Tag: personal-development

Recruiting Tips

Why I Prefer Being an Individual Contributor Over a Manager

Angela Malagon

For much of my career, I’ve noticed an unspoken assumption: that “growth” means moving into management. Titles change, teams expand, and the expectation is that you’ll eventually trade in the hands-on work you love for people management, budgets, and performance reviews.

And while I deeply respect those who thrive as managers, I’ve come to realize something important about myself: I prefer being an individual contributor (IC). Not because I shy away from responsibility or leadership, but because my greatest strengths and sense of fulfillment come from contributing directly, not indirectly.

Here’s why that path works best for me—and why it deserves more recognition as a valid, powerful career choice.

Depth Over Breadth

As an IC, I get to go deep. I thrive when I’m immersed in the details—solving complex problems, building strategies, and delivering solutions hands-on. Management, by its nature, often pulls you toward breadth—overseeing projects at a higher level and delegating the execution.

For me, the details aren’t just details—they’re the work. They’re the place where strategy meets execution, and where real impact happens. I don’t just want to direct traffic; I want to build the road.

Leadership Without the Title

One of the biggest misconceptions is that leadership only lives in management roles. My career has taught me otherwise.

I’ve influenced hiring strategies, led cross-functional projects, and advised executives without ever having direct reports. Leadership is about influence, clarity, and trust—not hierarchy. Being an IC allows me to lead through impact, data, and expertise while staying close to the work that inspires me.

Agility and Focus

Management comes with critical responsibilities—budgets, performance reviews, team development. These are valuable tasks, but they also consume a significant amount of focus.

As an IC, I get to stay nimble. I can pivot quickly, adapt to changing priorities, and focus my energy on driving outcomes rather than navigating layers of process. This agility doesn’t just help me deliver faster—it keeps me motivated, creative, and engaged.

A Path of Continuous Learning

I love being a student of my craft. Every project, every new tool, every collaboration is an opportunity to sharpen my skills.

When you move into management, your growth often shifts toward people development, organizational strategy, and long-term planning. Important, yes—but different. Staying in an IC role allows me to keep learning the “how” as well as the “why,” pushing my expertise further instead of stepping away from it.

Redefining Career Fulfillment

Here’s the truth: not all growth is vertical. For years, career ladders were designed with one trajectory—up into management. But more organizations today are starting to recognize that individual contributors can be just as impactful, influential, and valuable as managers.

Fulfillment doesn’t always come from managing people. For me, it comes from being the trusted expert, the strategist, the problem-solver. From knowing that my fingerprints are directly on the work that drives results. That’s the kind of contribution that motivates me.

Final Thought

Management is a noble and important path, but it’s not the only one. I’ve chosen to embrace the IC journey because it allows me to do what I do best: dive deep, deliver impact, and lead through influence.

To me, that’s leadership in its purest form.

Career Development, Career Planning, Career Tips, jobs, networking, unemployment

The Cold Reality of Pivoting Careers While Unemployed

Angela Malagon

Pivoting careers is never easy. It’s a process that requires re-branding yourself, learning new skills, and often convincing hiring managers that your experience is transferable. Doing all of that while unemployed? That’s a whole different challenge—and one that many professionals, myself included, are facing right now.

The Stigma of Extended Unemployment

No matter how much we talk about breaking the stigma of gaps on a résumé, the reality is that being out of work for an extended period does raise questions in the eyes of employers. Algorithms in applicant tracking systems often filter out resumes with career breaks, and even when you do get in front of a recruiter, there’s sometimes an unspoken bias: “Why hasn’t anyone else hired you yet?”

This can make it even harder to pivot into a new career direction, where you’re not only battling the unemployment bias but also trying to prove you belong in a new function or industry.

The Hard Truth: Sometimes You Have to Step Back to Move Forward

One of the cold realities of job searching after a long unemployment stretch is that you may need to accept a step back—whether in title, pay, or both—to land your next opportunity.

That doesn’t mean you’ve failed. In fact, it can be a strategic choice. Sometimes a lateral or downward move is exactly what you need to:

  • Rebuild momentum in your career.
  • Gain exposure to a new industry or skill set.
  • Prove your adaptability and resilience.

