Imagine starting your career in software development. Then becoming a recruiter who found and placed developers. Now imagine moving into Mercy Corps, and then into the private sector.
That's the interesting career journey of Brad Goettemoeller. He shared this voyage with us to inspire you to find new career pathways too.
Connections Matter
When I spoke with Brad, he made the transitions between sectors seem so easy. Like he just decided to make a change, and then… boom! He had a new career.
Yet, he shared a secret with us. He sent out thousands of resumes, responding to thousands of job ads. Not one led to a new job. He found his way thanks to the connections he made with peers, colleagues, leaders, and yes, recruiters.
His goal is to build relationships and help others early and often. They then return the favors and help him time and again. This approach can help you too.
Skills Matter
He also emphasized the importance of transferable technical skills. These are the hard skills that are typically quantified by an accreditation or a sharable portfolio. A clear indication that you can do technical work.
We both believe in “show, don't tell.” Show what you created and its impact, rather than simply saying you can do something.
For example, invest your new-found time in developing hard skills. Taking the courses or building the projects that will impress your next employer. I’m not much of a course-taker, so I am building this community. It shows my organizing skills, versus just saying I can lead a movement.
Titles Matter
Job titles signify many things - tenure, seniority, skills, etc. Often, we had titles that meant something in public service that have no meaning in the private sector. Brad understands this and worked to give his team the titles that would help them in the future.
What to do if you had titles in the public sector that do not have a clear translation into the private sector? Help those reading your resume understand what you’ve done by listing both the original and translated title.
For example, you can use GenAI tools to match job titles and keywords or this title translation chart or this title and description decoder.
Whatever you use, whatever matters to you, let’s transition together!
Video editing thanks to Nadia Afrin.
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