So You Have Been Looking For a Job for 12 Months
A former colleague of mine, close friend, and an exceptionally talented product management leader recently wrote to me that he had finally given up. After a year of putting everything he had into finding the perfect VP job at an early stage technology company -- he decided to stop looking. He simply had had enough and needed a break -- so he decided to settle back in to his current job at a behemoth tech company and take a breather.
Here is what he wrote:
I'm slowing down my external networking. I was getting quite tired/frustrated anyway -- getting referred by VCs and talking with ADHD millennials who seemed interested but never called me back.
My wife thinks I should write a book as a form of catharsis.
Seriously though. It's been a tough year.
...and who knows? Maybe now that I'm not really looking, a VP role will just fall into my lap ;-)
Anyway, thanks for all you're help and guidance over the last year.
I love this guy and would work again with him in a heartbeat, so here is what I wrote back:
I think you got it all wrong.
You should be proud of your efforts. You have kept at it and done your best.I think that taking a quick break is the right strategy and I know that it will work out.
I then went on to recommend the following which I think is relevant for anyone struggling to find that perfect new job.
Leave breadcrumbs
Whether you are looking for a job or not, I suggest that you continue to make incremental investments in networking and personal thought leadership activities every day. With every act, you are basically leaving human and digital breadcrumbs for the right opportunity to find you. There are so many ways do this today. Just within LinkedIn you can connect with people that are recommended to you, comment on this post, contribute to a LinkedIn group discussion, and update your own status with a unique point-of-view.
Build confidence
Build confidence by studying the markets, customers, and competitors that are fundamental to the jobs you are pursuing or where you ultimately want to go. By immersing yourself in a business (even as an outsider) it's possible to gain insights and perspective that allow you to speak humbly with conviction about what you see happening. You will not be an expert overnight, but can build a mental framework to help you intelligently discuss a new job and market.
Ask someone
You are going to need help to find that great new job. At a minimum, at least one person is going to need to trust and believe in you. It's important to remind yourself that it's ok to admit that you do not know everything -- while looking for a job and even while interviewing. It makes you human. Be clear with what you are trying to achieve, ask for assistance, and express an eagerness to learn new tricks. With the inter-connected reality of the world we now live in, I guarantee that with a little effort you can connect with someone that will be willing to help you.
My friend and I had a few more back-and-forths and I ended the conversation with one last thought.
I do not mean to trivialize the personal disappointment that comes with lots of effort and "failure." But you should be proud, keep your head up, continue to move forward, and you will land the right VP role. It will happen. And that's your book that I want to read.
If you are an enterprise SaaS company looking for a tremendous product management leader in Silicon Valley or NY -- you should ping me. I know someone.... And if you are looking for that great new job add a comment below and start leaving those breadcrumbs right now.
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About Brian and Aha!
Brian seeks business and wilderness adventure. He has been the founder or early employee of six cloud-based software companies and is the CEO of Aha! -- the new way to create brilliant product strategy and visual roadmaps. His last two companies were acquired by Aruba Networks [ARUN] and Citrix [CTXS].
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? Aha! 2014
Digital Strategy | Media | Finance | Technology
10 年Since I was forced to left Australia due to a lack of a 3rd visa sponsorship after almost 6 years working in the marketing / media industry, it's been a long and lonely road looking for a new job. Back in Brazil, most multinationals are the only 'real opportunities'. These are all concentrating in capitals where competition is fierce and looking for a job internationally is no easy task. Even with a reasonable resume, hours applying for jobs online, plus other types of strategies to keep sane (as some described in the article), I now wonder what the next step is. Most companies offer junior positions which don't fit the profile (or pay enough) and others wouldn't hire because of location, abundance of candidates or need for a high-ranking executive. I don't plan on giving up anytime soon, actually I came back studying 'The Art of War by Sun Tzu' :-). Despite my efforts, any advice or networking is much appreciated!
It's particularly hard to find a job if you're in your 50s or 60s. At that point you're dealing not only with the challenges of the economy but also with subtle and not-so-subtle perceptions about the value of older employees. I've seen people react with depression, with rage against the inhumanity of the system and more. But the system is what it is. Romondo Locke's advice about keeping skills current is invaluable. As a parallel strategy it's crucial to cultivate over time the skills and vision necessary for self-employment. We do tend to think in terms of jobs. Today, though, especially with the changes in the health insurance system, what we mostly need is income. That can come from self-employment. A job is not essential.
Wi-Fi Authentication as a Service and Global Wi-Fi Roaming
10 年Been there. These are the words of wisdom, Brian de Haaff. Tell your friend to just hang on there.
Principal Public Relations Professional at the City of Los Angeles' Recreation and Parks Department
10 年Great share Brian! Unfortunately this story is becoming more and more common each day in our country with steady unemployment numbers. But I would also add that during a period of unemployment, job seekers MUST enhance their professional skill-set to make themselves even more marketable. Whether staying current with their industry's technological advances or picking up some new skills to broaden their job search net, the downtime of unemployment must be used to their advantage. But I agree with Alberto, it will come ... just do not give up!
Principal Program Manager - Enterprise PMO | Strategic Partnerships, Operations
10 年Has your friend been unemployed during those 12 months? Or he still has a job but wanted to pursue his "dream" job? There's a huge difference between having the safety net a steady income provides vs. not having that income. Personal disappointment that comes with lot of effort and a perceived "failure" while having an income, is nowhere near the effect of personal disappointment, potential financial ruin, stressed relationships with family and friends; been unemployed for 12 months after a lot of effort finding a job can be. For those of you out there unemployed... I salute you.... Stand tall, keep your head high and keep at it. Do not give up! It will come! It will come!