Q&A with a recruiter: Reena Jha

When it comes to finding a job in Finland (or anywhere, really), there are a few recurring questions that many job seekers have:
💬 Does it matter when I apply?
💬 Should I include my GitHub profile in my CV?
💬 Is tailoring really necessary for every job application?
💬 How do I network without sounding too direct?

In our latest Q&A session, we tackled all of these and more with Reena Jha, a recruitment expert who gave straight-to-the-point answers — and a good dose of encouragement too.

Listen to this episode on Spotify.

Here's a summary of what we learned.

When to Apply: Early Bird Gets Noticed

Does it matter if you apply early or on the last day?
Yes — in most cases, applying early can give your application an edge. While some companies wait until the deadline to review applications, many start screening right away. If they find enough suitable candidates early on, they may begin interviewing before the deadline even hits.

Takeaway: Don’t wait. If a job speaks to you, apply as soon as you can.

GitHub, Portfolios, and Links in Your CV

If you’re in IT or any portfolio-driven field and have a GitHub — include it.
Recruiters and hiring managers do check them. It’s a chance to show your skills in action, especially if you’re newer to the field or transitioning careers.

What to Focus on in a Cover Letter

Should you emphasize motivation or experience?
Short answer: motivation.
Your CV already covers your experience. The cover letter is your space to explain why you’re applying — why this company, this role, and you.

Keep it to one page, and let your motivation shine through. That’s what helps you stand out.

CV Length: 2 or 3 Pages?

This depends a bit on your experience, but if you’re early or mid-career, aim for two strong, relevant pages. More than that? Only if you have a lot of directly related work that needs context.

Networking: How to Do It Without Feeling Awkward

This was one of the most discussed topics — and it’s a big one.

Why not ask about jobs directly when connecting with someone?
It may feel efficient, but in reality, it often backfires. In Finland especially, people value trust and genuine interest. When someone reaches out just to ask for a job or referral, it can feel transactional and off-putting.

What to do instead:
Start by being curious. Ask about their journey, what helped them succeed, what challenges they faced. Most people enjoy talking about their experience — and that creates a real connection. Once that’s in place, they’re much more likely to help or recommend you down the line.

No Work Experience? Talk About Projects and Courses

If you're applying to junior-level or trainee roles and don’t have much formal work experience, it’s absolutely okay to highlight your projects, coursework, and certifications.

The key is to match what you have with what the job description asks for, and apply for roles that match your current level.

Using AI to Tailor Your Application – Yes, But…

Should you use AI to tailor your CV and cover letter?
Yes — but don’t let AI write your application for you.

Use AI for:

• Spell checking
• Grammar improvements
• Refining your tone

But when it comes to your cover letter, write it yourself. Recruiters are seeing a lot of AI-generated letters — and they’re starting to all look the same. Writing yours personally is a great way to stand out.

Final Thoughts

We wrapped up the session feeling inspired — and reminded that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to job searching. What makes a difference is:

• Acting early
• Being intentional
• Showing genuine interest
• Being strategic, not robotic

We hope these insights help you move forward with confidence in your job search. And yes — we’re planning to do another session like this in August. Stay tuned!