WCT #69: Why Laser Focus In Your Job Search Yields the Best Results
Three Minute Read
If you're not yet subscribed, click here or the subscribe button below and get concrete, actionable tips and insights every Saturday to help you land great jobs and level up your career game.
In the ever-evolving world of job hunting, one question often arises: should you cast a wide net in your search or focus on a particular role? It's a dilemma that many job seekers face, and there are plusses and minuses to both approaches. Let’s dive deep into this topic and explore the intricacies of being versatile in your job search.
The Pros of Versatility
1. Versatility Spurs Adaptability
Being a "jack of all trades" means you can quickly pivot and adapt to different roles and industries. This adaptability is a valuable attribute in today's fast-paced job market. When change is the only constant, those who can seamlessly transition from one role to another as roles diminish in relevance and entirely new roles crop up often find themselves in continual high demand.
2. A Broader Skill Set Opens Doors in Smaller Scale Firms
Having a diverse set of complementary skills can set you apart from specialized candidates in relatively smaller firms. There, your ability to wear many hats can be a significant asset when resources may be tight, and employees are expected to juggle varied responsibilities.
3. Exploration and Self-Discovery
Taking a job that requires you to operate in a variety of spheres helps you determine what type of work truly resonates with you. It's like trying on different hats to see which one fits best. This exploration can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven career.
The Cons of Versatility
1. Fierce Competition
In some instances, specialized candidates are preferred for roles that require in-depth knowledge and expertise. While your versatility can make you a well-rounded candidate, it might not always be enough to beat out competitors who excel in a single area.
2. Categorization Challenges
When your job search is too broad, employers may struggle to identify where you fit within their organization. People like to pattern-match and place people into familiar “buckets.” While you may think that being a Swiss army knife is great, your diverse skills can be a double-edged sword (pun intended), and you may need to work extra hard to convey how your versatility is a benefit.
3. Perceived Lack of Commitment
Some employers may interpret a diverse skill set as a lack of commitment to a particular career path. They may question your long-term dedication to a role, which can be a disadvantage in industries where longevity and persistence are valued.
So what are you to do?
1. You could identify one, or perhaps a handful of roles, if they are related. Then you can direct your job search energies toward them. For example, perhaps you’re interested in being a product manager, helping bring a product or service to market. You could focus on that role, but also the related roles of project manager (keeping projects on track) and business analyst (translating business requirements into technical specifications.) Since these three areas are somewhat related, it wouldn’t be too big a leap to understand why you might be interested in all three.
2. You could tailor your materials to each particular opportunity. Rather than adopting an extremely pointed approach to job search, you could tailor your conversations and application materials on a role-by-role basis. You’d highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific job. While this tailored approach can open up more potential avenues to you, it can also be time-consuming. It’s also a bit difficult to pull off since you need to keep your stories straight, and you only have one LinkedIn profile.
3. The Hybrid Approach. You could consider adopting a hybrid approach, where you focus on a core skill or role but also showcase your complementary skills. For example, position yourself as an expert in one area while demonstrating your ability to contribute in other ways. This approach can help you stand out while maintaining depth in a specific field.
The Bottom Line
It’s easier to go into a search with just one or a few roles in mind. This is typically the preferred path. Rather than diluting your message and muddying your brand, by being focused on one or just a couple of roles, you get better traction in the market, and more people will be on the lookout for you for the role you prize most highly. Whatever path you choose, go at it with conviction and persistence. Those are the keys to getting what you are seeking.
I coach and advise people to land amazing jobs and manage their career journeys. Learn more about my career coaching and contact me or request a free 30-minute Career Solutions Call.