Claim your rightful place in the Salesforce ecosystem with these 5 smart moves.

Thinking of a cheeky mid-year career upgrade? Let’s get your ducks in a row first.

The tech industry is an exciting and innovative landscape to play within as a skilled professional. But it’s also an unpredictable, cyclical and sometimes volatile place to try and grow a linear career.?

Case in point: the post-pandemic downturn after years of astronomical growth. Some call it a correction, others call it a hiccup, but whichever adjective best fits, it’s par for the course in what’s an inherently dynamic industry.

After a slow start to the year, I’m definitely now seeing an uptick in job availability, so now is the time to prepare yourself.?

So, what can you do to get ahead? I’m glad you asked!

Here are my top 5 tips to keep your Salesforce career moving in the right direction (no matter what’s happening around you):

1. Certify, Certify, Certify

Invest in your professional development and get certified. This not only validates your skills but also shows employers that you're committed to the platform. In a competitive job market, having a certification can set you apart from other candidates.

And make sure this is all reflected in your CV and on your LinkedIn profile. It doesn’t have to be too long, but just keep it up to date with your key achievements and anything you’ve achieved within the Salesforce ecosystem. You want to be as visible as possible when employers are actively searching!?

2. Rub those shoulders

Put yourself out there because it’s actually what you know and who you know sometimes. Mingling with like-minded people in the industry is always a good idea, and at the very least, you’ll get the opportunity to expand your knowledge and connections. A great way to meet new people and expand your contacts is to join user groups and attend Trailblazer community group events in your area .

And who knows? These connections could lead to exciting job opportunities or collaborations down the line. So, don’t be shy to put yourself out there and see where networking takes you.

3. Stay on Top of the Trends

In the fast-moving world of tech, staying current is crucial. Attend virtual conferences, read industry blogs, and participate in training programs. Just as no one likes using outdated software, employers like to see people who keep their own upgrades current. By showing your willingness to stay up-to-date, you'll demonstrate your dedication to the platform and position yourself as a valuable asset to any organisation.?

4. Carve Your Niche

The Salesforce ecosystem is huuuuge, so it’s next to impossible to master everything. Instead of aspiring to be a jack-of-all-trades, take some time to reflect on which aspects of Salesforce really light a spark inside of you. Once you've identified it, focus on honing your skills in that particular area. By becoming a specialist, you can position yourself as an in-demand candidate with unique expertise.?

5. Seek Out Mentorship

There’s nothing wrong with getting high with a little help from your friends. That’s where mentorship comes in! Find someone who's got some Salesforce street cred and soak up their wisdom like a sponge. Not only will they help you level up your skills, chances are you’ll be exposed to a whole new network full of opportunities and insights. A great way to do this is to apply to join Salesforce’s mentorship program , or you can also reach out to the MVPs and local community groups for guidance.?

Bonus tip: Contact me when you’re ready!

Some important person once said ‘Never waste a good crisis’. In other words, with every challenge comes an opportunity to grow. And as someone who has worked in the Salesforce ecosystem for 10 years, I believe there's no time like the present to take control of your career and position yourself for success.

Remember to stay positive, stay focused, keep pushing forward towards your goals, and have fun. With the right mindset and a commitment to your growth, you can achieve anything!

Keen to find out more? Reach out for a chat .

- Garth