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I moved to america precisely a decade in the past. I’ve been saying this quite a bit recently — maybe my mind remains to be adjusting to this milestone. I keep in mind when a good friend as soon as stated, “I plan to remain on this nation for five years.”
On the time, I assumed, “5 years is quite a bit; I’ll undoubtedly be right here for a lot much less.”
Nicely, ten years have handed, and I’m nonetheless within the San Francisco Bay Space — that is the longest I’ve lived in any metropolis as an grownup.
Earlier than shifting, I did quite a lot of job search analysis. I felt ready — I had a superb resume and had labored for worldwide firms, together with Hewlett-Packard and Visa at one of many largest international advert company networks. It sounded spectacular on paper, however after I began interviewing, I confronted actual challenges.
It felt like I used to be saying one factor, however the interviewers heard one thing fully totally different. I spent a very long time feeling confused, usually repeating myself simply to ensure to get my message throughout.
Finally, they’d perceive the total breadth of my expertise. As I grew extra comfy with this new nation, tradition, and language, I began to understand the nuances. It was delicate.
Suggestions for Your Tech Job Search
The aim of this text is to share observations I’ve encountered and how one can maintain these in thoughts in the event you’re open to new alternatives and seeking to work overseas. My perspective comes from working within the tech area within the Bay Space, and right here’s what I’ve realized:
1. Study the language.
Once I say “study the language,” I’m not simply speaking about English; I’m speaking concerning the language spoken in your {industry}.
Completely different roles have their very own jargon. For instance, in Agile environments, you’ll hear phrases like, “Do you could have any blockers?” or “Are you becoming a member of the day by day?” UX Designers at the moment are usually known as Product Designers. Many Scrum Masters have transitioned into Challenge Administration roles.
When individuals see a resume itemizing the particular person as each Product and Challenge Administration it is likely to be complicated, why are they taking part in these distinct roles?
Understanding and utilizing industry-specific language could make an enormous distinction in how your expertise is perceived and understood.
2. Craft your resume nicely.
Your resume must be a concise showcase of your abilities and achievements.
Earlier than shifting to america, I hadn’t up to date my resume in years — I relied solely on LinkedIn and my community. In a brand new nation and {industry}, I needed to adapt.
In Silicon Valley, resumes sometimes keep away from images or design parts. As a substitute, give attention to crafting robust bullet factors that spotlight your obligations and the influence you made in your workforce and product. Present these influence numbers, don’t simply describe your position’s obligations.
3. Spend time with {industry} professionals.
This one is tough to quantify, but it surely’s usually about choosing up on the small issues: the mannerisms, the way in which individuals speak, the instruments and apps they use, and the priorities of their {industry} or firm. Have interaction with individuals, take heed to their tales, and study what issues to them.
Learn extra:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions; individuals love sharing their journeys. It’s a good way to remain impressed and study new issues. Study what they care about whether or not it’s design, person expertise, or innovation.
4. Learn extra.
I like books; they encourage me, assist me study new abilities, and supply insights from the most effective leaders, nearly like an MBA in a ebook. I used to learn primarily in Portuguese, however changing into fluent in English opened up a complete new world of content material.
If English isn’t your first language, studying in English can provide you entry to sources you would possibly in any other case miss. Studying helps speed up your studying, deepens your understanding of how individuals in your discipline suppose, and teaches you how you can talk successfully in your chosen {industry}.
I LOVE this ebook, The Tradition Map, and advocate it to anybody working in a distinct tradition than your personal. This ebook, Discover Your Folks, is nice too.
5. Perceive the interview course of.
Once I began interviewing, I had no concept what to anticipate.
In tech, the primary interview is normally a telephone name with a recruiter who critiques your expertise and asks fundamental questions. The second interview is usually with the hiring supervisor, focusing extra in your general expertise. The third stage could possibly be a panel interview with a number of stakeholders or unfold over two days.
Then, you may need a follow-up with the hiring supervisor the place they’ll ask deeper questions earlier than shifting on to a check or receiving a job provide.
These 5 insights have considerably reworked my profession in tech over the previous decade. Just like the books which have impressed me, these learnings have been transformative on my journey.