By Melissa Santos

You see those 'dream jobs' listed all the time – sought after roles,
interesting products or services, great company, culture, and perks. You may be
fortunate enough to hear back from some of the companies for an informal
conversation, or better yet, brought in for an interview. Then, all of a sudden
for one reason or another, you're passed over, left to wonder what happened and
why it was not the right fit. Sound familiar?

According to a recent Dice.com survey, 65% of surveyed IT-focused hiring
managers plan to hire more people in the first six months of 2012. Of that
group, 27% expect hiring to expand their staffs by more than 20%. So there will
be tech jobs available in early 2012 for you to consider. Question is – how are
you going to stand out from the pack and land that dream job?

Before your next interview, consider these five simple tips that can assist
in securing the job of your dreams.

Learn as much as you possibly can about the company, industry, products,
competitors, and technology you will be working with. The Internet provides a
great wealth of information to help you better prepare yourself for phone and
in-person interviews. Have questions already prepared that demonstrate your
familiarity with what the company does and how the role fits in.

Don't be surprised if you're asked by a potential employer to complete a
project during the interview process. Whether it is having you complete a sample
coding project or build a site or app, show your potential new employer that you
are willing to take on challenges thrown at you. Have fun with the project and
your potential employer will take notice and remember you.

Technology companies are fast moving and dynamic. Stand out from others by
being flexible. Express to a potential employer your ability to not only handle
change, but also, that you thrive during it, and watch their eyes light up.
Provide examples from your experience of when you've been agile and how your
technical skill set, personality, and character allow you to succeed during
times of change.

Whether you know it or not, you're being judged from the minute you begin a
relationship with a potential new employer. Treat each interaction like it is
the deciding factor whether you will land the job or not – because you never
know which moment might win or lose you the job. Don't forget to follow up the
interview with sincere thank you messages, reinforcing why you would be a good
fit.

Demonstrate that you will be able to easily thrive in the company culture.
Great technology companies pride themselves in creating unique, personal
corporate cultures and are careful to protect them. They want people who can not
only do the technical work needed, but can also play an important role in
nourishing the company's culture. Make sure your personality shines and the
potential employer can perceive the value you will add to the company, not only
from a skill and knowledge standpoint, but also from a human and team
perspective.

Remember these five tips when you begin your next search for that dream tech
job. Small changes in your approach to the recruitment process can help you land
a position with that great tech company. Make sure you are fully prepared to
stake your claim and win that dream job. Good luck!