Think of it less as a setback and more as a reset button—an intentional move to get yourself back in the game.

Why Networking Beats Applying in Today’s Market

The job market is more oversaturated than ever. Hundreds of qualified candidates apply for a single opening, and most never hear back. Submitting applications into the void isn’t a strategy—it’s a drain on your energy and confidence.

Networking, on the other hand, changes the game. Conversations open doors that applications can’t. Whether it’s a coffee chat, an informational interview, or a simple message on LinkedIn, relationships are where opportunities live. As the saying goes: people hire people, not résumés.

Some of the most effective networking tactics I’ve seen include:

  • Reconnecting with former colleagues who know your value.
  • Reaching out to people in your target industry to learn (not just to ask for a job).
  • Participating in professional groups, associations, or virtual meetups.
  • Contributing publicly—sharing insights, writing posts, or commenting thoughtfully—so your expertise stays visible.

Shifting the Mindset

The hardest part about this process isn’t the applications, the rejections, or even the interviews. It’s the mindset shift. Accepting that your next step may not be a perfect upward trajectory can sting. But when you reframe it as a strategic career pivot rather than a failure, the path forward becomes clearer.

Resilience, humility, and adaptability are not just buzzwords—they’re survival skills in today’s market. And they’re also the very qualities that make you an asset to future employers.

A Call to Those in the Same Boat

If you’re navigating unemployment while trying to pivot careers, know this: you’re not alone. Many talented professionals are walking this road right now. The oversaturated market doesn’t diminish your skills, your experience, or your worth.

What it does mean is that strategy matters more than ever. Be open to redefining success, willing to take a step back if it sets you up for future growth, and bold enough to lean on your network instead of going it alone.

Because sometimes the most important part of a pivot isn’t the direction of the move—it’s the fact that you keep moving.

Recruiting Tips

How to Sell Yourself in an Interview When You’re Not Good at Talking About Yourself

Angela Malagon

Job interviews are often as much about selling yourself as they are about showcasing your skills and experience. But what if you’re someone who struggles with talking about yourself, or you feel uncomfortable boasting about your achievements? You’re not alone. Many people find it difficult to promote themselves, especially in a formal setting where it feels like a “performance.”

The good news is that there are ways to overcome this challenge and confidently present your strengths in an interview, even if talking about yourself feels unnatural. Here’s how to do it:

1. Shift the Focus to the Value You Bring

Instead of framing your experience as “bragging,” think of it as a conversation about how you can contribute to the company’s success. Rather than saying, “I’m great at problem-solving,” reframe it like this: “In my last role, I was able to reduce operational costs by 20% through identifying inefficiencies in the workflow.” This shifts the focus from you as an individual to the tangible value you provided. You’re not just talking about yourself—you’re demonstrating how your skills can benefit the employer.

2. Use Stories to Showcase Your Skills

One of the easiest ways to talk about your strengths without feeling like you’re showing off is by telling a story. People connect with stories much more than they do with abstract statements. When asked about your strengths or past experience, consider using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Instead of saying, “I’m a great team player,” tell the interviewer about a time you collaborated with a team to solve a problem and the positive outcome that resulted. By framing your experiences this way, you highlight your value in a natural and relatable manner.

3. Prepare and Practice—But Keep It Conversational

The more you practice talking about your achievements, the more comfortable you will become with it. Try writing out a few key points about your background and successes, then rehearse them until you can say them comfortably without sounding rehearsed. But don’t make it sound like a script—interviews are about conversation, not a monologue. Focus on being authentic and conversational rather than robotic.

4. Embrace Humility, But Don’t Understate Your Impact

It’s natural to feel humble, but undervaluing your contributions can hurt your chances. In interviews, balance humility with a clear acknowledgment of your successes. It’s not about bragging; it’s about being honest and factual. Instead of downplaying your accomplishments, share them in a way that highlights the impact they had on the team or organization. You can say, “I’m proud of the work we did as a team to increase revenue,” while still owning your role in the outcome.

