TL;DR: Get specific on the role → tailor an ATS-ready resume → use the JD ↔︎ CV Match Analyzer → build proof (portfolio) → optimize LinkedIn → network with intent → apply smart (not everywhere) → practice on AI Interview → follow up with value → negotiate total compensation.

Why this works (and how to use this guide)

This guide is designed to be actionable: each section has what to do, how to do it, and quick wins. You’ll also find contextual links to Resume Builder, ATS Check, Match Analyzer, and AI Interview so you can implement fast. For more career content, explore the Landedly.AI Blog.

1) Define Your Target Role (Get brutally specific)

What to do

• Pick 1–2 target job titles (e.g., “Site Reliability Engineer” or “Data Engineer—ETL”).

• Collect 10 real JDs for your target title and extract 8–12 must-have skills, tools, and outcomes.

• Convert these into your resume’s Core Skills, Projects, and Impact bullets.

How to do it

1. Paste each JD into the JD ↔︎ CV Match Analyzer to auto-extract keywords and missing skills.

2. Build a simple competency matrix: Skill → Years → Level → Proof (project / metric / link).

3. Draft a one-paragraph Role Summary that mirrors the most repeated requirements.

Quick wins

• Add the top 8 skills to your resume and LinkedIn skills section.

• Keep a “JD Tracker” sheet (Role | Link | Skills | Priority | Applied? | Follow-up date).

Pro tip: Re-run the same JD in the Match Analyzer after edits to see your score improve.

2) Create an ATS-Friendly, Role-Specific Resume

What to do

• Use a clean layout with standard headings (Summary, Experience, Skills, Education).

• Mirror exact JD phrases (no stuffing).

• Quantify outcomes: “Cut deployment time from 25m → 5m (–80%).”

How to do it

1. Build your resume using Resume Builder with modern, ATS-aware templates.

2. Validate parsing, sections, and keywords with ATS Check.

3. Maintain two master resumes (Role A & Role B) and tailor variants per application.

Quick wins

• Replace vague verbs (helped/worked) with impact verbs (automated, reduced, shipped).

• Add a “Selected Achievements” block with 3 metrics that map to the JD.

Avoid: Headers/footers full of contact info (some ATS ignore them), heavy tables, and image-only sections.

3) Prove It With a Portfolio (Evidence beats opinions)

What to do

• Publish 3–5 proof links: GitHub repos, Notion case studies, dashboards, microservices, demos, or short Loom videos.

• Non-tech roles: write mini case studies (challenge → actions → metrics) or sample deliverables.

How to do it

1. Add a “Selected Work” section in your resume with 3 bullet links.

2. Align each proof with a high-priority JD requirement.

3. Reference your proof during interviews to anchor answers in reality.

Quick wins

• Record a 90-second demo per project: problem, your approach, result.

• Link your best proof right in your LinkedIn Featured section.

4) Optimize LinkedIn (for search and humans)

What to do

• Headline = Target Title + Signature Skills + Outcome

  “DevOps Engineer | CI/CD, Kubernetes, Observability | 99.9% Uptime”

• About = 3 short paragraphs + bulleted Wins + Call-to-action (contact/open to roles).

• Skills = 50–100 relevant entries that mirror JD language.

How to do it

1. Reverse-engineer top profiles for your role; borrow structure (not text).

2. Feature 3 portfolio links; add rich media to roles.

3. Engage 10 minutes/day: thoughtful comments in your niche.

Quick wins

• Add the same keywords you optimized in Match Analyzer to your LinkedIn Skills.

• Pin your ATS-ready resume (PDF) and top proof to the Featured section.

5) Network Intentionally (Warm > cold)

What to do

• Make a list of 30 insiders: hiring managers, team leads, alumni, meetups.

• Send 3-line value-first DMs—ask one precise question, share one relevant proof.

How to do it

1. For each target company, identify 2–3 people to learn from.

2. DM template:

   • Line 1: Context (“Saw your talk on K8s cost control…”)

   • Line 2: Micro-proof (“I scripted a Karpenter POC that cut $2.1k/mo…”)

   • Line 3: One question (“If you were hiring a junior DevOps today, what’s #1 skill?”)

Quick wins

• Offer a tiny value (repo/config snippet) before asking for referrals.

• After any chat, log notes and schedule one follow-up action.

Link to do next: Validate your resume again with ATS Check before a warm referral goes in.

6) Apply Smart (The 10× Focus Rule)

What to do

• For every 10 postings, deeply tailor your resume to your best 2–3 (not all 10).

• Track each application and follow-ups; aim to apply within 48 hours of posting.

