6 Essential Strategies to Future-Proof Your Tech Career
Having experienced a tech layoff in late 2023, I learned invaluable lessons about resilience and career reinvention. In this article, I'll share 6 proven tools and strategies to transform your setback into a launchpad for success in the ever-changing tech landscape. Whether you're facing a tech layoff, seeking career transition tips, or looking to future-proof your tech career, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and resources to thrive.
This article will equip you with the tools to turn your career into a launchpad – a plan that works for YOU. You'll learn how to:
Showcase your value: Document your wins and build a compelling personal brand.
Navigate the job market: Optimize your online presence and leverage your network (including recruiters!).
Take ownership of your career: Become the CEO of your professional journey and drive your own success.
Embrace growth: Invest in your skills and career
Plan for the unexpected: Create a financial safety net and turn setbacks into stepping stones.
Whether you're facing a layoff now or want to be prepared, these 6 strategies will help prepare you to land on your feet onto your next chapter.
Step 1. Documenting Achievements and Skills
Remember those brag books you made as a kid? It's time to create a grown-up version, filled with proof of your professional awesomeness. Think of it as a humble brag, backed up by concrete evidence that you can look back at through your career. It’s a powerful tool that is used when going up for promotions, or a new job.
After years of kicking myself in the butt for not collecting my positive feedback, Today, I collect and organize positive feedback into a ‘Positive Word Doc’, not just for future interviews or promotions, but as a personal testament to my achievements.
I share this story and emphasize the importance of keeping this type of feedback, because this practice has become particularly vital in the dynamic tech industry. As a professional, being able to showcase a well-curated portfolio of successes is important for putting yourself in the best spot possible. This includes things such as successful project implementations, innovative solutions, products, mastery of new technologies—areas that are instrumental in demonstrating value. Below are just a few examples of ways and reasons you can start documenting your own journey:
Interview Preparation: Having a ready-made list of accomplishments, backed by specific examples, makes it easier to answer those tough interview questions about your skills, ‘tell me about a time’ and experience.
Performance Reviews: A portfolio provides concrete evidence of your contributions, making it easier to advocate for yourself during performance evaluations and salary negotiations.
Career Advancement: When pursuing promotions or new opportunities, a portfolio showcases your value proposition to potential employers and highlights your track record of success.
For fun, consider this your professional highlight reel: a collection of concrete evidence illustrating your impact, problem-solving prowess, and ability to thrive in collaborative environments. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible – increased efficiency, cost savings, revenue generated – these details offer tangible proof of your contributions and adaptability in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Now, take some time to go back through your emails, performance reviews, or chats and start collecting and documenting. Break down your document into sections that make most sense for you for easy navigation and use later! And guess what? You can now be your best advocate with documented positive career highlights.
Step 2. Gather Feedback & Recommendations
Raise your hand if you've ever blushed and mumbled, "Oh, it was nothing," when someone complimented your work. Don't worry, we've all been there. But here's the thing: it's time to ditch modesty and start owning your awesomeness. Because actively seeking and collecting feedback isn't just about ego-stroking; it's a strategic career move that can open doors you never even knew existed.
So next time, you receive positive feedback, make sure to download any testimonials, or performance data you can. The next area you want to focus on is your LinkedIn profile, which isn’t just a job searching tool, it’s also designed as a platform to help you stand out and get noticed. That can start with a simple recommendation.
If you have a strong relationship with your managers, or clients, kindly ask if they would be willing to write a recommendation for you. I only suggest this if you know the individual and that they’d write a strong non-generic recommendation about you. Let’s go through some examples.
What does a basic recommendation look like?
"It was a pleasure working with [Name] at [ X Company]. They were always punctual and met their deadlines. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors."
Why it's generic: It's short, lacks specific details, and doesn't highlight any unique skills or accomplishments. It's the kind of recommendation you could write for almost anyone.
What does a stand out recommendation look like?
"[Name] is an exceptional [Job Title] who consistently exceeded expectations during our time together at [Company]. Their [Specific Skill/Strength], such as [Example], were instrumental in our team's success on the [Project Name] project. They not only delivered [Specific Result], but also fostered a positive and collaborative work environment.
One of [Name]'s most notable qualities is their ability to [Specific Quality]. For example, when [Challenge], [Name] [Action Taken], which resulted in [Positive Outcome]. This demonstrates their [Additional Quality] I have no doubt that [Name] will be an asset to any organization lucky enough to have them. I highly recommend them for any role where their [Key Skills/Strengths] can be utilized.
Why it stands out?
