[Dutch Lock Down Day Three Hundred Eighty Seven]
Over the past four weeks I applied to thirty opportunities – twenty-one companies spoke with me sixty-seven times and six extended offers.
How?
Besides luck?
Good question.
But first the news:
- Family is not tourism: campaigners ask Dutch government to allow non-EU family visits
- Health Minister tamps down hopes for lockdown relaxations
- Janssen Covid vaccine arrives in NL next week amid new blood clot study
Most all of the jobs I applied to without knowing someone first were rejected. Almost all of the interviews were from opportunities found within my network. Built over many many years.
It starts with interpersonal communication and networking over many years. Which, sure, feels overwhelming. But start now. And in a few years you’ll have an extensive network, too.
Put your resume online.
With samples.
Like https://rainleander.github.io/cv/.
It is rather standard to ask for writing and speaking samples within the Developer Advocate / Technical Evangelist / Community Liaison roles, so I included them by default for accessibility.
Also, simplifying the CV instead of asking people to look at LinkedIn makes it easier to read.
The PDF version is linked there, too.
Then set up a spreadsheet with last contact and next contact dates. Generally keep three sections on the spreadsheet – your current job (I found this incredibly motivating), offers, rejections (NOPE!), and active applications. When a company hasn’t gotten in touch within a week or two, move them to the NOPE section.
If I was actively talking with a company, especially, if they were clear they wanted to speak to me again, I’d follow up if I didn’t hear from them after a few days.
Know what you’re worth (and why!) and bring up compensation in the screening round.
“I need compensation based on experience rather than location because we are not the standard Dutch family – we have extensive student loans. Based on fifteen years in tech, ten years in open source, and six years in developer relations, my base compensation starts at $150,000 plus bonus, equity, and benefits.”
If you and a company have wildly divergent expectations around compensation, you want to find out immediately rather than after several weeks / rounds of interviews.
#BeenThereDoneThat
Treat it like a full time job.
Unless you’re also working a full time job, then it’s a part time job and maintain your balance. Go for a walk every day. Remember to eat. Get seven to eight hours of sleep.
Set up Calendly or another scheduler that you can provide when you’re availability is requested. Don’t forget to tell it to attach a meeting location (google meet or zoom) automatically when a meeting is created.
Be transparent about any factors that might impact your work.
I’m living in the Netherlands and you’re based on the American West Coast – will you need me to adjust my working hours sometimes? I’m living in Groningen, but you’re based in Amsterdam – will you need me to come into the office once a month or more?
Be aware that everything you’ve ALWAYS posted online may be seen and maintain your online brand accordingly.
Thank EVERYONE who helped you – your community, your network, your mentors – everyone. And either pay them back or pay it forward.
Do you have anything else you do during your adventure exploration? I’d love to hear it.
After I sleep for the next three weeks.