I've been helping few friends/connections finding a new job in past few months and having changed a job myself before 3 months, I thought of jotting down my suggestions on #jobhunting. Here are 10 points that helped me immensely. #ReflectionThreads#Thread 👇
1/ Remember if you apply to 100 roles, you will receive a reply from 15 places, interviews from probably 5 and if you're lucky - then an offer from 2-3 places. So, #DoNotGiveUp - and APPLY at as many places as you can.
2/ You don't need to check EVERY criteria from list. As long as you're meeting 60% of the list, give it a shot! You never know which of your skill sets can compensate for the missing ones or sometimes the role CAN be changed just to suit your profile better. #NothingIsImpossible
3/ Direct referrals are BEST, but they're not the only option. Explore online options like LinkedIn, AngelList and more - and most importantly set REMINDERS for your preference of roles/openings so you don't miss out when a good role opens up.
4/ Resume: Be genuine in what you write, showcase 'YOUR' contributions & impact into a project/role. Keep it crisp (1-2 pgs). Have different versions for different role types you're applying for. Highlighting most relevant skills sets matching with the role is VERY important.
5/ Have your resume reviewed by multiple people : ideally a mentor and colleague from your field and a friend from a completely different field. It is important to take the diverse feedback into consideration to make your resume perfect.
6/ While connecting with ppl over #LinkedIn, write 'personalised' connection requests. Don't right away ask for a reco, but rather ask questions about role, how can you better prepare and if they know the right person whom you can reach out, to express interest. #ToThePointPlease
7/ Create your job tracker (adding a ref image of my tracker below). One of the important things to do while job hunting is : "FOLLOWING UP". People will have other priorities, and it's completely okay to check in (at a frequency) if there's any update with your application.
8/ Preparing for interviews: In addition to the role related questions, get yourself ready with the 'TAILORED' responses for:
- Why this company?
- Why this role?
- Why this change?
- Unique skills/experience you will bring in
- Areas of strength/weakness
- Moments of failure
9/ Understand interview format. You can ask recruiter re the criteria you will be evaluated on. Write down what you could've done better after every interview. Find out answers of the questions you couldn't answer. This is a gr8 practice as some questions will eventually repeat.
10/ ASK for feedback. Irrespective of your selection, the company shall be able to get back with things that didn't go well. It's been the best gift to me out of all my interviews, and by consciously keeping them in mind - I've realised that I'm becoming better at my weak areas.
Additional one, remember: If you get rejected - it is not always your fault. It means that you don't fit into the company's requirement. It's not the end of the world ❤️
You will soon find the place you can belong 🤗
That's all from my side for today. If you're applying for a job and need help - I am all ears. Don't hesitate to reach out via Twitter/LinkedIn. But kindly remember to drop a full message, I am "no hello" person (reference: nohello.com). Thanks!
I recently completed a year (of working remotely!) at @gojektech, and thought of doing some reflection. Penning down my learnings as a Program Manager (PgM), at this hyperlocal southeast asian growth company/startup.
1/n Understanding the SEA super app market, business and competition has been of great value. Especially being able to provide user feedback for the SG app has been the cherry on the cake. It strengthened my 'customer centric mindset' and helped to develop empathy for drivers.
2/n Immense opportunities for growth : I could grow & lead programs / initiatives not only in the domain of Data & Engineering, but also in the field of Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) with support & sponsorship of great leaders.
Sunsetting programs (/products /projects) is quite normal in today's fast growing companies. Here're my #ReflectionThreads on top five things to keep in mind, while sunseting a program (can be applied to 'transitioning a program' as well to an extent). #Thread👇
Context - Various reasons to sunset a program could be:
1/ Don't get 'married' to a program (happens esp if it's your brainchild). Overthinking can disturb you, and will often make you take biased actions. Rather, think practically. Best to brainstorm ideas with an outsider who can see both sides of a coin.
2/ DevRel is useful for any company which has a tech product and is looking for increasing their developer base. Needless to say, the framework mentioned below would be applicable (at a high level) for various other (non-tech) products as well.
3/ Why DevRel? 🤔
- Engage with a unique audience : Developers
- Reach devs@scale (1:few:many)
- Help devs make *meaningful* solutions
- Receive critical product feedback
First in #ReflectionThreads: What are the dos and don'ts of Program Management?
Sharing some best practices that I learned, while running and leading programs for Google in India & Southeast Asia. Read below.👇 #ProgramManagement#Thread
1/ #Disclaimer: Program Management is a BROAD domain. The definition varies from a company to company, function to function. This thread might help address it from a tech/product company’s pov.
2/ #ContextSetting: Some examples of programs I worked on include - CS edu program for students, diversity programs for women in tech, accelerators for gaming and AI startups, AI/ML skilling programs. Also, each of them aligns with tech product/s at some point in time.