Q: I’m desperate to find a job! I was an institutional asset manager in New York City before moving to Australia for two years to support my husband and his startup business, which is based there. Now we’re back in NYC and are both trying to find our next moves. While I helped to successfully scale his business overseas, I’m not seeking work in that field or in the field I was in before moving. I’m learning the hard way that it’s much easier to find a job when you already have one. What do you recommend? – Ami
A. It must be frustrating to be in your shoes. The job market is currently tight, but based on some of the information you provided in your question, you have a lot to offer! You seem to be a person with valuable experience and personal traits that could be beneficial to a variety of employers.
For example, you moved overseas to scale a startup. That takes massive amounts of courage, hard work, commitment, resilience, risk tolerance, and more. Those are highly desirable qualities that many employers would value. You also sound like a positive person who just needs some encouragement and practical tips.
Here’s how to build momentum and land that new job:
- Focus on your transferable skills. These are skills that can be applied to any role or any industry. They include core competencies such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and relationship-building. They can include technical skills such as project management or data analysis. Or, leadership skills such as team building, coaching, conflict resolution, and communication. Make a list of your top five and incorporate them into your resume, LinkedIn profile, and in how you talk about yourself.
- Zero in on your strengths. You just helped scale a startup. What aspects of that experience did you enjoy and find energizing? Did you enjoy hiring talent, creating new processes, or pitching to customers? When you can zero in on your strengths and clearly articulate them in an interview, it helps a potential employer envision how they can put your strengths to work.
- Identify relevant industries. If you don’t want to return to asset management or the startup industry you just left, what industries would value your skills and experience? Sometimes, adjacent industries are the first place to look because those employers can more easily see how your experience aligns with their needs. Or, it can also be helpful to look at growth industries that interest you. When rapid growth is forecasted, organizations are eager to add talent from a diverse range of backgrounds. Some industries that are growing rapidly include AI, cybersecurity, fintech, healthcare, life sciences, logistics and supply chain, and renewable energy.
- Network, network, network. This is obvious, but an often underutilized tactic. Approximately 80% of jobs are found through human connections, rather than online job boards, so it’s essential to focus on building your relationships. Reconnect with college friends, alumni groups, and former colleagues. Let them know you’re exploring “what’s next” and that you’d love to have coffee. Focus on people who enjoy what they do, as they will be energizing conversations. End each conversation with, “Is there one person you think I should speak to next?” This keeps your connections growing and builds momentum.
- Craft a resume that stands out. It’s challenging to write a resume when you want to pivot or struggle to effectively promote your skills and accomplishments. If you want guidance from a resume expert who will meet with you to help you upgrade your resume and your LinkedIn page, sign up for our Resume Revamp service. Alternatively, we partner with Resume Scripter, a low-cost AI-powered platform that creates resumes and cover letters, offers real-time AI interview coaching, and matches you with roles you might not be aware of. (Use code EQUIPT15 for 15% off your first month.)
- Never search alone. While it may feel lonely to search for a job, thanks to Phyl Terry, it doesn’t have to. Not only did he write the book on this topic, but he also created the Job Seeker’s Playbook and formed a nonprofit with job search councils that come together to provide mutual support to job seekers. Give it a try!
Last, I also wrote a newsletter on job-seeking earlier this year that provides additional helpful tips to consider and incorporate into your search. Good luck and keep me posted!
You are equipt to land that new job,
Kelly Mooney
