Navigating the Future of Work
Key Insights from Harshad Bhagwat’s Job Search Strategies
The job market is evolving rapidly, driven by technological shifts and new employer expectations. This is a throwback to one of our favorite podcasts with career coach and entrepreneur Harshad Bhagwat shared actionable strategies for job seekers to thrive in this dynamic landscape. Here’s a deep dive into his insights on securing your “dream job,” leveraging networking and staying future-ready.
1. Redefining the “Dream Job”
Harshad challenges the traditional view of a “dream job” as merely the highest-paying or most prestigious role. Instead, he emphasizes:
Alignment with personal values: A dream job balances skills, passions, work-life preferences, and financial goals.
Evolution over time: Career aspirations shift with experience, and individuals must regularly reassess their goals.
Inward reflection: Avoid external pressures (e.g., family expectations or peer comparisons) and focus on self-awareness to identify roles that resonate personally.
“The best jobs often come through inbound opportunities—when employers seek you out because of your unique value.”
2. Networking: The Overlooked Job Search Superpower
While job portals remain popular, Harshad highlights that 70% of jobs are filled through referrals and networking. Key tips include:
Build genuine connections: Engage with industry peers on platforms like LinkedIn. Comment on posts, share insights, and participate in discussions.
Leverage informational interviews: Talk to professionals in your target roles to gain insider perspectives and uncover hidden opportunities.
Attend events strategically: Focus on networking during conferences/workshops rather than passive listening. As Harshad notes, “Many people skip sessions to connect over meals—that’s where real opportunities emerge.”
3. Personal Branding: Beyond Social Media Fame
Contrary to myths, personal branding isn’t about becoming an influencer with millions of followers. It’s about:
Consciously shaping your professional identity: Share insights, projects, and achievements to position yourself as a thought leader.
Optimizing LinkedIn: Recruiters increasingly use LinkedIn to scout talent. Regularly update your profile, engage with content, and showcase niche expertise.
Authenticity over aesthetics: While a polished profile photo matters, focus on delivering real value through content and interactions.
4. Reskilling and Adapting to Technological Shifts
The pandemic accelerated automation, making reskilling non-negotiable. This has only been augmented with AI & therefore Harshad advises:
Identify transferable skills: For example, a project manager in a declining industry can pivot to a growing sector like renewable energy.
Embrace lifelong learning: Use free resources (YouTube, newsletters) or structured courses to stay updated.
Simulate new roles: Take on side projects or freelance gigs to test skills before a full career shift.
“If you’re competing with a robot in your role, you’re already losing. Focus on skills machines can’t replicate—creativity, leadership, and problem-solving.”
5. Overcoming Employment Gaps and Age Bias
He dismisses rigid “rules” about employment gaps or age limits:
Reframe your narrative: Position gaps as periods of skill development or exploration.
Highlight unique value: Use elevator pitches to articulate how your experience solves specific employer pain points.
Target smaller companies: They often prioritize skills over formal credentials or age.
6. Future-Proofing Your Career
His hot takes on emerging trends:
Freelancing: Rising due to gig economy growth; professionals will increasingly work as “one-person companies.”
Engineering Colleges: Only top institutions will survive unless they revamp curricula to match industry needs.
Resumes: Will remain a quick-scan tool, but video profiles/LinkedIn will complement them.
Actionable Takeaways
Start networking today: Send a LinkedIn request to someone in your target industry.
Audit your skills: Identify gaps and enroll in one course or workshop this month.
Redefine your brand: Post weekly insights on LinkedIn to showcase expertise.
Harshad’s journey, from scientist to entrepreneur to career coach, underscores the power of adaptability. As he puts it, “Your career is a series of experiments. Fail fast, learn faster, and keep aligning with your purpose.” In a world where robots handle tasks, human skills like empathy, creativity, and resilience will define success.
Stay curious, stay relevant.
On that note, we have compiled a “Goal Settings & Achievement” eBook which is tailored for ambitious professionals, leaders, and lifelong learners to help you set goals effectively and take action with clarity and confidence.