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I moved to the USA precisely a decade in the past. I’ve been saying this lots these days — maybe my mind remains to be adjusting to this milestone. I bear in mind when a buddy as soon as stated, “I plan to remain on this nation for five years.”
On the time, I assumed, “5 years is lots; I’ll positively be right here for a lot much less.”
Properly, 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 transferring, I did a whole lot of job search analysis. I felt ready — I had a very good resume and had labored for worldwide corporations, together with Hewlett-Packard and Visa at one of many largest world advert company networks. It sounded spectacular on paper, however once I began interviewing, I confronted actual challenges.
It felt like I used to be saying one factor, however the interviewers heard one thing utterly 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 snug with this new nation, tradition, and language, I began to know the nuances. It was refined.
Ideas for Your Tech Job Search
The objective of this text is to share observations I’ve encountered and how one can preserve these in thoughts if you happen to’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 discovered:
1. Be taught the language.
After I say “be taught 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 may have any blockers?” or “Are you becoming a member of the every day?” UX Designers at the moment are usually known as Product Designers. Many Scrum Masters have transitioned into Venture Administration roles.
When folks see a resume itemizing the particular person as each Product and Venture Administration it may be complicated, why are they enjoying 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 effectively.
Your resume ought to be a concise showcase of your expertise and achievements.
Earlier than transferring to the USA, 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 usually keep away from photographs or design parts. As a substitute, deal with crafting robust bullet factors that spotlight your obligations and the influence you made in your staff 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, nevertheless it’s usually about selecting up on the small issues: the mannerisms, the best way folks speak, the instruments and apps they use, and the priorities of their {industry} or firm. Have interaction with folks, take heed to their tales, and be taught what issues to them.
Learn extra:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions; folks love sharing their journeys. It’s an effective way to remain impressed and be taught new issues. Be taught what they care about whether or not it’s design, consumer expertise, or innovation.
4. Learn extra.
I like books; they encourage me, assist me be taught new expertise, and supply insights from the perfect leaders, virtually like an MBA in a ebook. I used to learn primarily in Portuguese, however turning 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 folks in your discipline suppose, and teaches you methods to 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 individual. This ebook, Discover Your Individuals, is nice too.
5. Perceive the interview course of.
After I began interviewing, I had no thought 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 total expertise. The third stage could possibly be a panel interview with a number of stakeholders or unfold over two days.
Then, you might need a follow-up with the hiring supervisor the place they’ll ask deeper questions earlier than transferring on to a take a look at or receiving a job provide.
These 5 insights have considerably remodeled my profession in tech over the previous decade. Just like the books which have impressed me, these learnings have been transformative on my journey.
