Women in tech face numerous challenges, with one of the primary hurdles being simply gaining entry into the industry. In today’s competitive tech job market, a multitude of qualified candidates vie for limited openings. Often, for every available position, there may be just one woman in a sea of male applicants, making it even more difficult to stand out. This reality underscores the importance of diligently nurturing your professional network, preparing exhaustively for interviews, and practicing self-compassion throughout the process. Achieving visibility requires a strategic approach to both your application and your overall career trajectory, ensuring you’re not only seen but also remembered.

Research and Prepare:

Before stepping into any interview, it’s crucial to arm yourself with knowledge about the company. I delve deep into their operations, checking their recruitment pages and leveraging resources like Crunchbase to understand their funding and business model. This background knowledge shapes my understanding of their needs and how I might fit into their vision.

Maximizing Time with the Recruiter: The recruiter is your gateway to the company. I make it a point to ask for insights into the interview process, specific areas to focus on, and details about the interview panel. This not only helps me tailor my preparation but also gives me a sneak peek into the company culture and the challenges they’re currently facing.

Using AI to Enhance Preparation: In my recent job search, I’ve harnessed AI to elevate my interview prep. Beyond just refining cover letters, I used ChatGPT to simulate interview scenarios based on the job description and LinkedIn profiles of the interviewers. Setting this up was an investment in time, but it significantly refined my responses, making them more precise and tailored to the company’s needs.

Technical Preparation: Understanding the tech stack of the company is vital. I review job postings and LinkedIn profiles of current tech employees to gauge the skills they value. This gives me insight into their technical environment and current trends they might be following, which helps me align my experience with their needs.

Presentation and Communication: Communication style can make or break an interview. I always ask for feedback on my delivery early in the interview to adjust to the interviewer’s preferences. For example, I’ll ask if they need more detail or if the explanation was clear. This not only shows my openness to feedback but also helps me gauge their communication style. Personally, I prefer concise answers backed by real-world examples, as it demonstrates practical knowledge beyond theoretical understanding.

Body Language: Navigating body language in interviews, especially with a male-dominated panel, is something I’ve learned to be acutely aware of. My natural gestures, like talking with my hands, or my contemplative expressions, which may appear stern, are things I actively manage. Keeping my hands still and maintaining a neutral expression helps keep the focus on my words rather than my gestures. I found this LinkedIn Course on Body Language to be be helpful in making me aware of my own body language not just in interviews but everyday working.

Building Rapport: Creating a positive interaction from the start is key to building rapport. I focus on displaying both my technical expertise and my ability to fit culturally within the team. Establishing common ground, whether through shared experiences or mutual professional interests, can significantly ease the interview process and showcase my enthusiasm and compatibility with the team.

These strategies have not only helped me navigate the complexities of interviewing but have also empowered me to present myself authentically and effectively. As women in tech, mastering these facets of communication and presentation can set the stage for successful career advancements.

Understanding and negotiating for what you’re worth

Understanding the Offer: Navigating to the offer stage after a series of interviews is an achievement, but the journey doesn’t end there. An offer letter can be a complex blend of business jargon, legalese, and critical details that need careful analysis. Typically, tech company offers comprise a combination of salary and benefits. In upcoming posts, I’ll delve deeper into compensation and equity separately. For now, let’s focus on other elements like medical, dental, paid time off, holidays, travel stipulations, reimbursements, 401K matching, and equipment provisions.

At different life stages, you may prioritize various benefits differently. For instance, when my children were younger, I placed great value on holiday and PTO policies—a preference that remains important to me. It’s crucial to thoroughly understand each benefit and its personal significance. If a benefit is unclear, don’t hesitate to research it or ask your recruiter for clarification. Presently, my focus when evaluating offers includes salary, bonuses/equity, PTO, and 401K matching, with other aspects being secondary. Knowing my 401K contribution and expected company match helps me quantify the total value of the offer.

Negotiating the Offer: I firmly believe in negotiating job offers, whether it pertains to salary, benefits, or other terms like annual office visits. Often, as women, we are conditioned to avoid confrontation, leading many to accept the initial offer without discussion. However, negotiating can significantly enhance your compensation and benefits package.

Early in my career, I learned the impact of negotiation during a job transition. Initially, I misunderstood the terms discussed as yearly salary when in fact, they were hourly rates. After pushing back slightly during the verbal offer stage, I was pleasantly surprised to see a substantial increase in my official salary offer. This experience underscored the value of even modest negotiations.

For those looking to improve their negotiation skills, I recommend resources like those from Tori Dunlap, the “Financial Feminist,” who advocates for women’s financial empowerment, including effective salary negotiation.

General Advice for Successful Job Transitions in Tech

Leveraging Your Network: It’s a well-known adage, but it bears repeating: your network is invaluable. In the tech industry, where we often spend more hours working than engaging in personal activities, the professional connections we forge can become pivotal during transitions. Don’t underestimate the power of maintaining and actively engaging with your network. Reach out, keep connections warm, and don’t hesitate to seek advice or opportunities. These relationships can open doors that would otherwise remain closed and provide support when exploring new opportunities.

Continuous Learning: In technology, stagnation isn’t an option. Continuously updating both your technical and leadership skills is crucial. Mid-career, I focused intensely on honing my leadership abilities, somewhat neglecting my technical skills due to perceived gaps in organizational leadership. This oversight taught me a valuable lesson—balance is key. Maintain your technical prowess by staying active on platforms like GitHub, reading up on the latest trends, practicing new skills, and attending industry conferences. This dual approach will keep you versatile and marketable.

Mental and Emotional Preparedness: Job hunting is an emotionally taxing experience, regardless of your experience level. Rejection stings, and the relentless cycle of interviews can be exhausting. Being unprepared for different types of interviews adds another layer of stress. It’s okay to acknowledge these feelings—allow yourself moments of vulnerability. If you need to cry, then do it.  Embrace healthy outlets for your stress and seek support when needed. Remember, resilience is built through these challenges, and each experience is a stepping stone to your next opportunity.

These strategies are not just about finding a new job; they’re about advancing your career in a way that is balanced and fulfills both your professional aspirations and personal well-being. By nurturing your network, committing to lifelong learning, and managing the emotional highs and lows of job searching, you’re setting yourself up for success in the dynamic landscape of tech.

Prioritize your next move

In conclusion, navigating the tech industry as a woman requires a strategic and proactive approach. The journey to securing a position in this competitive field is not just about technical prowess but also about how effectively you can leverage your personal and professional resources. It’s crucial to remember that every interaction and every application is a step towards your next opportunity.

Action Items:

1. Update Your LinkedIn Profile: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date with your latest skills, experiences, and achievements. Use a professional photo and craft a compelling summary that reflects your expertise and career aspirations. Regularly engage with content and contribute to discussions to increase your visibility.
2. Expand Your Professional Network: Actively seek out networking opportunities, both online and in-person. Attend industry conferences, join tech-related groups, and participate in webinars to connect with other professionals. Each new connection can open doors to potential job opportunities, mentorships, and collaborations.
3. Practice Interview Skills: Regularly set aside time to hone your interview techniques, focusing on articulating your experiences and value effectively. Consider conducting mock interviews with peers or mentors to build confidence and receive constructive feedback.
4. Continuously Improve Skills: Commit to ongoing learning to keep both your technical and non-technical skills sharp. Subscribe to relevant courses, attend workshops, and read industry publications. Consider areas like coding, project management, and communication to ensure you’re well-rounded and adaptable to changes in the tech landscape.