How to job hunt and not lose yourself?

Explore? ICP (Ideal Company Profile) framework to best align your job and steer your career pathway confidently.

In today's competitive job market, it can feel overwhelming to decide which jobs to pursue and which to pass up. But being intentional about your career choices is key to finding the right opportunities and steering your career with clarity and confidence. By focusing on what you want to learn in your next role, you can align your aspirations with the right opportunities and set yourself up for success.

Over the last 3 years, I've spoken to around 200 people as a design mentor, and I've noticed a common pattern: many people approach job hunting in a scattered way, applying to every opportunity that comes their way. This can be exhausting and draining. I have been through these cycles and it took me 100+ applications over a year? to crack into a role that matches my preferences.

Crafting tailored resumes, portfolios and cover letters, attending interviews, and facing rejection after rejection can take a toll on your mental well-being. It's easy to feel frustrated, doubt yourself, and even burn out.

The problem often lies in not aligning your preferences with the opportunities you pursue. By not taking the time to think about what you value, your career goals, and what you want from a job, you might end up wasting time and energy on roles that aren't the right fit for you.

To avoid this mental exhaustion and make your job search more effective, try a more strategic approach. Take time to reflect on what matters to you, your strengths, and where you want to go in your career before diving into job hunting.

You can even use the concept of an Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) to guide your job search, focusing on finding the ideal company that aligns with your preferences and goals. This can help you streamline your search and increase your chances of finding a job that's a perfect fit for you.

What is an Ideal Company Profile in general?

An Ideal Company Profile in a general business context is a comprehensive summary of the characteristics, values, and goals that define an organization. It encapsulates the company's mission, vision, values, culture, products or services, target market, and competitive advantage. This profile helps stakeholders, including investors, customers, and employees, understand the essence of the company and its position within the industry.

Now lets see how we can use it for our job search strategy.

The ICP framework for jobs

A) Define your ideal company profile OR Who do you want to work for and work with? Define

1. Identify company size (e.g., startup, mid-sized, large corporation)
2. Determine the preferred industry or sector
3. Assess company culture, values, and mission
4. Consider the location and work-life balance
5. Evaluate team structure and collaboration dynamics

B) Research companies: Do your homework. Information is power.

1. Explore job boards, company websites, social media platforms, and professional networking sites
2. Look for companies that align with your ideal company profile
3. Take note of design-related activities, projects, and reputation

C) Analyse company attributes: Be the critic

1. Evaluate work culture and employee reviews
2. Assess the company's design processes and strategic focus on design
3. Review the company's portfolio and client base
4. Consider the company's stance on innovation and design thinking

D) Consider industry and specialization: Which domains, subjects, issues matter to you?

1. Determine your preferred industry or sectors
2. Decide if you want to specialize in a specific area of design
3. Evaluate the company's relevance and expertise in your chosen specialisation

E) Network and build connections:

1. Leverage your professional network
2. Connect with designers and professionals in companies you're interested in
3. Attend industry events and join design communities
4. Engage in conversations and seek insights about the company's design culture

F) Tailor your applications:

1. Customise your application materials (resume, portfolio, cover letter)
2. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the company's design needs
3. Showcase projects and accomplishments that demonstrate your fit with their design ethos and values

G) Interview and ask targeted questions:

1. Use interviews to assess the company's alignment with your ideal company profile
2. Ask questions about their design process, collaboration methods, and career growth opportunities
3. Gauge how design is valued within the organisation

H) Evaluate offers strategically:

1. Consider compensation, benefits, and career development opportunities
2. Assess team dynamics and work environment
3. Evaluate the overall fit with your professional goals and ideal company profile

Framework Formula:

Ideal Company Profile = Company Size + Preferred Industry/Sector + Culture + Values + Mission + Location + Work-Life Balance + Team Structure + Growth opportunity Compensation

Here’s a link to the preference calculator sheet that can help you evaluate job opportunities.

Job Offer Evaluation Framework V1.0 (Click here)

Here's how to use the sheet:

1. Copy the above sheet
2. Fill in the Company details in each provided column
3. Assign your preferred score to each Category between 1-5. 1 - being least preferred & 5- Being most preferred"
4. Check the ‘Preference Match Score’ this is your score based on the preference that you have added to each attribute. Higher the score, closer it is to your preferred job.

Here's an explanation of each attribute in the formula:

1. Company Size: This attribute represents the size of the company, indicating the number of employees. It influences the work environment, opportunities for advancement, and organisational dynamics.
2. Preferred Industry/Sector: Refers to the specific field or sector in which the company operates. It impacts job opportunities, industry-specific skills development, and alignment with personal interests and values.
3. Culture: Company culture encompasses the values, norms, and behaviors prevalent in the workplace. It affects employee satisfaction, collaboration, and overall organizational performance.
4. Values: Reflects the principles and beliefs guiding the company's decisions and actions. Assessing alignment with personal values is crucial for cultural fit and job satisfaction.
5. Mission: Describes the overarching purpose and goals of the company. Understanding and aligning with the company's mission can contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfillment in one's work.
6. Location: Indicates the geographical location of the company's operations. Factors such as commute, cost of living, and lifestyle preferences influence the desirability of a particular location.
7. Work-Life Balance: Represents the extent to which the company supports employees in managing their professional responsibilities and personal life. It includes policies on flexible working hours, remote work options, and vacation time.
8. Team Structure: Refers to how teams are organised within the company, including size, hierarchy, and collaboration dynamics. Team structure impacts communication, decision-making, and the work environment.
9. Growth Opportunity: Indicates the potential for career advancement, skill development, and professional growth within the company. Opportunities for training, mentorship, and exposure to new challenges are important considerations.
10. Compensation: Encompasses the salary, benefits, and incentives offered by the company in exchange for work performed. It includes base salary, bonuses, healthcare benefits, retirement plans, and other perks. Compensation is crucial for financial stability and meeting personal financial goals.

Note: This can be used for both potential jobs and received job offers. This is still a work in progress. So your feedback will help me make it more solid.

In conclusion, taking an intentional approach to our job search by focusing on what we want to learn in our next role empowers us to find better opportunities and build a remarkable career journey. Remember, the path to a fulfilling career is paved with intention, we can confidently navigate the job market, discover the ideal company, and embark on a journey filled with growth, satisfaction, and meaningful design experiences.

?Embrace the possibilities that lie ahead, and trust that with dedication and intentionality, you can create the career you've always envisioned.

I would love to hear your thoughts & feedback on this framework. And if you use it please share your experience. This will help me improve the framework. Hope you find success in your job search journey!!!