Strategies to Land Your Next Great Role

As we step into a new year, it’s natural to consider what comes next—personally and professionally. Whether you’re searching for a role that aligns with your goals or repositioning yourself in a challenging job market, it’s clear that the path to your next great opportunity requires clarity, strategy, and creativity.

January 14, 2025

By Athena Alliance

 

As we step into a new year, it’s natural to consider what comes next—personally and professionally. Whether you’re searching for a role that aligns with your goals or repositioning yourself in a challenging job market, it’s clear that the path to your next great opportunity requires clarity, strategy, and creativity.

At a recent Athena salon, Susan Alban—Operating Partner at a leading venture capital firm— shared her insights into how leaders can successfully navigate the job search landscape in 2025. Here are the key takeaways to empower your search this year.

 

1. Understand the Current Market Landscape

The employment market has shifted. Valuations are tighter, companies are more conservative with hiring, and roles move more slowly through approval. This environment impacts:

  • Hiring Priorities: Companies are focused on business milestones, not just funding rounds, to determine when and whom to hire.
  • Candidate Expectations: Employers now seek candidates who check more boxes and fit their needs precisely.
  • Compensation Trends: Salaries have remained relatively flat, while equity grants have pulled back significantly from pandemic highs, aligning with reduced company valuations.

As Susan put it, “It’s harder in this market to raise your hand and say, ‘I’m a smart, capable person—what do you have?‘ You need to show up with a clear point of view.”

2. Be Crystal Clear on What You Want

Before you reach out to recruiters, talent partners, or professional connections, take time to define your goals. Even if your ideas aren’t fully solidified, working hypotheses can help others better assist you.

  • Identify roles, company types, or industries you’re targeting.
  • Articulate your strengths and what problems you’re equipped to solve.
  • Be specific: “I’m exploring Head of Sales roles at Series B companies in fintech and SaaS” or “I’m interested in earlier-stage CRO opportunities.”

When you are clear about your ambitions, you make it easy for others to connect you to the right people.

3. Make Networking Easy for Your Advocates

Super-connectors, recruiters, and talent leaders often want to help—but they’re busy. Streamline their ability to make introductions and advocate for you:

  • Follow Up Clearly: After a conversation, send a note outlining what you’re looking for in no more than three bullet points.
  • Simplify Introductions: If someone offers to introduce you, draft a ready-to-forward note for them to use.
  • Close the Loop: Always update people on what happened—whether you took a job, passed on an opportunity, or learned something valuable. These updates deepen relationships and keep you top of mind.

“Close the loop because good careers last decades, and they go in very interesting directions,” Susan emphasized.

4. Lead with Value: Solve Problems, Not Just Roles

If you’re exploring a less traditional path or trying to combine skill sets in a unique way, focus on problem-solving. Instead of pitching yourself broadly, show how you can provide immediate value:

  • Research a company’s challenges and offer insights during early conversations.
  • Approach discussions as an advisor, delivering impactful thoughts that demonstrate your expertise.
  • Leave room to follow up with additional ideas—you don’t need to solve everything in one conversation.

This approach often leads to opportunities that aren’t yet posted or defined. You help shape the role around your strengths.

5. Negotiate Beyond Base Salary: Get Creative

Once you’re at the offer stage, think holistically about your total rewards package:

  • Equity Terms: Understand key factors like vesting schedules, strike prices, and whether double-trigger acceleration applies if your role is eliminated during an acquisition.
  • Bonuses: Clarify whether bonuses are based on individual goals or company performance and how they compare internally.
  • Flexibility: Early exercise rights on options, remote work considerations, or relocation policies can make a significant difference in the role’s appeal.

Don’t hesitate to bring in an employment lawyer to review executive-level offers—it’s a small investment for substantial long-term gains.

6. Stay Resilient and Proactive

A challenging market doesn’t mean your next great role isn’t out there—it just means the process may take more intention and effort. Keep showing up, providing value, and leveraging your network.

Moving Forward in 2025

Landing a new role is about more than ticking boxes—it’s about building relationships, solving problems, and staying clear on your vision. This year, position yourself strategically, lean into your connections, and embrace the opportunities to showcase your unique value.

At Athena, we believe every career pivot and advancement begins with clarity, confidence, and community. As you step into the new year, we’re here to support you in achieving the next chapter of your success. Visit our website to learn more about membership.

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