advice from a former tech recruiter
when i worked in tech recruiting, i screened thousands of résumés and sat in on hiring conversations that most people never get to hear.
what surprised me most wasn’t the candidates, it was how differently people think about their own careers versus how hiring teams actually make decisions.
here’s what i wish i knew earlier (and what i wish my candidates knew too):
1. your first job is not your forever job.
i’ve hired people who switched industries, switched majors, switched entire life paths and still landed competitive roles.
2. competence is built, not gifted.
i watched candidates improve simply because they practiced interviewing, writing, or coding every day. repetition really does change everything.
3. networking is just relationship-building.
the best hires weren’t the most connected. they were the most consistent, the ones who checked in, followed up, and stayed curious.
4. quiet professionals get hired too.
you don’t have to be the loudest in the room. hiring managers look for clarity, reliability, and follow-through more than personality.
5. every role teaches you something.
even the “random” jobs retail, tutoring, admin, campus work, all created patterns I saw employers value: communication, accountability, initiative.
careers aren’t linear. they’re layered.
what’s something you wish you knew earlier in your career?
you don’t need to have it all figured out.
you just need to keep becoming.
#lemon8partner #career #careeradvice #CareerTips #careerpath
Navigating a career path can feel overwhelming, especially with the common misconception that your first job sets the tone for your entire professional life. The advice from a former tech recruiter sheds light on important truths that many don't realize early on. Firstly, the idea that your first job is not your forever job is crucial. Many people think they must follow a linear career trajectory, but in reality, career paths are often layered and dynamic. Switching industries or roles is common and valuable, allowing individuals to develop diverse skills and find where they truly fit. Building competence is a journey of consistent effort. Whether it's interviewing, writing, or honing technical skills like coding, repetition is the key. Candidates who commit to daily practice see tangible improvements, proving that talent is often nurtured rather than innate. Networking is often misunderstood as collecting contacts or connections. However, it’s more about relationship-building: being consistent, following up, and showing genuine curiosity. This approach naturally leads to trust and opportunities, as hiring managers appreciate reliability and engagement over superficial networking. Another important point is that quiet professionals have a place too. Not everyone needs to be the loudest voice in the room to get hired. Employers value clarity, reliability, and the ability to follow through on commitments. This means introverts or those who prefer thoughtful communication can still thrive and be recognized. Lastly, every job, even those outside your targeted field, can teach transferable skills such as communication, accountability, and initiative. These patterns emerge in employers' evaluations and demonstrate your potential and work ethic. Overall, the key takeaway is that careers are not defined by a single role or moment. Continuous growth, learning, and relationship-building create a rich professional life. Embracing the process and allowing yourself to evolve is what truly matters in building a fulfilling career.
The point about competence being built, not gifted, really hit home. I need to remember to just keep practicing!