Ideal Job Description

Searching for a job right now is tough! My journey since being laid off December 2023 has been confusing, stressful, and full of moments of growth. It was important for me to turn inward and discover the direction of my next step (and manifest it to the universe). Thankfully, a severance package from my previous role allowed me to feel safe during this soul searching.

In one of my writer’s workbooks, I was prompted to craft my ideal job description. While on a page with a completely unrelated topic about congratulating myself, there was a small star at the bottom with a second prompt. It felt like fate and I decided to go all in. 

My goals for writing an ideal job description were to 1) remain fully open to writing any desire that came up in the exercise; 2) write in a way that was specific but wouldn’t tie me to any team, tool, or area of technology; 3) include cultural alignment requirements. 

• This role will be working to create and build technology, so we will need research based decisions that are well documented and understood. Our team will be ready to provide brainstorming, solutioning, and breaking down the problem space. All of our engineers understand the importance of good communication. Leave your egos at the door. 

• You will develop and execute strategies for customer satisfaction, streamlining process, driving innovation while managing costs, and optimizing risk management. 

• We want you to re-envision the relationship with information technology and have forward thinking for using the cloud as part of a large digital transformation. 

• Problem solving is essential. We need a talented communicator to facilitate workshops and tease out complex ideas. Bonus points if you can help us visualize all the puzzle pieces and where they should go. 

• You are always thinking of the customer, because people are what matters to you. We share a grounding that technology is meant to exist to increase our humanity - not the other way around. 

• Work will feel fun most of the time, we know it can’t be 100% but we will get through challenges with compassion and empathy together. 

• We won’t ask you to use excel a day in your life. We understand how the world adapts and changes and we want to be part of the change. 

• You will have a hand in building a successful, tangible product. You will be able to see your accomplishments regularly and feel proud to create something. 

• Our goals and objectives are clear (crafted with your help) and we see projects to completion, even if it looks a little different than at the onset of the project. 

• Skills such as coordination, facilitation, orchestration, traffic control, system design, user experience, documentation, high level thinking, attention to detail, relationship building, and continuous improvement are highly valued. We see operations as a vital part of the company and want these employees to see and feel what they contribute. 

• High level thinking skills will excel in this role, please make recommendations to things you think we can improve and we will give you the authority and support to succeed. 

• Years of experience are valuable, but what we really need is someone who can jump right in and help immediately. We want someone who will feel empowered by moving forward with initiatives. 

• A basic understanding of engineering and technology will go a long way. Our systems are advanced and part of the future of tech so we are growing and changing every day. New insights are shared and discussed with ease. 

• Our corner of the market is safe and secure, we don’t anticipate mass layoffs as a way to make board members happy. 

• Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are at the forefront of our business. We put our money where our mouth is, and we always will. 

• Our work life balance is a main benefit. We do not reinforce systems of overwork and burnout (even covertly). Unlimited PTO. 

• We believe in a culture of inclusion and collaboration, please bring your whole self and creative ideas with you to work. 

• Fully remote and flexible to live life on life’s terms when necessary.  

It may seem aspirational, but I can proudly say that my new role fits this job description to a tee. Revisiting this list afterward and confirming I met the requirements reassured me I made the right decision moving forward, which is a building block for thriving in my new role.

This exercise created alignment for me by clarifying my goals and clearing my energy to allow for exactly what I wanted and I hope it can do the same for you!