Heather Considers Taking a New Job

Q:

I am interested in jobs outside the US. What’s the best way to go about an international job search? T’15

The international job search can look quite different from the search in the United States. Angela Cabos Monico T’19 recently went through an international job search and shares the following tips for being successful in yours.

Q:
I am thinking of transitioning fields after spending 15 years in banking, an industry I no longer have the passion for I once had. I would like to move into an organization that aligns with my personal values and is more mission oriented. How should I move forward? T’03

When thinking about a career transition, the first thing to do is really reflect on what you’re looking for. Think about your career path and write out all the pros and cons of your current and previous positions, including key details like work-life balance, the commute, your colleagues, the projects you worked on, and so on. Notice any themes that come up. This document should clarify the values and priorities you can use to help evaluate your options as you consider your next steps.

Dear alumni community,

Instead of responding to a specific question this month, I want to address a topic that consistently presents itself in my alumni coaching sessions: the job search. We provide a wide range of career resources to address this topic, but today I specifically want to highlight some of the recent virtual programs we have developed that explore many aspects of the search.

Q: I am hoping to return to the workforce after taking time off to raise my children and take care of an aging parent. Do you have any resources that could help get me started? T’97

Congratulations on considering the next steps in your career! I’ve heard from a lot of people lately who are interested in returning to the workplace after being away, whether their absence was caused by a layoff, caretaking responsibilities, or medical reasons.

Q:
I haven’t revised my résumé in years, and I know it will need to be reworked before I can think about networking and the next steps in my career. I hope to look for finance opportunities in the tech sector. Do you have any advice on the content my résumé should include? T’02

I get a lot of questions about résumés and the best ways to create effective ones. Because of all the interest, I’ll do a deep-dive into this topic at an upcoming Career Dispatches virtual program—I would love it if you joined me. You can register here to attend Creating a Powerful Résumé, which will start at noon ET on Wednesday, June 2. In the meantime, here are some tips to consider.

Q: I was recently laid off, and I have no idea how to best move forward when it comes to the job search. I hear the market is saturated right now. Any advice you have would be helpful. T’13

I am sorry to hear about your recent job loss. Please know that you are not alone—Tuck Alumni Career Services offers a variety of resources to support your job search journey.

Q: Can you walk me through what a productive networking call might look like as I think about exploring the next step in my career? T’16

First, I want to congratulate you on recognizing the importance of networking as you think about your career path. Networking is a great way to find new opportunities and to stand out in a crowded job market.

Q: As the new year is underway, I am wanting to learn ways I can support students and alumni on their career journeys. Do you have any suggestions for ways I can give back? T’14

Thank you for your email. The question of how alumni can best support the career development of other Tuckies—both alumni and students—is one I receive often.

Q: As the year comes to a close, I am rethinking my job search strategy. To help me do this, are there any tips or success stories you can share from those who succeeded in securing new jobs in this tough economic environment? T’04

Thank you for your email. The end of the year is a great time for reflection, and I admire your desire to refine your job search strategy.

Q: I’m just starting a job search, and I know there are lots of career development resources available to Tuck alumni. Could you please give me some examples of the types of support I should take advantage of? T’15

It’s great to hear from you. We regularly receive questions about the portfolio of career resources available to Tuck alumni. No matter when you graduated or what industry you work in, Tuck can support your career development journey in a plethora of ways.

Q: I just lost my job after twelve years at my company. I know I need to network and really want to update my LinkedIn profile. To be honest, I haven’t been good about updating my profile over the years and need to start fresh. Can you give me some advice on how to have a good profile? T’94

I’m sorry to hear about your job loss. This can be a very difficult experience, and I hope that you are taking care of yourself and staying well throughout it. Though it can be hard to think about it this way, job loss often brings about new opportunities.

Q: I am considering a career transition and having trouble figuring out how to introduce myself when I am networking with people in the field of business development. Can you give me some advice and a specific example of what a typical “pitch” might look like? Thanks for any thoughts you might have. T’13

Thank you for your letter. I first want to commend you for being aware that networking is a key part of the job search process that is especially important when making a career transition.

Q: I have a bunch of virtual interviews coming up. I have been using the Zoom platform for my current job but I’ve never had a virtual interview. Do you have any tips on how to be successful? Thanks! T’11

Thank you for this timely question. It’s something I’m asked often—virtual interviews are increasingly common today, both due to public health concerns and because more companies than ever before are welcoming applications from remote workers.

Q: Can you share what employment trends you are seeing during this time of the global pandemic? I am thinking about making a career change and want to know what to expect. Thank you, T’03

As you can imagine, a lot has changed in the first half of 2020. Unemployment rates are some of the highest they have ever been in the United States, and many industries have been hit hard….