In the midst of a job market that, despite a sub-4% unemployment rate throughout 2023, still poses challenges, one tech worker’s experience of undergoing 17 interviews for four jobs offers valuable lessons for job seekers. Felicia Davis, former HR executive and founder of The Black Women’s Collective, provides insights and advice based on this worker’s journey.
Davis emphasizes the importance of aligning potential employers with one’s values. She advises job seekers to stand firm on deal-breakers, as compromising on values can lead to dissatisfaction and a repeated job hunt cycle. The tech worker’s experience, spanning two years of job hunting after initiating a search just three months into their most recent job, highlights the repercussions of not prioritizing values.
One notable shift in favor of job seekers is the integration of remote work. However, this advantage requires candidates to showcase self-leadership skills. With CEOs embracing hybrid work environments, Davis suggests that job seekers demonstrate their ability to thrive as leaders working independently.
The worker’s experience, shared with Business Insider, indicates that the repetitive nature of long-term job searching can lead to monotony in interviews. To break this cycle, Davis recommends approaching interviews with a leadership mindset. Asking open-ended questions like “How would you describe the company culture?” can provide valuable insights into the organization’s operations and allow candidates to assess cultural fit.
Davis also suggests other questions to ask during interviews, such as inquiring about the level of communication within the organization, seeking specific examples of the company’s values in day-to-day operations, understanding the tolerances for risk, and exploring opportunities for mentorship in the position.
To stand out, Davis advises job seekers to focus on three key areas: reputation, relationships, and results. She emphasizes that individuals have complete control over these aspects. Building and nurturing strong relationships is highlighted as a crucial element, as relationships are seen as the highest form of currency in the professional world.
Having clarity on one’s reputation, cultivating meaningful relationships, and showcasing results are identified as essential components for success. Davis encourages job seekers to define what success looks like for them at their current career stage, fostering realistic expectations and providing clarity when entering interviews.
Ultimately, the tech worker’s journey serves as a case study, offering valuable lessons for job seekers. Davis’s insights shed light on the significance of values, leadership mindset, and strategic questioning during interviews. As the job market continues to evolve, adopting these approaches can empower individuals in their pursuit of meaningful and fulfilling employment opportunities.