Whenever we start a job search, we often dive in looking at titles, areas of expertise, or industry. If like me you have worked in multiple industries with a wide variety of roles and responsibilities, then this method can take you in circles. Titles and job responsibilities are so different across companies. In my case, product management, product development, product marketing, operations, and communications don’t have clear and consistent definitions in the world of work and often roles have some responsibilities in a few of these categories.
So I’m trying something new. Because culture and mission are so important to me, I’ve decided to seek out companies that are interesting to me first and then dive into the different roles at those companies. My ideal is to find a place where I can learn and grow, meaning I would hold a number of different roles at the same company or organization over time. In this case, what really matters is the culture and environment. Roles and responsibilities can change on a dime; culture and mission are ideally consistent.
The job search can be a long and winding road. I’m hopeful that this new approach will make the destination a perfect fit.
Christa Avampato 