#139 Navigating the Job Market: Communicating Value Through Unique Positioning, and Being a Category of "One" w/ John Tarnoff, former Dreamworks Executive

Today’s guest is John Tarnoff, a former film studio executive turned executive and career transition coach.

Transitioning from a corporate film executive to a career coach, John has spent over a decade sharing insights and strategies to help individuals better uniquely position themselves, curate their messaging, and land roles tailored to their unique skills and strengths.

He also helps individuals transition into a different career track, and in this episode, we discuss how to make a successful career transition.

His unique approach draws heavily on entertainment industry metaphors, which I've been talking about for a while as a great analogy of a career in tech, where a lot of success comes from leveraging your relationships.

You can connect with John on LinkedIn or visit his website at johntarnoff.com

Listen now on Apple or Spotify

Time Stamps

02:00 Networking and Career Transitions

12:30 The Role of LinkedIn in Modern Careers

23:15 Strategies for Standing Out in Job Interviews

32:40 Building Relationships and Thought Leadership

40:05 Embracing AI and Originality in Your Work

51:45 Final Thoughts and Career Development Advice

Actionable Takeaways

Networking and Career Transitions: Handling a Career Pivot

"What I've discovered is that the rest of the world has become like entertainment, where it is all about networking."

—John Tarnoff

John highlights that navigating through career ups and downs requires a strong network.

This now applies to all industries, not just entertainment. The message is to avoid being a "supplicant" in the job market and to leverage your strengths comprehensively on platforms like LinkedIn.

Takeaway: One thing I've observed in the age of AI is that data is no longer the oil; it's a judgment. Very soon, knowing a skill isn't going to be enough to hold down a job. Your reputation and trust with the people you work with will provide you with more career opportunities.

Resumes are Irrelevant: How to Use LinkedIn in a Modern Career

"My philosophy is that you have to make LinkedIn your master resume."

—John Tarnoff

John stresses the importance of crafting a LinkedIn profile that isn't just a digital copy of your resume.

Instead, it should serve as a master document showcasing who you are, your values, and the unique qualities you bring to the table.

Takeaway: All strategy is just segmentation and positioning. Your LinkedIn should filter away potential job prospects by highlighting your values.

If you're not attracting work through an authentic LinkedIn portfolio, you might want to reconsider the market segment you're targeting for your LinkedIn profile.

Strategies for Standing Out in Job Interviews

"The goal is to present an option, a set of choices, and not necessarily to get the part."

—John Tarnoff

The podcast explores the parallel between auditions for actors and job interviews for professionals. It’s about participating in a conversation to find mutual fit rather than desperately vying for a role.

Takeaway: Use interviews as opportunities to demonstrate how you can help solve the potential employer's problems, showcasing your unique perspective.

Building Relationships and Thought Leadership

"It's not just having a good LinkedIn. You need to demonstrate thought leadership."

—John Tarnoff

Developing a personal brand and thought leadership through consistent engagement is pivotal. It’s about positioning yourself as a professional with a unique point of view and using platforms to share insights that reflect your expertise and interests.

Takeaway: My first big job at a college came from using this strategy: Engage regularly on platforms like LinkedIn. Contribute thoughtfully to discussions, publish content, and participate in community events to build your professional reputation.

Embracing AI and Originality in Your Work

"You have to double down on being more original, nuanced, smarter, more relevant."

—John Tarnoff

As AI becomes more integrated into professional landscapes, John discusses the importance of maintaining authenticity in your outputs and interactions. Use AI as a tool, but don’t let it overshadow your unique contributions and voice.

Takeaway: Authenticity in your work will differentiate you in a landscape where AI can generate content at scale. Strive for original thought and genuine human connection.

Thanks again for reading. If you liked this episode, connect with John on LinkedIn or visit his website at johntarnoff.com

Listen to the full episode to hear the great behind-the-scenes stories behind these takeaways in the context that John added to make this advice more valuable.

Listen now on Apple or Spotify

Have a good one!-Caden

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