. This allows room for alternative solutions, like a lower base salary with higher stock options.

• Set realistic expectations: Understand market rates and anchor your negotiations based on realistic benchmarks.

• Have a recruiter friend for advice: A second opinion from someone in the industry can be invaluable.

• Demonstrate ROI: Throughout your interview process, showcase the value you bring so that your compensation aligns with your impact.

You don’t need to go too far to realise that landing a job in 2025 is far more than just a strong resume and a few job applications. Those that will succeed this year and moving forward will be the ones that are proactive in their approach to finding a job. That means the full process from crafting a compelling and impactful resume through to networking, interviewing and negotiating.

It's a tough market but with support from individuals like Andreea Tilvan, we can make it that little bit easier and collectively bring simplicity to the chaos of recruitment.

Don’t forger to check out Part 1 - Landing a job in 2025 – Part 1

Peritus Partners is a next generation recruitment team that focuses on blending education, business and community together. Interested to see how we can help find the best talent for your team or interested in finding a new job? Reach out today 😎