Tips For Starting Your Job Search
I am often asked as to what people can do when they start looking for a new role and how they can leverage SheTO community or other communities they may be part of. Here’s what I usually say:
Take the time. Figure out what you want. Having a gap allows you to take a step back and truly figure out what you want next. Also the choice you will make will be to go towards something, as opposed to running away from something.
In any community, you get back as much as you give. So be an active participant. You will make connections relatively quickly this way.
Come up with your target company list and seek out people in those companies so that you can get to know them, the company and their company culture better.
Play the long game. Reach out to community members who have a similar background or expertise. At SheTO we have a virtual-coffee channel in which you can randomly get paired with someone. Even if these random connections are not able to help you out today, they may at a later date.
You have the luxury of time. Give back to your community. Its another great way to get to meet other folks and get your name out there.
Look out for postings shared within the community (at SheTO it is in our opportunities channel) and our Job Board.
Needless to say, polish up your LinkedIn just like you have your resume. Have your LinkedIn talk about your impact at the company, your span of control and what you are passionate about.
Write your story, and rehearse it. When interviewing you really want to have a tailored message. Some content in your interviews will be off the cuff, but you should pull from your story and be ready with key examples of your excellence.
SheTO has various resources to help you prep and do mock interviews, ranging from system design interview practice to leadership interviews. Use them! If you are not part of SheTO community, ask your previous co-workers to grill you :-)
Don’t getting discouraged. It’s so easy to get bogged down by imposter syndrome. Know that its not you. Its just the economic climate. Remember you are unique and what value you add to any organization.
If you're interested in the job and think you meet like 50% of the requirements or so - don't opt yourself out "because I don't check every box". I see this so often. And we all know that when we hire someone we are never going to find an exact fit for a role.
Always remember that even though you need a job, you still have a choice. You should be evaluating the company as much as they are assessing you. Your job in this process is to decide if you want to work with them.
And my most important tip …. drumroll please …… think of every interview as a conversation. Tell yourself “Its just a conversation and I have a choice to walk away”! The minute you do this, the stress of it will just wash away, you will be your normal authentic self!