You are a tech executive who has succeeded through hard work and dedication. Despite your achievements, you feel unfulfilled in your current role and are beginning to think about how to find your perfect next job. A role that excites and challenges you. A role where you can see and feel the impact you’re having. 

The problem is, you’re not sure what that job would look like. You know you want to use your skills and experience to make a difference, but you’re not sure where to start.

Most people start with the job title. That’s not where you begin. That’s the big mistake most people make, including executives.

Instead, get the clarity you need faster by answering three questions. These may not be easy questions to answer, but you can’t identify and find a great job for you if you can’t or don’t answer these questions first.

What activities do you want to spend your time on daily, week-to-week?

The day-to-day activities and responsibilities of a tech executive can vary depending on the specific role and company, but some common tasks and activities include:

1. Developing and implementing technology strategies aligned with the company’s goals and objectives.
2. Leading and managing teams of engineers, developers, and other technology professionals.
3. Overseeing the design, development, and implementation of new technology products and services.
4. Collaborating with other executives and stakeholders to ensure technology initiatives support the overall business strategy.
5. Staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends and identifying opportunities for innovation.
6. Managing budgets and financial resources to ensure technology initiatives are delivered on time and within budget.
7. Communicating technology initiatives and progress to stakeholders, including board members, investors, and employees.
8. Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards, such as data privacy and security.

Ultimately, our work is comprised of what we spend time DOING. Spend some time reflecting on the tasks that bring excitement and satisfaction, even when they are challenging. List the activities you enjoy and those that come naturally to you.

Once you have reflected on your strengths and interests, evaluating the balance you desire between these activities in your day-to-day and week-to-week work routine is essential. It’s vital to ensure that the job you pursue aligns with the mix of tasks that bring you the most satisfaction.

What decisions do you want to make, or what do you want to be responsible for?

To find your perfect next job, it’s essential to consider the types of decisions you want to make and the responsibilities you want to take on. A tech executive makes various decisions on a day-to-day and week-to-week basis. Some examples of these decisions include:

1. Prioritizing technology initiatives based on their alignment with the company’s goals and objectives, available resources, and potential impact.
2. Allocating resources, such as budgets, staff, and time, to ensure technology initiatives are delivered on time and within budget.
3. Hiring and managing talent for technology-related roles and how to manage and develop their teams to ensure they are motivated, engaged, and productive.
4. Evaluating and adopting new technologies and determining whether they are worth adopting for the company’s use.
5. Managing risks related to technology initiatives, such as data privacy and security risks.
6. Collaborating with other executives to ensure technology initiatives align with the company’s overall strategy and goals.
7. Communicating technology initiatives and progress to stakeholders, including board members, investors, and employees.

Reflect on these and your past experiences, interests, and skills to determine what will make you feel fulfilled and valued at work.

Start by assessing your professional strengths and weaknesses. Ask yourself if certain aspects of your current or previous job bring you satisfaction or leave you feeling drained. This assessment will give you insight into the decision-making responsibilities that you prefer, such as:

• Setting strategic priorities
• Managing budgets
• Streamlining processes

Additionally, consider the workplace culture and your desired level of autonomy in your next role. For instance:

• Do you thrive in a hierarchical organization or in a more collaborative environment?
• Are you motivated by teamwork, or do you prefer to work independently?

By examining your decision-making preferences, areas of responsibility, and preferred workplace culture, you’ll gain more clarity to find your perfect next job. This is crucial for leadership roles.  Knowing the decisions you want to make and the responsibilities and outcomes you want to own is foundational to figuring out the title and role to look for.

What is the impact you want to have?

Before diving headfirst into the job search, it’s essential to understand what kind of impact you’re hoping to have in your next role. Are you passionate about improving the lives of others? Keen to innovate? Driven to boost efficiency? Take time to reflect on your values, goals, and the meaningful contributions you envision making.

Now, think about the impact you want to have through your work. Identify the type of value you want to create at an organizational or societal level. Areas to consider include:

• Innovation and technological advancements
• Sustainability and environmental impact
• Social and community engagement

Once you have a clear picture of your desired impact, you’ll be in a better position to recognize the specific type of job that aligns with your aspirations. Remember, it’s not just about salary or job titles; it’s about finding work that genuinely excites you and corresponds with your sense of purpose.

To assist you in this reflection process, consider the following questions:

• In what ways do you want to influence your field or industry?
• How do you imagine your future professional legacy?
• What sort of difference can you make within a company or organization?

By answering these questions, you’ll be one step closer to having the clarity you need to find your perfect next job.

Need some help?

Finding your perfect next job might seem daunting, but following a strategic approach can clear the confusion and help you zero in on the right opportunity. 

If you want a great job that you enjoy, answer these questions first. Then you can begin to explore where you want to do these things.

I ask everyone who is looking for their next opportunity these three questions, and I’d love to discuss them with you, too. (It’s how I make my desired impact!)