[Job Search Playbook #1] Promise Me You'll Never Search Alone After Reading This Post
Job hunting is a stressful process so in this post I’m gonna share with you a few tips and resources that I used lately to make the process more enjoyable and effective in the long run.
Hey friends!
I’ve just started my job search journey a couple weeks ago after my role got impacted due to company restructure.
Job hunting is a stressful process so in this post I’m gonna share with you a few tips and resources that I used lately to make the process more enjoyable and effective in the long run.
1. Never Search Alone
While listening to a podcast, I stumbled upon a transformative book titled 'Never Search Alone' by Phyl Terry which opened my eyes to approach the job search in more intentional and proactive ways.
In the past, the job search journey often felt like a one-person journey, lacking the necessary support system. 'Never Search Alone' challenged this notion, urging us to redefine our strategies.
Why search alone when you can search together?
Never Search Alone. Because your emotional balance is the most important thing you need to manage in a job search, you need a support group of fellow job seekers that will help you turn insecurity and anxiety into hope, motivation, confidence, and accountability. (Foreword by Marty Cargan)
One crucial aspect highlighted in the book is the need for emotional support during the rollercoaster of a job search. Initially, like many, I hesitated to ask for help, fearing it would portray weakness. However, this mindset only made the pain of facing rejections worse.
Enter the concept of the 'Job Search Council'—a brilliant suggestion from the book. This council comprises individuals, typically 4 to 6, who are navigating their own job searches just like you.
They serve as both a pillar of emotional support and a platform for clear thinking.
For example, suppose you receive a rejection from a job you believed was an good fit, leaving you feeling disheartened.
However, with the support of your Job Search Council (JSC), they help you unpack the situation. Through their collective insight, you discover that the rejection stemmed from applying too late. They advise you to set up job alerts and check them daily, emphasizing the importance of being an early bird for opportunities that align with your career aspirations, especially in this soft market.
2. The product of you
When starting a job hunt, many rush to update their resumes and start applying.
But it's like launching a product without knowing what customers want.
A smarter move? Slow down and do your research.
Though clicking "apply" might feel productive, it can lead to unnecessary rejections and knock your confidence. As Product Managers, we get the importance of market research for our products. Yet, we often forget the most critical product: ourselves.
So, take a moment to reflect on "the product of you."
What do you need to thrive?
What are your strengths, and where can you grow?
How do employers see you, and what's trending in the current job market?
To figure this out, I start with my own reflections from previous job experiences and then I went on a “listening tour” suggested in the “Never Search Alone” book:
I talked to former colleagues for honest feedback on my strengths and weaknesses.
I sought advices from peoples that I admire to understand current job market trends.
I reached out to recommended contacts for networking opportunities.
Taking the time to understand and refine "the product of you" is crucial for navigating the job market effectively and positioning yourself for success.
3. Candidate - Market Fit
All the exercises are to help me form a Candidate - Market Fit and continue to test and refine that during the job search process
Candidate-Market Fit. If product-market fit drives company success, candidate-market fit drives career success. So, before you begin interviewing and networking you need to identify precisely what you want and what the market wants. Phyl shows how this key step will help you figure out the intersection between your hopes and dreams and market realities. - Foreword by Marty Cagan
Exploring Careers paths
With the help of my support network, I'm exploring various avenues for career growth.
One option is to transition my domain knowledge to different industries.
For instance, my experience in EdTech, focusing on educating people and influencing behavior, could be applicable in HealthTech (managing health conditions) or HR Tech (e.g., onboarding, training).
Additionally, I'm reflecting on past projects to identify new areas for expansion.
For example, having developed a learning platform previously, I see potential in branching out into content creation platforms.
This exercise not only opens up new opportunities but also helps me craft a compelling narrative about how my past experiences align with the requirements of the role I'm pursuing.
Curious about what is my current Candidate Statement? Here it is
Market Trends
Business Acumen is important
In the current market, most companies values candidates who can demonstrate a strong business acumen. You need to do your research and understand the company business model, how they make money and their grow strategies.
Highlight AI skills and experiences
AI is here to stay so if you have previous experiences working with AI. It is a strong point to highlight it in the conversation since AI is another technology that the company can leverage.
Hope you find these tips helpful and all the best in your career journey!
And Promise me you'll Never Search Alone!
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