Before Being “Open to Opportunities”
Okay, class. Before you even think about blasting out that LinkedIn update signaling you’re “open to new opportunities,” let’s get one thing straight: This isn’t about chasing a paycheck or a fancy title. This is about introspection. You want to land that dream gig? Start with a brutal, no-holds-barred self-assessment.
1. What’s Your Superpower? Seriously. Everyone’s got one. Maybe you can analyze data faster than Usain Bolt runs, or perhaps you’ve got an uncanny ability to charm even the grumpiest client. Pinpoint that one thing that makes you more “Avenger” and less “extra.”
2. Face the Mirror. What’s your weakest link? I’m not talking about ‘I work too hard’ or ‘I’m a perfectionist’. Cut the crap. No one’s buying it. Know your genuine areas of improvement. If your spreadsheet skills make toddlers look like Excel masters, own it.
3. Passion vs. Proficiency: You may be damn good at something but loathe every second you spend doing it. Conversely, you might be passionate about something but suck at it. Time to delineate between what you love and what you’re good at. Ideal spot? The intersection.
4. Non-Negotiables: Identify them. What won’t you tolerate in a job? Maybe it’s a boss who thinks ‘work-life balance’ is a myth, or perhaps it’s a dreary cubicle next to the office printer. Know your limits.
5. Your Worth: And I don’t just mean your salary. How do you quantify your value? In today’s digitized era, you’re more than just a resume. You’re a brand. So, if you were a stock, why should someone invest in you?
6. Adaptability Quotient: IQ is old school. EQ, while still relevant, has a new cousin in town: AQ or Adaptability Quotient. How quickly can you pivot in the face of change? In today’s breakneck world, if you’re not agile, you’re irrelevant.
7. The Ecosystem: Understand the industry you’re eyeing. No, I don’t mean just knowing that FAANG stands for a group of tech giants. What are the trends, challenges, opportunities? Get into the weeds of it.
8. Network’s Net Worth: Relationships are currency. How strong is your network, and how can they elevate your search? And no, adding random professionals on LinkedIn doesn’t count.
So, before you take the plunge, ensure you’ve got your own house in order. The job market’s a jungle, and while a killer CV might get you through the door, it’s this soul-searching, this deep-dive introspection, that’ll help you truly stand out.
Brian Fink is the author of Tech Talk To Me. He takes on the stress and strain of complex technology concepts and simplifies them for the modern recruiter. Fink’s impassioned wit and humor tackle the highs and lows of technical recruiting with a unique perspective — a perspective intended to help you find, engage, and partner with professionals.
