Job Search and Career Transition

“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞..." That’s what they told me, too. When I transitioned from taxation to Investment Banking, mergers & acquisitions, I heard it all— ❌ “You don’t have the right background.” ❌ “It’s too late to switch now.” ❌ “Start from scratch or stay where you are.” But I refused to let a job title define my future. Instead, I focused on what I did have: Analytical skills, Financial acumen, and the ability to solve complex problems. I learned, I networked, and I proved my worth. Your “irrelevant” experience is actually your secret weapon. Most people think: ❌ “I need to hide my background in marketing now that I’m going into tech.” Smart people think: ✅ “My marketing background gives me a unique edge in tech because I understand user psychology in ways pure technical people never will.” Remember, career transitions aren’t about starting over. They’re about repositioning yourself. If you're looking to make a switch, here’s how to do it without wasting years: 1️⃣ Leverage Transferable Skills – Your past experience holds value. Learn to reframe it. 2️⃣ Start creating before you apply – Proof of work speaks louder than any resume. 3️⃣ Network with Intent – The right conversations open doors faster than cold applications. 4️⃣ Position your experience strategically – A compelling story beats a perfect background. 5️⃣ Upskill smartly – Learn what actually matters for your new role. I know how tough it can be because I’ve been there. But I also know that making a career pivot is possible—without starting from scratch. If you’re looking to transition careers and don’t know where to start, let’s talk. I’d love to help. Drop a comment or DM me. Your past doesn’t define your future. You do. LinkedIn LinkedIn News India LinkedIn Guide to Creating #mindset #career #transition #knowledge #skills #upskill

How can jobseekers in tech gain competitive advantage through upskilling to get hired? Let's explore the essential steps for tech jobseekers to gain a competitive advantage through upskilling: 1. Identifying High-Demand Skills: In the ever-evolving tech landscape, staying abreast of sought-after skills is paramount. Research industry trends, job postings, and emerging technologies. Skills related to cloud computing, data science, machine learning, cybersecurity, and full-stack development are consistently in demand. 2. Setting Clear Goals and Creating a Roadmap: Define your career objectives before delving into learning. Whether aspiring to be a front-end developer, data analyst, or DevOps engineer, create a roadmap. Break down goals into smaller milestones, allocating time for mastering specific skills and frameworks. 3. Choosing the Right Learning Resources: Leverage diverse online platforms such as Codecademy, offering a spectrum of courses from AI to game development. With a Codecademy Plus membership, access over 300 courses, specializing in a chosen area or creating a personalized learning path. Explore other platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity based on your learning preferences. 4. Embracing Hands-On Practice: Theory alone is insufficient; practical application is vital. Apply knowledge through projects, coding challenges, and real-world scenarios. Develop a portfolio showcasing practical skills, whether building web applications, analyzing datasets, or automating tasks. Collaboration on open-source projects enhances both skills and employability. 5. Networking and Collaboration: Engage with the tech community through attending meetups, conferences, and webinars. Networking provides opportunities to learn from experts, share insights, and build connections. Participate in collaborative projects with peers, and consider joining hackathons or coding competitions for additional experience. 6. Seeking Mentorship and Guidance: Tap into the wealth of experience from industry professionals through mentorship. Platforms like LinkedIn offer avenues to connect with mentors who can provide valuable insights, career advice, and help navigate challenges. Don't shy away from seeking feedback to accelerate your learning. 7. Staying Curious and Continuously Learning: Foster a curious mindset to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech industry. Explore new technologies, read industry blogs, and follow thought leaders. Subscribe to newsletters, join forums, and pursue certifications relevant to your goals. Continuous learning showcases your commitment to growth and adaptability. In essence, upskilling is an investment in your professional future. Embrace the joy of lifelong learning, and let your newly acquired skills propel you towards a successful and fulfilling tech career! Connect and Follow 👉 Dev Raj Saini #linkedinnewsindia #LIPostingChallengeIndia

Struggling to change careers? Here are 7 steps I used to jump from healthcare to Microsoft: 1. Start With Foundational Knowledge I started by learning the basics of my new field. I scoured the web for the top 3 introductory courses on marketing. I devoted a month to taking all of them. But education doesn't get you hired, results do. This was just the starting point. 2. Create A Sandbox Next, I set up my own website. I explored all the digital marketing channels: I published articles (SEO). I ran small paid campaigns to it. I started social accounts for it. I made an email newsletter. This let me get hands on with real tools I'd use. 3. Volunteering Now it was time for the real deal. I reached out to 100s of local businesses. I told them about my goal to transition industries. Then I offered them my services for free with an out to cut ties at any time. This gave me "real" experience and testimonials. 4. Consulting Next, I started charging for my services. I started with a low monthly retainer. Then I used my volunteering case studies to get clients. As I helped more clients, I increased my rates. I also expanded my experience and skills. I was getting paid to learn! 5. Documenting The Journey As I learned, I shared. I created content about: - Strategies I was testing - Mistakes I made - Results of tests I ran - Big wins Writing helped me cement what I learned. It also acted as a "resume" where employers could see how I operated. 6. Action-Oriented Education I didn't stop taking courses after Step 1. I used my "real world" work to guide me. If a client gave me a task I couldn't do? I'd take a course on it. If I realized I needed a skill to level up? I read a book on it. Action refined my education. 7. Packaging It All Up This process allowed me to create my own experience. I put it on my resume, in my LinkedIn, and used the examples during interviews. When I started, I was working in healthcare. By the end, I'd landed my dream job at Microsoft. I hope it helps you too!