A stellar LinkedIn recommendation goes beyond vague praise. It paints a vivid picture of the person's abilities, work ethic, and potential. It's personalized, detailed, and leaves a lasting impression on anyone reading it.
Step 3: Leveling Up Your Skills!
In the tech world, standing still means falling behind. So how do you continue making yourself valuable and marketable? It’s simple, learn and add value to your career.
Luckily, there are more ways to learn than ever before-almost like a buffet of things you can chose from. Take online courses, attend webinars, listen to podcasts, read industry blogs, or join programs fitting towards what you want to learn. As you plan out what you want to grow in, take a bite of what interests you as it's a good place to start!
In my experience, it's wise to have expertise and skillsets that can be utilized across industries along with being adaptable to new roles opportunities. In today's market it's becoming more valuable to be dual role, meaning you have expertise in one area but are also more marketable.
Now that being said it's important to be strategic about the certifications you earn, having 20 random ones doesn't show where you want to go in your career, or what areas you'd like to grow in. When you plan to study for a certification, ask yourself 'does this help align with my career goals?'
By keeping your career goals in mind, and aligning to the path you want to take, you'll always stay prepared.
Step 4. Own Your Career
I wish I had put more effort into taking ownership of my journey. You determine your career path, you make yourself more valuable, and YOU are the only one that can create new opportunities for yourself. That’s why owning your career is so important, not just if you’re trying to grow at your career right now, worried about facing a layoff or actually experienced one.
I wish I had been more proactive and intentionally assessed my current situation more honestly and less fearfully. Even as a newbie, I should have been more attentive to everything about my current job: is it allowing me to grow? Is it a positive environment in which I can truly learn and develop my skills? Are there concrete opportunities to develop vertically instead of only moving horizontally? Is the performance assessment system they employ one that I do well with or not? Am I able to establish consistency as I move from one project to the next? One important one, ‘Am I getting certified or gaining experience in the areas I’d like to grow professionally?’
I wish I had paid greater attention to the human dimension and dynamic taking place at my job, giving much more importance on whether it was conducive to my actual growth or not.I know many people who feel the same way.
By investing in yourself and your skills, you'll become a force to be reckoned with in the tech industry. You'll be the go-to person for tough challenges, the one who's always ahead of the curve or a niche specialist. And most importantly, you'll be the one who never has to worry about being left behind. So, no matter where in your career you are at, whether it be learning a totally new skill or taking more advanced courses in a specific niche, take that initiative and build your career.
Step 5. Don’t let your LinkedIn Profile, and Resume Gather Dust
Let's be real – updating your LinkedIn or resume isn’t always top of mind-been there, but after facing a layoff myself, I don’t let it become dusty and make sure to keep it up to date. Why is it important you may ask? Think of it as your digital storefront – what do you want potential employers to see? It’s an opportunity for you to share accomplishments, certifications, new skills and areas you’re involved in to showcase what you bring to the table.
So what can you do as of today to start boosting your profile? Well ,believe it or not, LinkedIn is a visual platform. A place to tell your story. So use your ‘Featured Section’ to highlight those accomplishments to start!
Step 6. Stay Ahead of the Curve
While we can't predict the future with 100% accuracy, there are ways to stay ahead of the curve and spot potential changes. Think of it like being a detective, gathering clues to help you make smart career moves. I wish I had paid more attention to it. Here are some tips you can look for:
Check Your Company's Pulse: How's your company doing? Are sales booming or are things feeling a bit...off? Pay attention to financial reports, company announcements, and even office chatter. Are projects drying up? Have they put a freeze on hiring? These can be red flags that something's not quite right.
Keep Tabs on the Industry Gossip: What's the buzz in the tech world? Are certain skills suddenly in high demand? Are other companies making layoffs? Read industry news, follow thought leaders on LinkedIn, and chat with people in your network. This intel can help you see where the industry is headed and adjust your course accordingly.
By staying informed and adaptable, you'll be better equipped to navigate the ups and downs of the tech industry. You may not be able to predict every twist and turn, but you can definitely set yourself up for success, no matter what comes your way.
So, there you have it! Your layoff survival kit, complete with all the tools you need to turn a setback into a stepping stone. By taking charge of your career, from keeping those wins, ensuring your career related docs are polished, networking, watching industry changes, and investing in continued learning to own your journey, you’ll not only land on your feet but put yourself in a better position. Remember, layoffs happen, but they don't define you.
Your career is yours to create, and with the right strategies, you'll emerge stronger, smarter, and ready to take on whatever comes next.
