When my last startup ran out of money I was forced into the unfamiliar territory of searching for a job opportunity. I have been fortunate enough in my career and never put much effort into searching for a new job opportunity. After college, I applied for one job and was hired. Since then I have either started my own companies or was pursued while I still had a job.
I began the job search in the same way I begin every task that is unfamiliar to me. I ask, what is the best way to do this? What do I need to learn so that I can be strategic with how I spend my time searching for a new opportunity? I learned the most by seeking out insights and advice from people who were much better at this than I was. I am especially grateful to Josh Sutter, Len Greski, and David Macon. Here is some of the most helpful advice I received:
- Setup a new dedicated email address
- Why: Seriously helps not miss any emails
- How: Gmail works great for this since it integrates with lots of services.
- Helpful Prompt: As a software developer, I want to create an email address to use temporarily while I look for a job. Give me 50 email address ideas for an @gmail.com email address.
- Enable alerts for this email address.
- Bonus points: disable as many other alerts as possible
- Setup an account on cal.com or calendly.com so that recruiters can more easily schedule calls and interviews.
- Get an NFC business card
- Why: Much easier to network with people and it does not hurt to look high tech.
- How: https://dotcards.net (the actual card works best)
- Attend at least one resume / linkedIn building workshop. Jonaed Iqbal offered a ton of great advice at a workshop I attended last year.
- With 10 years of experience, don’t try and cram everything onto a single page
- Build your personal brand, and one of the best spots right now is on LinkedIn. Post regularly, comment, like.
- Topgrading by Bradford Smart PhD: an “A player” is typically described as a high performer, often defined as being in the top 10% of candidates for a given salary range. Never take a job unless you can be an A player.
