150. Why having a niche is important for job hunters. (Rebroadcast)

career advancement career change career planning job hunting Sep 05, 2022
The Job Hunting Podcast Episode 150

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:

Other ways to enjoy this podcast:

Are you new to The Job Hunting Podcast? 

Hello, I’m Renata Bernarde, the Host of The Job Hunting Podcast. I’m also an executive coach, job hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence and less stress. 

If you are 1) an ambitious professional who is keen to develop a robust career plan, 2) looking to find your next job or promotion, or 3) you want to keep a finger on the pulse of the job market so that when you are ready, and an opportunity arises, you can hit the ground running – then this podcast is for you. In addition to The Job Hunting Podcast, I have developed a range of courses and services for professionals in career or job transition. And, of course, I also coach private clients. 

So there is no excuse – I’m determined to help you! I want you to feel empowered, nail your next job, and have the career you want.

Enjoy the episode, and ciao for now!

 

Renata Bernarde | Job Hunting Expert

[email protected]

www.renatabernarde.com

I cannot recommend it highly enough.

To my friends and colleagues who are currently job hunting, this podcast is for you. Renata Bernarde and her stellar line up of guests very generously share their perspective, advice, behind-the-scene secrets, tips, and anecdotes. "It's called The Job Hunting Podcast (it is what it says on the tin!) Guests include Anita Ziemer, Michelle Redfern, Mohit Bhargava. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Run. Don't Walk." - LinkedIn post shared by Amber Knight.

We listened, and we both got jobs!

"I am writing to let you know that I got a job. I found The Job Hunting Podcast because a friend of mine recommended it, and he also was successful in his job search. Your podcast tips and chats with guests helped me prepare for my job interview. My new position is a gateway to the organization and will allow me to grow as a professional. Thank you for the incredible work you do! We listened to your episodes and assimilated all the learnings." - Listener from New Zealand.

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