This next step complements the preceding one, resulting in a deeper network that unlocks paths to interviewing opportunities. While a trailblazer shows how to create a career-change blueprint, a connector allows for warm introductions to targeted roles and companies.
Depending on your background, a resume won’t or can’t demonstrate your potential in the tech sector. Connectors will help with this translation as they’ll know whom to speak to and what to say on your behalf. Of course, there will still be plenty of work to do on your end, only it will be a bit less challenging when armed with warm introductions.
Connectors differ from trailblazers as they’re likely outside of the federal/USG world. Or maybe they have one foot in the private and public sectors. Most importantly they’ll have the following attributes:
A relationship with you, resulting in a willingness to dedicate time for a substantive call or coffee
Reach into many tech verticals and/or particularly deep influence in one tech company
Superior insight into which companies are hiring someone like you
A conversation with a connector will result in a better understanding of your unique value proposition and how to articulate this once you’re in an interview loop. An important part of this understanding will include how to counter negative impressions people in the private sector harbor about government bureaucrats. This will give you a significant advantage when confronted with an interviewer who expresses doubt you can manage a P&L statement or believes federal employees don't work as hard as those at private companies.
Back to the positive aspect, a connector also will have ideas of positions and companies you may have never even heard of. This means new opportunities for momentum and more inspiration to commit to the change.
Now that trailblazers helped set your strategy and connectors mapped out tactical moves, I’ll describe the necessary research required to ensure success for these initial calls with potential employers.
Have an aspiring former fed friend or colleague looking to take the plunge in pursuit of an exciting career in tech? Click on this link to share the knowledge!