Trying to pivot within tech right now? You’re far from alone. But in today’s market, that move isn’t as straightforward as it once was.
As a tech career coach, the vast majority of my clients are making some sort of transition, whether it’s breaking into tech, pursuing a higher-level role, switching functions, or moving between startups and large companies.
One of the most common changes I see is a pivot within tech itself. Yet, as I shared in Forbes, it’s never been more difficult to land a tech job. So how do you successfully make a pivot within the tech industry?
How To Successfully Pivot Within Tech
1. Identify a single pivot.
Because of repeated mass layoffs, an influx of new talent, and more people trying to break into the field, tech is saturated with talent. Companies now have their pick of candidates.
Identify a single pivot to make at a time. For instance:
- A higher-level role
- A different functional area
- A different company size
- A different product or service category
Ask yourself which pivot would move you closer to your ideal role. Prioritize the change that will make the biggest difference professionally and personally, rather than trying to overhaul everything at once.
For example, if you want to move from a finance manager role at a mid-sized company to a VP of product role at a Fortune 500 company, you’ll likely be more successful breaking this process down into several pivots: finance to product, mid-sized to enterprise, manager to leader.
Focusing on one meaningful change at a time makes it easier for employers to see you as a clear fit. Attempting too many shifts at once increases the risk of being passed over in favor of candidates whose backgrounds more closely align with the role.
2. Map your skills to the role.
Whether you’re pivoting levels, functional areas, company size, or category, you need to map your skills to the role.
Don’t guess what skills are required. Use the job description like a recipe card, making sure you have everything they need by mapping your experience and skills to their requirements.
Really practice speaking the language of your target role. The worst thing you can do when making a pivot is make the recruiter guess how your experience is relevant.
A simple way to do this is to put the job description in a spreadsheet:
- In the first column, copy and paste the language.
- In the second column, rewrite it so it clearly reflects what you’ve done.
- In the third column, and this is the most important part, highlight what sets you apart from other candidates with similar experience.
[Read: How To Identify Keywords In A Job Description]
3. Conduct research to ensure your pivot is realistic.
Use LinkedIn to identify individuals who have successfully made these micro-pivots. This helps you calibrate your search and ensure you’re being realistic about your transition.
One of my clients wanted to move from a startup to a Fortune 100 tech company, yet he was convinced they wouldn’t hire someone with his background. I assigned him the “homework” of researching 20 people currently employed at the company in similar roles. To his surprise, he found that none of those individuals had worked at a Fortune 100 or even Fortune 500 tech company before joining.
Your research will help you determine whether you’re shooting too high or perhaps not high enough.
4. Speak with people who have already made the pivot.
You can also use LinkedIn to reach out to people who have successfully made a similar pivot.
Request informational interviews to learn how they made their transition, including whether they made a single one or broke it down into micro-pivots, and what they would do differently.
You’ll be surprised by how many people are willing to share their experience. You just need the courage to reach out and ask for a conversation.
Moreover, if the conversation goes well, they may introduce you to their boss, who is often the hiring manager for the roles you’re targeting. Win-win!
[Read: How To Better Cold Message On LinkedIn For A Job (With Examples)]
5. Identify any skills gaps.
As you identify roles, evaluate fit, and speak with people at companies, take note of any skills you may be missing.
You can fill these gaps by:
- Completing online courses or enrolling in a certificate program
- Taking on an additional project at work
- Pursuing a project outside of work
Because you’re making a pivot, it’s critical that you proactively address as many skills gaps as possible on your resume. Otherwise, employers will likely reject your resume before you even reach the recruiter screening stage.
6. Highlight your fabulousness.
After closing any skills gaps, it’s time to showcase what makes you uniquely valuable to employers.
One of the advantages of making a pivot is that you bring a unique background, experience, or skill set. Instead of attempting to downplay this, accentuate it.
For instance, if you’re pivoting from engineering to product, you can highlight how you bring a more technical, hands-on approach to your work.
This will help you stand out in the saturated market, where recruiters are reviewing hundreds—if not thousands—of resumes for a single role, increasing your chances of landing interviews and offers.
Is Now A Good Time To Make A Pivot Within Tech?
Yes, but you must be realistic regarding your target role. The current job market isn’t the best time to make a huge pivot. Instead, consider a micro-pivot. For instance, if you’re working in operations and want to work in product management, consider a “lily pad” role in product operations. Companies want to mitigate their risk, and these in-between roles can help you build relevant experience while positioning yourself for a longer-term goal.
Is It Easier To Pivot Internally Or With Another Company?
You’ll generally find it easier to switch roles within your existing company, as you’re a known entity there, and your current company may be more willing to take a risk on you. While you must still be fully qualified for the role, tech companies often prioritize internal candidates over external ones.
That said, if you’re in a hurry to make a move, moving to an external company can sometimes be quicker, as there’s less bureaucracy. Internal moves often only occur one or two times per year and involve additional decision-makers, and your title may limit you to certain positions.
Should I Pivot Within Tech During Layoffs Or A Recession?
Yes, but you need to be strategic. During uncertain times, companies tend to hire candidates who closely match the role. Focus on smaller, more realistic pivots.
For example, moving from marketing to product marketing will typically be easier than moving from marketing to engineering. Focus on transitions where your transferable skills are obvious to hiring managers.
How Long Does It Take To Pivot Within Tech?
It depends on the size of the pivot. Smaller micro-pivots may happen within a few months, especially if you already have relevant experience.
Larger pivots that require building new skills, expanding your network, or gaining internal experience can take significantly longer. The key is to approach the transition pragmatically and strategically rather than expecting it to happen overnight.
Final Thoughts On Pivoting In Tech
Pivoting within tech is absolutely possible. The key is approaching it strategically, realistically, and with a clear plan. Position yourself as the obvious candidate employers would be remiss to pass over. You’ve got this!
