So, you have a new job...
That line, or a variation thereof, has been sent to me dozens of times in the past month. I've taken 2 things from it:
- I'm very, very grateful for the outpouring of support from friends and colleagues.
- A lot of people I know are searching for something different in their own careers.
On the first point, many thanks to many great people I have the privilege of knowing and calling my friends.
On the second point, I want to feel valued for my experience, but challenged to get better every day. Just like many of you. Some points from my job search:
- Interview. A lot. There's absolutely no downside to taking an interview. Like anything else, the more you do it, the better you'll get. Informational interviews are a great way to practice.
- Find the right role. A lot of companies, good companies, will try to sell you on a role you might not want as a "foot in the door" or "a way in" a company that you admire. You have to be 100% passionate about the job you have here and now. It does neither you nor the company any good to take a job with the expectation that "something better" will come along. So...
- Be patient. It's easy to want to jump at the first thing that's better than where you are, but you owe it to yourself to wait for the job that will get you fired-up to get after it every day. Figure out what that is for you, and don't make a move until you find it.
- As a candidate, recruiters work for you. Once you get past the initial interview, recruiters (external and internal) have incentive to get you in. Use them to sell for you when you aren't there. Get them to give you insight into the people, the decision making process, and the company culture. Keep asking them questions, and questioning their answers.
- Always be open, honest, and professional. I've heard different schools of thought when it comes to interviewing. I heard advice on "playing your cards" and "negotiating the deal." But I think it's best to be honest and upfront with everyone, from the admin to the CEO. The whole thing is really unique: good companies are in demand, as are good people. Both sides have to agree to make it work, and both sides will always have options for any given role. Good companies, and good candidates, will communicate and negotiate with honesty and transparency.
With that, I can honestly say I'm incredibly happy with the choice I made. And, by the way, we're hiring.
Cheers!