When you’re unemployed, your job search is your job. But most job seekers don’t treat it that way. They: ❌ Scroll job boards aimlessly ❌ Send out mass applications with no strategy ❌ Wait (and wait) for a response that never comes Sound familiar? Here’s a better approach: → Create a job search schedule (just like a work schedule) A simple framework: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM → Research companies & roles 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM → Apply to 3-5 quality jobs 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM → Network: Engage on LinkedIn, send personalized messages 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM → Break (yes, take breaks!) 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM → Skill-building: Learn, upskill, take a free course 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM → Follow-ups: Check applications, send thank-you notes 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM → Interview prep & practice Stick to this, and you’ll: ✔️ Stay productive ✔️ Reduce job search stress ✔️ See real progress The job search is a full-time role. Approach it like one. (P.S. Know someone looking for a job? Share this with them!)

Samay: "Sandip sir, I am trying a lot but am unable to land a job in this excessively competitive job market, what should I do ?" Sandip: "Have you tried 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 ?" Samay: "But sir, what is this Blue Ocean strategy? " Sandip: "Sure, no worries, let me explain in a simple, way" First, what is the 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲? The 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 is an approach that focuses on creating new, untapped market spaces, or "blue oceans," rather than competing in crowded, existing markets, known as "red oceans." Samay: "But exactly how we can use this strategy for job search ?" Sandip: "Let me list those for you point by point" 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬: Instead of applying to popular, highly competitive roles, focus on niche industries or emerging fields where there are fewer candidates but growing demand (e.g. for DevOps Engineers: MlOps, AIOps, DevOps for blockchain, DevOps in healthcare ). This is similar to finding a "blue ocean" in job hunting. 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬: Instead of competing for common skills like general programming or project management, develop specialized expertise (e.g., cloud security for fintech) that sets you apart. This reduces competition and makes your skills highly sought after. 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Instead of sending standard resumes and cover letters, use creative approaches like personalized video introductions, portfolios showcasing your skills, or targeted case studies to grab attention in new ways that your competition isn’t using. 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬: Rather than networking in popular spaces where everyone is seeking jobs (e.g., large job fairs or LinkedIn job boards), look for smaller, niche professional groups or communities (such as local meetups, or specialized Slack groups) where the competition is lower, but opportunities can still arise. Samay: "Sandip Sir, now, I understand it, let me apply this in my job search" Sandip : "Best of luck, and let me hear the good news soon 🙌"

Nothing is the same as it used to be 5 years ago. The way we consume content. The way we communicate. The way we learn things. The way we do work. The way we talk. Everything changed. So, why are we still using the old methods to get a job? Sending out resumes and cover letters, waiting for responses, and going through multiple rounds of interviews—no longer aligns with the fast-paced, digital world we live in. Here’s how you can modernize your job search: 1️⃣ Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like LinkedIn to build your professional brand. Share your work, engage with industry leaders, and connect with potential employers. 2️⃣ Create a Digital Portfolio: Showcase your skills and projects online. Use websites like Behance, GitHub, or a personal blog to highlight your achievements. 3️⃣ Network Virtually: Attend virtual conferences, webinars, and meetups. Networking is no longer confined to physical events. 4️⃣ Utilize AI Tools: Use AI-powered platforms to tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application. Tools like Jobscan and Resume Worded can help optimize your documents for applicant tracking systems (ATS). 5️⃣ Apply Strategically: Instead of applying to every job opening, focus on positions that align with your skills and career goals. Use job search engines like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn Jobs to find the best matches. 6️⃣ Prepare for Remote Interviews: With remote work becoming more common, be ready for virtual interviews. Ensure you have a good internet connection, a quiet space, and practice using video conferencing tools. 7️⃣ Showcase Soft Skills: Employers value soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Highlight these skills in your resume, cover letter, and during interviews. 8️⃣ Stay Updated: Keep up with industry trends and continuously upskill yourself. Online courses, certifications, and webinars are great ways to stay relevant. The job market has evolved, and so should your job search strategy. What new strategies have you tried? Share your experiences and tips below!

The key to identifying and highlighting transferable skills from a career break is simple: stop thinking of work as the only place where valuable skills are built. Every experience—whether it’s caregiving, studying, traveling, or even healing—teaches us something. The trick is learning how to translate those lessons into professional strengths. Instead of focusing on where you were, focus on what you did during that time. Ask yourself: • Did I manage a household? That’s leadership, budgeting, conflict resolution. • Did I care for a family member? That’s emotional intelligence, resilience, crisis management. • Did I go back to school? That’s adaptability, learning agility, and critical thinking. • Did I travel or take a sabbatical? That’s cultural intelligence, problem-solving, and networking. • Did I recover from burnout or focus on mental health? That’s self-awareness, stress management, and a deeper understanding of workplace well-being—an increasingly valuable skill. The bottom line? A career break isn’t a gap. It’s an experience. And when framed right, it’s an asset.

