Get a (new) job: A primer
What recession? How to land great new tech sector gig — today.
By Christopher Lochhead, strategy advisor and former chief marketing officer, Mercury Interactive
Do you love your work? Are you at a winning company? Are you part of  an ass-kicking team?
Christopher Lochhead wants your next job to be legendary
Does your company have a real technology competitive advantage? Are you making the money you want? Is your  company handling the economic downturn well? If the answer to these  questions is no, it's time to quit.
Most people think that an economic crisis is a time for keeping their heads down and hoping they  won't be in the the next round of lay-offs.
Wrong.
Legendary people have legendary jobs at legendary companies. Most of us spend more time working than we do with the people we love. So,
if you're going to invest so much of your life working, shouldn't i be great?
Now, if you're out of work and need to put food on the table you may be forced to grab the first decent offer that comes along. And there's no question that in this recession jobs are scarce. But don't sell yourself short, or deny your talents. You deserve a great job.
The key is to find companies that are using the recession to upgrade their teams. Adds Paul Daversa, CEO of executive recruiters Daversa Partners: "While it may take longer – and be harder – in this environment, there are still good jobs for good people in this economy."
From my perch in the Sierra Mountains above Silicon Valley, I'm seeing signs of recovery and new business creation, which should translate into new career opportunities.
In the last six to nine months, for example, I've been surprised by the uptick in promising new software and hardware categories. I get the impression that corporations, hungry for ways to cut costs or stay ahead of their competitors, are exploring breakthrough technologies more aggressively today than they were two years ago.
They're willing to take chances on a new software, service or device developed by relatively small players. These small fry, in turn, need seasoned talent to help lead them.
Regardless of the type of new ship you jump to, taking smart risks now can pay-off in big ways, especially when everyone else is playing safe. Now may be the perfect time for a bold personal move.
If you do make the leap, here are 10 things to look for in a new job, in no particular order.
- A company in a growing market, with a strong brand and leading position
- A company with products/services that customers view as aspirin (read: essential), not a vitamin (in other words, a supplement). In bad economies, nobody takes their vitamins
- A strong balance sheet, with lots of cash
- A legendary executive team (legendary people build companies that are, well, you get the idea)
- A company that is investing in the future (new products, new  technology, and new sales & marketing campaigns).
- A relationship with someone inside who can be a solid reference for you (the best jobs come through relationships)
- A great role (something that really turns you on)
- A great boss you can learn from
- A winning team of people you really like to work with
- An opportunity to make great money
Many people make the mistake of choosing the compensation package  and title first. While those things matter, what matters most is the  market opportunity, the company, the exec team, your role, and your  direct boss. If you get those right, you'll have fun, learn a lot, and make good money.
Lochhead is a retired marketing executive turned strategy advisor and ski bum.
Roger from NC is right. The author was probably pulling 700k/year since 03 as an executive at Mecury before they were acquired by HP. I'm sure the HP gave him a nice little bonus to stay on for a year after the buyout that now supports his ski-bum lifestyle. He has no perspective on what is facing the average person in IT. He was in the marketing dept…this guy and this article is SO OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY.
Yeah, as a farmer, I want a crop that is easy to grow and is guaranteed a great price.
Your list is great. The only problem is that it is fantasy. The average person does not get a choice in the matter most of the time. One in a million luck into a great situation, but most people have to take what they get. Of course, if you are someone with two PhDs, a MBA, several fellowships and a JD from Harvard, the article probably makes sense.
For years, I have been telling young people to avoid IT. Everyone is a programmer these days and few business people value IT staff contributions. It is viewed as a comodity that is bought by the pound. Unfortunately, those who did not take my advice (freely given) are paying for it now.
Legendary executive teams, bosses, and jobs don't exist except in the virtual world in magazines. Good luck on your next article.
I would have to agree with Clair. I have seen a few jobs in NYC requesting for graduates from a A-list universities only paying $60,000. This would lead me to believe that their is too much supply and not enough demand.
Yes Christopher, we should all have legendary jobs. This is why we, the people who clean your toilets, cook your meals, park your car and raise your children, would like to collectively inform you that we will no longer perform those menial tasks. We're quitting to become race car drivers, stuntmen, fashion models, and jet pilots. Have fun doing the boring stuff yourself.
What planet are you on? Can't be this one. Only people getting jobs are those in their 20's and 30's from Stanford with contact. Get a life already
I'd also be interested in ANY company that can claim even half of your top ten list, really. Please, be more specific.
You must be talking about great jobs in India. US companies don't hire US IT people anymore. Who are you kidding? Please spare us your false hopes.
After struggling in IT for the last 10 years because of offshoring, anyone who wants to have a career in IT in the US are fools, unless you're from India.
I plan on getting out of IT because it's a joke in America. I'm going to start selling pizzas, I just hope American's will have money to buy them!!
Actually consumers health seems to be foremost in this economy. The vitamin and supplement industry is experiencing double digit growth the past 2 years even during the recession. In the mind of the average consumer, you have to think that their health is one of the few things they can control. After all, staying healthy is generally cheaper than a visit to your local physician. That said, Most of your points are solid in this article.
I worked briefly with Christopher may years ago and this is what he truly believes … and in believing in it (and with tons of hard work and near limitless energy) he made it his reality.
"Think you can or think you can’t, either way you will be right." – Henry Ford
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