ref: https://www.salesforce.com/news/press-releases/2021/09/20/idc-salesforce-economy-2021/
We hear about the Salesforce economy’s potential to create job openings, and also about the eager trailblazers getting into Trailhead keen to learn it all.
But where do the expectations and the reality meet?
I spend my coffee time each day in the Answers section of the Trailblazer Community. That space is dear to my heart as it’s how I landed once upon a time in the ecosystem. It really blew my mind how within minutes people from all over the world would go out of their way to help me and others.
What I encounter there a lot nowadays are messages from interested trailblazers to land a job:
“From Psychologist to Developer It would be really kind if you could help me on where to begin”
“I am interested in applying for SDR/BDR positions. I have been in Inside Sales for 15+ years. Most of positions that I am interested in, require working knowledge of CRM, preferably Salesforce. What courses I should take to gain this knowledge?”
“Need guidance, I joined trailhead but I don’t know how to become a part of salesforce company”
…
Are we setting fair expectations? And how can we really land that job?
I was working through OMS set up and landed on Trailhead (of course!) where this module infused the idea below > https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/om-salesforce-order-management/om-use-order-summaries
Crossing the chasm, between the intent of a job and the achievement of it is much more than a simple straight path and a checklist.
Here is my take:
If you are new to the Salesforce arena, firstly: a BIG Welcome to this wonderful ecosystem!
I find often when trying to get into the Salesforce world we look for the answers elsewhere, when the truth is that: the answers are within ourselves.
Debunking: Quick easy minted jobs are a myth.
Ten years ago it may have been much easier to land an entry job, but my perception from the work I do is that the space is now slightly saturated.
The ecosystem is very broad and there is space for everyone. With your previous experience, things that are you passionate about make you unique and have individual value no-one else can offer.
Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk
One of the things that has worked pretty well for some of my mentees is build your portfolio.
You can even do it with Salesforce technology, and of course there is a Trailhead Module for it: https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/projects/build-your-personal-portfolio-on-salesforce
Also, rollup your sleeves and build projects around what you do today. How could that look in Salesforce? What are the process in your current job (or hobby or whatever it is you do with your time)? What are your pain-points?
Practice that jump from theory to actual. Those are great experiences for you to reinforce concepts but also to create a narrative in your interviews.
Mesmerise your Audience
We think in stories, so use those narratives to convey why you are the right for the roles.
What aligns with your values?
How can you move from conversation to memorable?
Experience
The definition of experience is “practical contact with and observation of facts or events”. From the behavioural theory side of things what I find most challenging with any concept / idea / principle etc is that move from theoretical agreement to tangible action. Hence the importance of experience.
Here you can do few things:
– Find an organisation in your local area that you can support and shadow someone in their Salesforce operations.
– Get involved with your local community groups https://trailblazercommunitygroups.com/ – it is a great way to network, also to learn what are the market trends, what are the challenges of your peers, as well as to gain perspective and build connections.
MOVE FROM NETWORK TO WORK YOUR NETWORK! (aka quality over quantity)
REMEMBER:
You (each one of us) is the creative force of your own life.
Best on your journey,
Ines
If you want more on the subject, superpower your climbing efforts with the C3 formula https://salesforceweek.ly/2020/11/salesforce-c3-formula.html
What is your take? What is your differentiator? How do you stand out from the rest?