I seem to be getting an increasing number of requests for career advice calls these days. Of course, I make time to talk to people I know and try to be as helpful as I can. No question that there are a lot of 
good and talented people looking for a new opportunity these days for various reasons.
Here is my current baseline advice when I have these calls:
Criteria: You need to establish your criteria such as type of organization, type of role, title/level, culture, salary, and location. This may sound too basic, but it is critical. Not all criteria are equal so apply a relative weight to each. Once you have this framework, you can evaluate each option against your criteria and stay true to them. You don’t want to compromise and then regret your decision in 6 months.
Market trends: Do your research. What are the new and emerging roles/titles? How does your experience align with them? Do you need to reinvent yourself or develop new skills/knowledge to get a new role?
Search firms: Develop and maintain relationships with a few search firms and recruiters. They need to know who you are, what you are looking for, and what you offer compared to other candidates. They can also be helpful and honest about the market and how you compare to others in search. But remember, you own your career and your next move.
Social media: Having a good profile on LinkedIn is networking 101 in 2020 and it has been for years. If you don’t have a profile or it needs updating to stand out to recruiters, it is well worth your time to work on it. But don’t stop at your profile. Be active by building out your network and being engaged – share content, comment on other’s content, and join in on discussions.
Confidence: Last but certainly not least! This is especially important for women. Studies have shown that women tend to apply for a promotion only when they meet 100% of the qualifications whereas men apply when they meet 50%. I recently spoke to a woman who has extensive senior level consulting experience and wonders if she would be qualified for a CIO position in a mid-size organization. I doubt that a man with equivalent experience would stop and wonder. Knowing her and having worked with her, I told her to go for it but also to recognize that she will be competing with experienced CIOs. Have confidence in yourself and what you have to offer.
And here are some very specific lessons if you are looking for a new position after a rough period and departure from your previous organization:
Tell your story: Be prepared with a consistent story that you are comfortable telling. Have a short version and a long version if asked to go deeper.
Be positive: Don’t bad mouth or disparage your previous organization. Focus on positive examples of your work and accomplishments and practice describing them.
Own your situation: Be ready to speak to whatever went well or not so well at your previous employer.
Avoid victim mentality: This may be easier said than done depending on your situation. You control your response to whatever has happened at your previous employer. Having a victim mentality is not good for you and prospective employers will see it. Maintain a positive and optimistic attitude. Bring your best self!
If you can pay it forward, do so. With so many people looking for work, be helpful in networking, making introductions and providing references. After all, it could be you next time.
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