GemCity TECH: Tech Roulette

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The Event


Dayton has always been a special place for me for several reasons. So, when I heard about this event, I had to do.

Leveraging Networking and Tools for Job Search and Career Management

Using Your Network to Find a Job


Networking is a powerful tool in your job search arsenal. Building and maintaining a broad and diverse network can significantly enhance your career prospects.

Benefits of a Strong Network:

• Leverage Organizations: Connect with professional organizations within your field. They offer more than just job opportunities; they often provide career-long support and growth.
• Expand Beyond Your Company: Networking beyond your current workplace is crucial. Many professionals limit their networking to within their company, which can leave them floundering when they need to look outside.
• Be a Collector of People: Continuously build and maintain relationships. Research potential employers and understand their views on networking.
• LinkedIn Banners: Using the LinkedIn "Open for Work" banner is an active signal that you are job hunting. It can catch the attention of a broad and diverse network. Remember, first-person referrals are invaluable and help you stand out.

Reconnecting with a Lost Network


Refreshing old connections is essential to maintaining a vibrant network.

Strategies:

• Local Events & Volunteering: Participate in local events and volunteering activities. These settings offer excellent networking opportunities.
• Courses & Classes: Attend professional courses and classes. These often attract recruiters and industry leaders.
• University Events: Engage in university alumni events and career functions to reconnect with your old network.
• References: Strengthening your network is crucial for obtaining references, which are often necessary for job applications.

Is It Worth Applying to Highly Competitive Job Postings?


When faced with job postings that attract hundreds (if not thousands) of applicants, it's natural to feel discouraged. However, it's still worth applying.

Key Points:

• Unknown Applicant Pool: You don’t know the skill set of the other applicants, so don't count yourself out.
• Skill Fit: If you have many of the required skills, it's worth taking the shot; if you have 50% of the requirements it's worth a try.
• Realistic Job Descriptions: Job postings often reflect an ideal candidate.
• Network Inside the Company: Identify people in your network who work at the company. Their referrals can make a significant difference.
• Tailor Your Application: Customize your resume and cover letter to match the company’s language, and demonstrate your passion and thorough research.
• Alumni Networks: Leverage the power of alumni networks and career services for additional support.

Key Skills and Resume Insights


When evaluating resumes, certain factors can set you apart.

What to Highlight:

• Outcomes and Patterns: Showcase the results of your work. A pattern of success is compelling.
• Willingness to Learn: Demonstrate a commitment to learning, which is highly valued. Transitional roles can signify growth.
• Certifications and Unlearning: Highlight relevant certifications and what outdated practices you've abandoned.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Tech leaders consistently prioritize problem-solving abilities.
• Research: Investigate people at the target company to understand their skills and certifications.

Resume Length and Customization


The length and depth of your resume depend on various factors.

Considerations:

• Relevance: Tailor the depth of your resume based on the relevance to the position.
• Clarity: Minimize unnecessary words and noise.
• Authenticity: Your resume should reflect your true self, not a generic template.
• LinkedIn Profile: Use LinkedIn to present a broader view of your career history.
• Dynamic Resumes: Have multiple versions of your resume, each telling a unique story suited to different opportunities.

Intentionality in Job Search


Being intentional in your job search efforts can lead to better results.

Focus Areas:

• Networking: Be deliberate in expanding and maintaining your professional connections.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research target companies to understand their values and needs.
• Tools Utilization: Effectively use tools like LinkedIn and job search engines to enhance your resume’s visibility.

Growing Sectors and Opportunities


Different regions may have unique growth sectors.

Industry disruptions can set the stage for future growth opportunities.

Standing Out in Competitive Fields


If transitioning from a government job or any competitive field, unique approaches can help.

Strategies:

• Skill Transfer: Highlight transferable skills to other industries where your experience is valuable.
• Work Reallocation: Understand that technology reallocates work rather than eliminating it.

Focus on DEI Initiatives


Companies may be reconsidering their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Observations:

• Surface Changes: Some companies might appear to pull back from DEI, but foundational processes often remain unchanged.
• Value Consistency: Core values of organizations guide long-term goals and remain steadfast.

Workplace Perks


Different perks can make a workplace more attractive.

• Examples:
  • Bringing dogs to work.
  • 24x7 Work-from-Home flexibility.

By focusing on these strategies, professionals can navigate their job searches and manage their careers more effectively. Leveraging networks, intentionality, and the right tools can significantly enhance career growth and opportunities.

Conclusion


I met some amazing people the other day and learned a lot while at this presentation.

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