In my current job hunt, I am taking a structured approach to ensure I find the right role and company that align with my career goals. This methodical strategy helps me stay focused and efficient in my search. Today's main points outline the steps I am taking, starting with defining the type of role and company I am aiming for, followed by specifying the tech stack and skills I wish to utilize.
First, I am breaking down the type of role and company I am looking for. This involves identifying the specific position titles that interest me, such as Software Engineer, Backend Engineer etc. Additionally, I am considering the company size, culture, industry, and values to ensure they align with my personal and professional aspirations. By having a clear picture of the ideal role and company, I can better focus my efforts on suitable opportunities.
When it comes to company traits, I have a few key preferences. I am looking for companies that are not on the verge of bankruptcy and have an ethical standing, avoiding industries like defense, crypto, advertising, and adult entertainment. A decent pay, remote work opportunities, and a positive culture are essential. I prefer public companies over private ones for their stability and financial visibility and favor base salary over options or RSUs.
Next, I am focusing on the tech stack and skills I want to use in my next role. My core skills are backend focused, with a preference for Go over JavaScript due to its compiled nature and less ubiquitous presence. I favor working with microservices over monoliths and have a strong background in APIs, preferring REST over GraphQL. Additionally, I want to leverage my Kafka pipeline experience, although I am looking to move away from authorization work, which I have become burned out on. Ruby will be used only as a fallback option for fluff or filler tasks.
With a clear understanding of the type of role, company, and tech stack I am aiming for, I then identify target companies and positions. I research companies that match my criteria and look for job openings that align with my desired role and skill set. This targeted approach ensures that I am applying to positions where I am likely to be a strong fit and where I can thrive professionally.
Additionally, I have begun working on the Blind 75 list of Leetcode problems to sharpen my technical skills. Starting with the easy difficulty problems, I have completed 6 of them so far. This practice is enhancing my problem-solving abilities and preparing me for technical interviews, which are a critical part of the hiring process for many tech roles. I've discovered how rusty I am at solving these and it has been humbling to say the least 😹
Finally, I seek potential referrals by identifying connections at these target companies. Leveraging my network, I reach out to friends, former colleagues, and acquaintances who might have insights or can introduce me to someone within the company.
By following this structured approach, I am confident that I will find a role and company that are well-suited to my skills and career goals. This method helps me stay organized and proactive, ensuring that I make the most of my job search efforts.