Switching jobs can be a challenging process, but it also offers incredible opportunities for growth and new beginnings. As engineers, you bring unique skills, experiences and potential that are in high demand, particularly in the impact tech sector. Let's dive into some practical advice and resources to help you navigate your job transition with confidence.
Assessing Your Career Goals
Before jumping into job applications, take a moment to reflect on what you’re really looking for. Are you leaving your current job because of your manager, your team, or simply because you’ve stopped growing and feel bored? What would you like to see in your next job? Are you aiming to find an engineering team that works with specific operating principles and values that you deeply care about and that make your creativity flourish?
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Researching Potential Employers
Finding the right company is about more than just reading job descriptions. I have met many people who did only that, and when they started, they deeply regretted it as they hadn’t researched the team and the company. Many of them ended up quitting after just a few months. Take the time to truly understand how the team works together, what the operating principles and values are, and how these are reflected in day-to-day work. For example, some teams might value versatility, where members are expected to wear many hats, while others might have a flat organizational structure with few middle managers. These are just two examples of the many principles and values that you can find on Genvalues. Understanding these aspects beforehand can save you from future dissatisfaction.
Networking and Building Connections
Your network can be one of your most valuable sources of truth and can help you connect with a team or employer that can change your career. Map out the people who inspire you and whom you think are smart in your network, and reach out. Tell them they inspire you and that you think they can add value by introducing you to an employer and providing you with the necessary information to make a decision.
Preparing for Interviews
Prepare for both technical and behavioral interview questions. Be well-prepared for coding and problem-solving exercises involving data structures and algorithms. Resources like "Cracking the Coding Interview" or "Grokking Algorithms" are recommended. Remember, while the company is checking if you're a good fit, you're doing the same. Ask about the things you care about, like how diverse they are, what the mission of their product is, and how they impact the world. Do they provide a safe environment to fail, so you get a chance to be innovative and express your creativity safely?
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