CAREER DECISIONS MADE SIMPLE Focus on what’s working, not what’s missing   Career decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when we fixate on what’s lacking—missing skills, uncertain opportunities, or past mistakes. But what if we flipped the perspective? Instead of asking what’s wrong, start with what’s already working.   Traditional problem-solving emphasizes gaps and weaknesses. But in coaching, the momentum often comes from amplifying what’s already effective. When we analyze what’s working—our strengths, positive past experiences, and existing opportunities—we create solutions based on success, not scarcity.   To use this approach 1️⃣ Identify small wins. Consider the last career decision that turned out well. What did you do that contributed to that success? What elements can you replicate now? 2️⃣ Leverage your strengths. Instead of focusing on weaknesses, ask: What am I already good at that can help me move forward? 3️⃣ Recognize what’s already in motion. Often, we overlook progress because it’s gradual. What opportunities, skills, or relationships are already in place to support your next step?   Many clients I work with experience decision paralysis because they focus on everything they don’t know yet. But clarity often emerges quickly when we shift the lens to what they do know and have done successfully.   Think about your next career move. Instead of asking What’s missing? ask What’s already working that I can build on?   Momentum doesn’t come from fixing every gap—it comes from leaning into strengths and progress already made. If you need a thinking partner, consider a coach: they can often facilitate this process in a single 40-minute session, providing confidence, clarity, and direction.   #CoachRisto #CareerPerspectives   #decisionmaking #solutionfocused  

Attention - Career pivot!? It is rather often that I receive direct messages from candidates asking for advice on how to manage a significant career pivot. Changing careers at a mature stage in life is a little like going on a very tall roller coaster - it can be both exciting and scary. Here are some thoughts to consider: ↝ 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Start by assessing your skills, interests, and values. Understand your strengths and what drives you. This self-awareness will guide you towards a career that aligns with the true you! ↝ 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝘁-𝘂𝗽: Understand the financial implications of a career change. Determine how your income might be affected during the transition period and plan accordingly. In today`s environment it almost always takes longer than planned. ↝ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲: Take the time to learn about potential career directions. Look into industries that interest you and explore the job market demand, required skills, and educational or training pathways. Talk to real people to gain insights! Make sure that you take into consideration local market specifics. ↝ 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: Identify your skills or knowledge that can be transferred as well as gaps between your current experience and your desired career. Courses, certifications, or workshops can be helpful (and costly). ↝ 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: Leverage your existing network and reach out to professionals in the new field. Networking can be critical in your decision making as well your eventual success. ↝ 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: If possible, gain practical experience in your new field through volunteering or internships. This can help you confirm you are on the right path; acquire hands-on experience and expand your network. ↝ 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Understand that changing careers may take time and effort. Consider adjusting your plans based on new information or opportunities that arise. ↝ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁: Resilience on this journey will be critical. Job hunting and career changes are often challenging, but maintaining a positive mindset will increase your chances of success. ↝ 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁: Once you've made the change, periodically evaluate your career satisfaction and progress. Be open to making further adjustments if needed to ensure long-term fulfillment. ❓ Anything you would add? Any questions? ------------------------------------------------- Oh, hey there! I am Dana - Recruiter with a 💡 ☝🏼 Like this and want more interesting content? 🍪 Share if others could benefit from this too! 🔔 Follow me and 'hit' the bell on my profile.

What if I told you that pharmaceutical layoffs often signal where to find your next career opportunity? 🔍 The news of Novartis cutting 427 jobs in East Hanover might seem concerning at first glance. But experienced industry professionals recognize this as a strategic realignment ahead of Entresto's patent expiration—and a clear indicator of where the company is placing its future bets. When pharmaceutical companies restructure around patent cliffs, they typically do two things simultaneously: 1. Scale down commercial infrastructure for products facing generic competition 2. Reallocate resources toward growth areas and emerging assets In Novartis' case, they're explicitly stating their cardiovascular portfolio is "evolving with both the upcoming loss of exclusivity for Entresto and the continued growth of Leqvio and new product launches on the horizon, including pelacarsen." For job seekers and professionals in the industry, this creates a valuable roadmap. The areas receiving increased investment (like Leqvio, which grew 114% last year) typically need additional talent and offer more stability and growth potential. What's also noteworthy is Novartis' approach to these layoffs: "encouraging employees whose jobs are cut to apply for open positions in other sectors of the company." This internal mobility strategy is becoming increasingly common as pharma companies work to retain institutional knowledge while pivoting resources. For those affected by these changes or similar industry shifts, consider: - Where is your current company redirecting resources? - Which therapeutic areas and products are receiving increased investment? - What transferable skills do you possess that align with growth areas? - How can you position yourself for internal opportunities during restructuring? Have you navigated a career transition during a major pharmaceutical restructuring? What advice would you give to professionals facing similar changes today? #PharmaCareers #BiotechJobs #CareerTransition #TalentMobility #Layoffs