How to do it

1. Use alerts (job boards/LinkedIn) and apply fast with a tailored resume variant.

2. Prioritize roles with clear overlap to your portfolio proofs.

3. Keep a tracker: Role | JD Link | Match Score (Match Analyzer) | Resume version | Follow-up date.

Quick wins

• If 0 callbacks after 15–20 tailored apps, pause and re-run steps 1–4.

• Add 1 line in your cover email referencing their specific tech stack or KPI.

7) Prepare Like a Pro (Practice beats panic)

What to do

• Build a Q&A bank from the JD: tools, scenarios, tradeoffs, metrics.

• Prepare 6–8 STAR stories (Situation–Task–Action–Result) that flex across questions.

• Practice realistic sessions with voice + camera.

How to do it

1. Feed your JD and resume into AI Interview and select male/female voice.

2. Record responses; optimize for clarity, depth, and structure.

3. Iterate: tighten intros, add metrics, reduce filler words.

Quick wins

• Create a “micro-cheat sheet”: your 8 wins, 8 stories, 8 metrics.

• For senior roles, prep 2–3 system design or case study outlines.

8) Ace the Live Interview (Intentional structure)

What to do

• Start with a 60–90s impact intro tied to top JD needs.

• For each question, answer → example → metric → lesson.

• Ask 2 targeted questions: team goals, success metrics, roadmap risks.

How to do it

1. Open strong:

   “I’ve spent 3 years building CI/CD on K8s—cut deploy time 80% and raised uptime to 99.9%. I’m excited about your migration to GitHub Actions and Argo…”

2. Use proof-first language: “In my last role, we…” + link to proof.

3. Close: recap alignment to top 3 role needs + excitement to contribute.

Quick wins

• Keep answers crisp; pause confidently; ask clarifying questions.

• After the interview, log questions you stumbled on—practice them again in AI Interview.

9) Follow Up with Value (And timing)

What to do

• Send a thank-you within 24 hours: 3 lines + a link relevant to a tough question.

• If no update in 7–10 days: one polite nudge with a new proof point.

How to do it

• Thank-you template:

  “Thanks for the insightful chat about your observability roadmap. Sharing a 90-sec demo of my log routing POC that cut costs 27%. Happy to expand if useful.”

• Nudge template:

  “Checking in on the DevOps role. Since we spoke, I published a Karpenter notes repo that aligns with your EKS scale goals—link inside.”

Quick wins

• Link to a short Loom or repo; keep it hyper-relevant to their pain points.

• Track follow-ups in your application sheet.

10) Negotiate Confidently (Total comp mindset)

What to do

• Research realistic bands; set a target and walk-away number.

• Negotiate total comp: base, bonus, joining bonus, stock, WFH, training budget.

• Lead with value recap → ask a precise number → pause.

How to do it

1. Script your opener:

   “Given the scope (owning CI/CD migration, SLOs, and cost control) and my track record (80% deploy time reduction, 99.9% uptime), I’m targeting ₹X.”

2. If pushback: ask about levers—sign-on, review in 6 months, education budget.

3. Confirm everything in writing.

Quick wins

• Never negotiate right after getting the verbal offer—take a beat.

• Anchor on impact, not years alone.

7-Day Action Plan (Print this)

• Day 1: Define roles; extract skills with Match Analyzer; write a Role Summary.

• Day 2: Build resume in Resume Builder; validate via ATS Check.

• Day 3: Publish 2 portfolio proofs; add to LinkedIn Featured.

• Day 4: Optimize LinkedIn headline/About/skills; comment on 3 niche posts.

• Day 5: Shortlist 20 roles; tailor 3; apply within 48 hours.

• Day 6: Practice AI Interview (voice + camera); refine STAR stories.

• Day 7: Do 10 insider outreaches; schedule 2 informational chats; prep negotiation notes.

FAQs

How many resumes should I keep?
Two master versions (Role A & B) with tailored variants per application. Validate with ATS Check.

What if I’m switching careers or have a gap?
Lead with outcomes + portfolio proof. Explain pivot in one line at the top. Use the Resume Builder to reframe bullets toward the new role.

How long should my resume be?
0–5 yrs: 1 page; 6–12 yrs: 1–2 pages; beyond that: 2 pages focused on impact. Confirm keyword alignment with Match Analyzer.

How often to follow up?
Thank-you in 24 hours; one nudge at day 7–10 with fresh value; then step back.

Related Reads (Internal Links)

• Create an ATS-Friendly Resume (Step-by-Step)

• AI Interview: Practice with Voice + Camera

• JD ↔︎ CV Match Analyzer: Improve Your Score

• Resume Builder: Modern Templates + PDF Export

• All Career Guides

Strong CTA (Place near the end)

Turn this playbook into action now:

• Run your JD ↔︎ CV Match to find missing keywords

• Fix parsing and keywords with ATS Check

• Practice realistic interviews on AI Interview

• Ship a polished resume via Resume Builder