150. Why having a niche is important for job hunters. (Rebroadcast)
Sep 05, 2022
What do job hunters need to know about "niching down" vs. being a generalist?
In this episode, I discuss why it's essential to find your niche and the common misconceptions about niching down that we need to debunk so you can get your next job faster.
You are not alone if you think you are a generalist without a specific niche, unique industry expertise, sector expertise, or deep knowledge of a particular area. Many executives believe they are generalists and may even announce that on their LinkedIn profiles and resumes.
However, I want to point out that every recruiter who has been a guest on this podcast debunks the myth that it's better to be a generalist than an expert. Every single one has encouraged you, listeners, to find your expertise and flaunt it.
I remember being in your shoes as a job hunter and thinking I shouldn't need to narrow it down. Even as I started my business, I was challenged both by my close friends and advisors to present my coaching more broadly. At first, I didn't think I needed to narrow my business. I felt that niching was for other people. I was wrong. Thank goodness I took the risk!
But what is a niche?
A niche is an area of interest developed from your strengths, skills, passions, and passions. It usually involves performing a job well.
- It is something that comes naturally to you.
- Your colleagues gravitate to you when something you are good at needs to be done well.
- And it's something that aligns well with your personality and talents.
So here are some common misconceptions about finding your niche or your expertise:
1. Niching down means limiting the jobs you can apply for.
That is not true. Finding your niche isn't about fewer job opportunities. And it's about applying for the right opportunities.
Being super specific about the niche you serve makes you the go-to person for those people. In other words? It makes hiring you when that skills, experience, or talent is needed. Choosing you is a no-brainer.
Having a niche makes you more memorable for your network and recruiters.
2. You have to niche down to a specific group of companies or jobs.
Niching isn't about picking a random group of employers and declaring, "I only work for XYZ." You can niche down...
- by types of projects, you can manage - i.e., Salesforce but was consulted for an SAP
- by metrics you've worked - i.e., budget size, team size
- by sector - i.e., higher education
- by geographic location - i.e., Brazil, South America
3. You have to niche your entire resume
You can niche a particular part of your brand and experience without niching down everything about you. For example, you can manage broader operations, but it may be your expertise in CRM implementation that gets you hired. This means I will need to find others to complement my knowledge. And that's ok. No one is self-sufficient, and this is why we work in teams.
Podcast Episode Timestamps:
- 02:00- The importance of niching down and finding your expertise.
- 08:25 - Niching down means limiting the jobs you can apply for.
- 10:04 - You have to niche down to a specific group of companies or jobs.
- 16:52 - You have to niche your entire business
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Join my Facebook group
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- 52. Has COVID-19 derailed your career? Interview with recruitment expert Geoff Slade.
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