Unfortunately, it can be tough to land a job right now, particularly if you’re seeking an entry-level or junior position. Many companies have slowed or paused hiring junior roles as they ride out today’s economic volatility.
However, if you can position yourself for mid-level or senior roles, your chances of landing a new position are much better. Certain niches are hiring at mid-level, including AI, cybersecurity, and data science. And, there has been a noticeable shift towards hiring for senior roles.
Senior positions are being prioritized for several reasons. First, technology is becoming increasingly complex. As companies invest in advanced technology like AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity, they require professionals with a higher level of knowledge and experience. As well, complex technology makes complex projects possible, and seasoned professionals are needed to lead those projects. Finally, senior candidates can typically hit the ground running. They don’t need the same amount of training and mentoring as they adjust to new roles.
This may seem daunting if you are currently in a junior role. But there is good news. Unless you’re a freshly-minted college graduate, transitioning to a more senior role isn’t as difficult as it may seem. The tips below can help you stand out and take your career to the next level.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Senior roles require not just competency but expertise. It’s important to highlight the depth of your knowledge for potential employers.
Choose A Niche
It can be tempting to dabble in several different specializations as a way to optimize the number of open roles that are a good fit. Instead, it’s advisable to pick a niche.
Consider where your skills best align with market demand. Employers are struggling to fill open roles that require expertise in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud systems, and automation. If you currently have expertise – or if you’re willing to pursue additional coursework or training – in any one of those fields, put a spotlight on that niche.
Pursue Certifications
One of the best ways to indicate specialized expertise is with a certification. Credentials like CISSP, AWS Solutions Architect, or a PE license credibly demonstrate your level of proficiency.
Share Your Knowledge
Sharing your knowledge online and with your network is a terrific way to showcase your abilities for potential employers. Blogs or LinkedIn pieces, GitHub projects, an online portfolio, and attendance at niche-specific events or conferences are all terrific ways to let potential employers know that your knowledge will make you a perfect fit.
Demonstrate Leadership
You don’t need to list a people leader position on your resume to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Your leadership skills may be evident from:
- Mentoring, training, or coaching others, at or outside of work;
- Taking initiative to develop, lead, or independently carry out projects;
- Leading or directing teams at work or elsewhere;
- Delivering measurable results; and,
- Meeting or exceeding expectations and deadlines.
Leadership is an important soft skill that anyone can develop – and not only on the job. If you’ve held volunteer roles or participated in community-based activities, you may have valuable leadership experience that you’re overlooking.
Build Cross-Disciplinary Skills
As technology becomes more deeply integrated into all aspects of our lives, tech teams are being increasingly cross-functional. Tech products are no longer developed in silos. Instead, teams may include product managers, software developers, data analysts, and marketers.
Being able to thrive in a cross-functional environment is key in senior roles. To prepare, consider:
- Taking a course in project management or business, to help you understand ROI, operations, or customer impact;
- Honing your communication skills, since you will be required to explain complex topics in ways that everyone on your team will understand; and,
- Improving your knowledge in areas adjacent to your niche.
While having expert-level knowledge in your specialty is critical to transition into senior or specialist roles, knowledge is never wasted. In addition to having access to those skills and information, it demonstrates your willingness to take initiative.
Strengthen Your Personal Brand
Personal branding has become a critical career tool, particularly for senior-level roles. Your brand reflects your reputation – and a strong reputation is indicative of a strong leader (even if you’re currently working in a more junior role). In addition to building your brand, it’s important to make it available to potential employers.
Develop Your Online Presence
Ensure that your online presence is consistent, professional, and indicative of your expertise across all platforms. Your activity on LinkedIn, GitHub, your online portfolio, your personal website and/or blog, and your social media posts reflects your personal brand. Your credibility will be affected if any of your content doesn’t align with your personal brand.
As well, be consistent with your presence. Regularly share industry-specific posts, comment thoughtfully on others’ posts, and write pieces about industry-specific trends. You stand out when you’re consistently part of the conversation.
Network Strategically
If you’ve created a broad network, in hopes of tapping into any and all available opportunities, it’s time to narrow your focus. Create and strengthen connections with peers, leaders, renowned experts, and recruiters in your field. Use industry-specific online groups and conferences to build a network of high value.
Pursue Stretch Assignments
Stretch assignments are a valuable way to deepen your skillset while also demonstrating your ability to transition to a more senior role. The Indeed Editorial Team explains:
A stretch assignment is a project that’s beyond your current level of knowledge or skills. It gets its name from the idea that it allows employees to “stretch” themselves developmentally, enabling them to learn new abilities and grow professionally. Stretch assignments help you prove your adaptability [as well as your willingness to take initiative, and your overall leadership potential].
Some stretch assignments are a way for your current employer to evaluate employees for a promotion. But offering to take on duties above and beyond your current role can be used to demonstrate your leadership potential to those outside your organization as well.
Stay Ahead of Emerging Trends
As a leader, it’s important to be attuned to trends so that your team isn’t left scrambling at unexpected shifts and pivots, exposing your organization to vulnerabilities. Demonstrating that you understand the current and emerging trends that impact your industry is a terrific way to highlight your leadership potential.
Stay on top of trends by following industry experts and reports and by investing in continuous learning. Share your knowledge with your current organization as well as online via comments, posts, blogs, and articles.
Work With A Specialized Recruiter
It can be tough breaking into senior and specialist roles from a junior position. Often, applying in conventional ways (e.g., through online portals) won’t bring many results. It can be beneficial to work with a specialized recruiter as you aim for this transition.
Recruitment agencies that specialize in your industry have invaluable information that can help you find your next perfect role. They can:
- Offer advice, tailored for senior and specialist roles, on how to refine your resume and prepare for interviews;
- Share unposted job opportunities; and,
- Leverage industry connections that can help to fast-track your application.
Conclusion: Stepping Into Your Next Chapter
Navigating the job market may seem tough right now, especially if you’re in a junior role. But trends show that organizations are stepping up their hiring in specialist and senior roles. They need professionals who can expertly handle complex technologies, lead complicated projects, adapt quickly, and lead with confidence.
By showcasing your technical expertise, demonstrating leadership, building cross-disciplinary skills, strengthening your personal brand, pursuing stretch assignments, staying ahead of emerging trends, and working with a specialized recruiter, you can successfully position yourself for a step up.
With the current shift towards hiring for more specialist and senior roles, there’s never been a better time to begin your next chapter.