5. Know Your Strengths (And Be Ready to Explain Them)

It’s easy to get stuck in the mindset of “I don’t know what I’m good at.” But everyone has strengths. Take some time to reflect on your past roles—what are the moments when you’ve excelled? What feedback do you often receive from colleagues or managers? By knowing your strengths and being able to talk about them clearly, you’ll feel more confident and prepared in an interview. And if you’re not sure about your strengths, consider asking a colleague, mentor, or friend to help you identify them. Their perspective might surprise you.

6. Be Authentic

One of the most compelling ways to sell yourself is by simply being yourself. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to be someone you’re not in an interview, but authenticity resonates. If you’re passionate about something or you’ve faced challenges, share that. Employers value honesty and transparency, and they are looking for people who are both competent and genuine. Don’t be afraid to show your personality, as long as it aligns with the professional tone of the interview.

7. Turn Weaknesses into Strengths

If you’re worried about a weakness or gap in your experience, own it—but also show how you’re working to overcome it. For example, if public speaking isn’t your strong suit, talk about how you’ve been taking steps to improve, such as attending workshops or volunteering for presentations. By showing self-awareness and a proactive attitude, you demonstrate growth and resilience.

8. Remember, It’s a Two-Way Street

Finally, remember that an interview is as much about you evaluating the company as it is about them evaluating you. You’re not just “selling” yourself to the company, but also determining if this job and company align with your values, goals, and work style. Approach the conversation as a dialogue, and that mindset will help take the pressure off of “selling” yourself.

Final Thoughts:
If you’re not good at talking about yourself, it’s okay. But that doesn’t mean you can’t effectively communicate your value during an interview. With a little preparation, practice, and the right mindset, you can confidently share your strengths and experiences in a way that feels authentic and impactful.

Ultimately, you don’t have to be perfect at talking about yourself. Just be honest, be prepared, and focus on how your unique skills and experiences can contribute to the success of the team and the organization.

Good luck!

Recruiting Tips

Transferable Skills: The Secret Weapon in Selling Yourself as a Job Candidate

Angela Malagon

How to confidently communicate your value—even if you’re pivoting careers, returning to work, or feeling “underqualified”

When it comes to landing your next job, talent alone isn’t enough. Your skills matter—but so does your ability to clearly communicate how those skills solve problems, create impact, and align with the needs of the employer.

Whether you’re switching industries, reentering the workforce, or applying for a role that feels like a stretch, the key to standing out is learning how to leverage and sell your transferable skills.

Let’s break it down.

What Are Transferable Skills?

Transferable skills are abilities and strengths that carry over from one job or industry to another. These can be hard skills (like data analysis, project management, or budgeting) or soft skills (like leadership, communication, and adaptability).

They’re the universal tools in your professional toolbox—ready to be applied in different settings.

Examples include:

  • Project management
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Training and mentoring
  • Problem-solving
  • Digital literacy
  • Strategic thinking
  • Customer service
  • Conflict resolution
  • Change management
  • Emotional intelligence

Why Transferable Skills Matter More Than Ever

In a job market that’s constantly evolving—thanks to AI, remote work, and industry disruptions—employers value adaptability. They want to hire people who can jump in, learn quickly, and make an impact, even without traditional experience in the role.

That’s why transferable skills are gold. They demonstrate:

  • Your ability to evolve and grow
  • Your potential to succeed in new environments
  • Your readiness to take on challenges without being spoon-fed

Selling Yourself: It’s Not Bragging—It’s Clarity

Many job seekers downplay their achievements, especially when pivoting or applying to roles outside their previous experience.

But here’s the truth: If you don’t sell your story, someone less qualified will—and they’ll do it with confidence.

Here’s how to sell yourself effectively:

1. Translate Your Experience

Frame your past work in the language of your new target role. For example:

  • “Managed a classroom of 25 students” → “Led training sessions and conflict resolution with diverse groups under pressure”
  • “Handled customer complaints” → “Demonstrated empathy, active listening, and real-time problem solving in high-stress scenarios”

2. Connect the Dots

Don’t assume the hiring manager will automatically see how your experience fits. Spell it out. A simple sentence like:

“While I haven’t worked in SaaS before, my experience leading process improvements in fast-paced retail operations is directly aligned with this role’s focus on efficiency and customer success.”

