From Banking to Burgers: Embracing New Domains with Confidence
Got a job-call from a different type of company? Fear not the difference in domain, but trust the similarities in function and your own learning ability.
“Wait, are you telling me you haven’t worked in the restaurant industry before?”
The first day of joining the quick-service restaurant chain was going exceptionally well with all the nice food around me, except for the warnings coming from a few long-time employees there.
I was unfazed because this is not the first time I have changed industries. A bank, a nutrition company, grocery tech, pharmacy tech - I had a good decade of leading marketing teams of varied product types. But this was different from online companies - it was actual physical retail stores business. Will I be able to add value?
Joining a company in a new domain can be an exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth. However, it can also be a daunting task that can fill us with doubts.
From my experience, I don't get too bothered by changing domains and industries as long as I'm still dealing with the same customer base. But if the customer type drastically shifts, then we have to put some effort into research and learning.
Depending on the situation, it could take someone anywhere from one to six months to get up to speed. I understand that this learning curve is why many companies prefer to hire someone with industry experience, as they need the new hire to hit the ground running.
I have had the pleasure of witnessing some of my friends excel in entirely new domains by displaying an unwavering commitment to learning. Through their dedication, they were able to flatten their learning curve to a mere month, positioning themselves as experts on par with those who had been in the industry for five years. This realization is both humbling and inspiring, as it underscores the boundless opportunities available for those with a passion for exploration and a willingness to acquire new knowledge.
If you're looking to succeed in a new position in an unfamiliar sector, there are several strategies I suggest. These tips will supplement the typical preparation advice, so keep reading.
Customize your resume and cover letter to showcase your relevant skills and expertise, incorporating industry-specific terms and keywords that demonstrate your familiarity with the field. For instance, while an online lending company may use terms like ROAS in its marketing campaigns, the restaurant industry may use phrases like "footfalls" to describe its branding efforts.
Research the industry, including the company's website, news, and current trends. Ask the interviewer industry-specific questions to show your intent to learn and understand the domain. This will convey that your learning curve will be shorter and that you can start contributing quickly. If you're competing with someone who has industry experience, your preparation will make you a strong candidate.
Reach out to industry leaders in similar companies. For example, when I was exploring the fin-tech domain, I requested help from marketing managers of other finance-products. A few responded and gave me an overview of what to do to win in this domain. Linkedin is a great platform o discover, connect and reach out for such activities.
After landing the job, focus on onboarding effectively within the first week. Along with the company orientation, prepare your own list of questions and research topics. Create an organizational chart and a mental map of whom to meet, including departments you may not work with directly. Listening to their experiences in the domain can provide insight into differences from other places they have worked.
Take copious notes during orientation. With permission, record the conversations of the first meetings. This is the time when you will not be well versed with all the jargon, so it might be difficult to catch everything in one go. Don’t forget to thank each person and build a relationship for future help.
Organize this knowledge properly in a document. It does take an extra 1 hour to write down. But there is no better structuring process than writing. It will be a beautiful reference sheet for the next 3-6 months, adding immense confidence to your domain knowledge. I have such documents from 6 years back, and I still refer to them.
Finally, to excel beyond experienced professionals, develop your skills and knowledge by attending conferences, reading industry-specific publications, and networking with other professionals. Investing in learning is the best investment anyway. I attended webinars by Inc42 for the Fin-tech domain. Recently I took leadership coaching to adjust to a large-scale company after being in a smaller start-up. Both were valuable.
These are some of the things that I have observed my friends and myself doing over the last 10 years. Joining a new domain is an exciting opportunity. What we require is the right attitude—one that is open-minded, curious, and proactive in seeking out new challenges and experiences.
Image credit: careeradvice.careers24.com
This is so helpful Charu! I love how so many of these ideas embrace having a “beginners mind” when switching industries. I see you embody this and can see how it empowers you with confidence in the face of the unknown. Great read!
Charu! I love how practical, specific, and comprehensive your essays always are! You write in such a down-to-earth manner that related to people, and in between the lines readers can sense that your sincerity to impart genuine and useful knowledge to the wider world. I appreciate that you share your brainpower with us, please never stop doing it!