3. Use Data and Impact

Whenever possible, quantify your wins:

  • Reduced onboarding time by 30%
  • Trained 15+ new hires with a 90% retention rate
  • Managed a $200K budget with zero overages

These metrics matter across industries.

4. Own Your Unique Perspective

Your background may be exactly what the team needs—a fresh viewpoint, untapped market insight, or hard-earned resilience. Stop apologizing for your path. Start positioning it as your edge.

Final Thoughts: Confidence is Contagious

Hiring managers don’t just hire resumes. They hire people they believe in. And people believe in those who believe in themselves.

So yes, update your resume and polish your LinkedIn. But most importantly—practice telling your story out loud. Speak your value until it becomes second nature. Focus on impact, not just job titles. And always remember:

Your transferable skills aren’t a fallback plan—they’re your competitive advantage.

Call to Action:

Have you successfully pivoted using transferable skills? Or struggling to identify your own? Drop a comment below or reach out—I’d love to hear your story. 👇

#JobSearchTips #TransferableSkills #CareerPivot #PersonalBranding #ConfidenceInCareer #HiringAdvice #CareerDevelopment #SellYourself #FutureOfWork #LinkedInTips

Recruiting Tips

How to Deal with Setbacks in Your Career (Without Letting Them Define You)

Angela Malagon

Blog Title: How to Deal with Setbacks in Your Career (Without Letting Them Define You)

Setbacks are inevitable. Whether it’s getting passed over for a promotion, being laid off, receiving negative feedback, or simply feeling stuck—career detours happen to everyone. But while we can’t always control what happens, we can control how we respond.

Here’s how to deal with career setbacks in a way that helps you bounce back stronger, smarter, and more self-aware:

🔁 1. Pause and Process (Don’t Pretend It Didn’t Happen)

First, acknowledge the setback. Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions come up—disappointment, frustration, even anger. Suppressing it won’t make it go away, but processing it will help you move forward with clarity.

Pro tip: Journal about it, vent to a trusted friend, or talk to a mentor. Give your feelings a place to land.

🧠 2. Reframe the Narrative

Instead of asking “Why is this happening to me?” ask, “What can I learn from this?”

Maybe this job wasn’t aligned with your long-term goals. Maybe you needed the push to explore a new industry. A setback can be a setup for a comeback—if you’re willing to shift perspective.

🛠️ 3. Do a Career Audit

Use the moment to reassess. Ask yourself:

  • Am I happy in this field?
  • What skills do I want to grow?
  • Where do I feel underutilized or stuck?

Sometimes the setback reveals a misalignment between where you are and where you want to go.

🧩 4. Rebuild with Intention

Once you’ve taken stock, it’s time to rebuild. That might mean:

  • Upskilling through courses or certifications
  • Networking more intentionally
  • Updating your resume and LinkedIn
  • Seeking out a career coach or mentor

Make small, consistent moves toward your next chapter—even if you’re not sure what it is yet.

💬 5. Talk About It (Strategically)

If you’re interviewing or networking, be honest about your setback—but frame it in terms of growth. Hiring managers don’t expect perfection. They want resilience.

Example:
“After being laid off, I used that time to complete a project management certification and reconnect with what energizes me about leading teams.”

💡 6. Remember: Setbacks Aren’t a Sign of Failure

They’re a sign you’ve been trying. Every successful person you admire has faced rejection, self-doubt, and failure. What sets them apart? They kept going.

🧭 Final Thought: Your Career Is Not a Straight Line

It’s a journey with detours, dead ends, and surprising shortcuts. A setback doesn’t erase your skills, your value, or your worth. It’s just one chapter—not your whole story.

So take a breath, regroup, and remind yourself: this is a plot twist, not the end.

Ready to bounce back?
Let setbacks fuel your next move. You’ve got this.