Adapting and Innovating to Navigate Career Growth and Job Hunting in Tech

Lolke Bijlsma: Product Leader, Director of Product Management | eCommerce, Fintech | Launched global payment solutions at PayPal | Local & Alternative Payments | Be the customer | Team builder, mentor. Connect with Lolke on LinkedIn.

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Can you describe a project or achievement of which you're particularly proud and how it reflects your skills and strengths?

Lolke: Certainly! A project that stands out for me, which I often highlight as a career milestone in interviews, is the launch of the alternative payments system at PayPal. This initiative is something I bring up during initial conversations, especially now as I'm exploring new career opportunities. My role at PayPal was within the merchants/checkout team, where we aimed to address various challenges faced by merchants and consumers.

A significant issue we identified was that consumers were unable to make payments to merchants due to the lack of preferred payment methods. I was tasked by our leadership to tackle this issue.

After thorough research and developing a strong value proposition, I conceptualized the idea of integrating alternative payment methods alongside PayPal on merchant websites. The project's execution was complex, involving cross-functional teamwork, but we successfully launched the system. This effort not only marked a pivotal moment in my career at PayPal but also significantly contributed to my growth in product management, transitioning from an engineering background.

To delve a bit deeper, one key strength I demonstrated during this project was the ability to influence others.

Working in a large, matrixed organization like PayPal presents challenges, particularly when launching new initiatives that require collaboration across various teams. I honed my skills in persuading and motivating team members from different departments to support and contribute to the project, emphasizing the importance of the problem we were addressing rather than leveraging authority. This approach helped build a strong coalition and was instrumental in the project's success.

Another critical skill I developed and applied in this project was customer centricity.

I've always been passionate about understanding and focusing on the customer's needs. During this project, I conducted first-hand customer interviews and engaged directly with merchants, gaining invaluable insights that guided our approach and solutions. This deep dive into customer research not only informed our project but also reinforced my belief in the importance of being customer-obsessed in driving product development and organizational growth.

What unique perspectives or approaches do you bring to your field of work?

Lolke: Regarding unique perspectives or approaches, I've held leadership roles for many years, significantly influencing my approach to working with and empowering people. This empowerment extends not only to my immediate team but also across functions, reflecting back on our earlier discussion about influencing in a cross-functional context.

I believe I uniquely bring to the table this ability to empower and influence my team and others in different teams.

Additionally, my background in software engineering before transitioning into product management offers another unique perspective. Despite moving into product management, my heart still beats for technology, allowing me to engage in in-depth technical discussions with engineering teams. This capability to converse in their language, understanding their challenges and perspectives without overstepping into their domain, is something I consider quite unique to my skill set. It provides a bridge between the technical and managerial aspects of projects, which is particularly valuable.

How have you adapted or innovated in past roles to meet new challenges?

Lolke: Adapting to new challenges has always come naturally to me. I've never been rigid in my thinking or methodologies. My experience in the tech industry, where staying up-to-date with current trends and technologies is essential, has further honed this adaptability.

By actively using new products, engaging with the latest developments, and keeping abreast of industry news, I've managed to stay ahead of the curve.

For example, AI is a hot topic right now, and while some are skeptical, I've embraced it by experimenting with various AI tools, including ChatGPT and others, over the past months. This exploration has not only been a learning experience but also a practical aid in preparing for job interviews and searches, showcasing my ability to apply cutting-edge technology in relevant scenarios.

On a related note, adaptability for me also extends to working with people. I pride myself on being able to work with anyone, recognizing that while some individuals are straightforward to collaborate with, others may present more of a challenge. However, by understanding their unique 'operating manuals,' so to speak, I've always managed to find a way to work effectively with them. This ability to adapt to different personalities and work styles is a crucial skill in any business setting, where collaboration with a diverse range of individuals is inevitable. This skill, I believe, is one of my strengths, enabling me to navigate the complexities of team dynamics with ease.

Do you have a job hunting tip that's really working well for you and that you'd like to share with others?

Lolke: Certainly, I have a few proven effective strategies, though they might seem straightforward and are often mentioned in coaching programs. The cornerstone of my approach is networking.

Connecting with people is crucial, as it opens doors to opportunities that might not be visible through traditional job postings.

This very conversation we're having is a result of networking. Many positions aren't advertised, and even for those that are, having a connection within the company can significantly boost your chances of getting noticed.

I recommend forming a support network, an inner circle, of individuals you can regularly communicate with. For example, I speak weekly with people I met through various coaching groups. They serve as my sounding board, offering diverse perspectives despite not being in the same industry. This practice of maintaining a network of contacts who share the common goal of finding a new job has been invaluable.

Another critical piece of advice is to customize your resume for each job application.

A generic resume isn't enough. You must tailor it to the specific job description, which can sometimes mean adjusting a few words or phrases to better match the job requirements.

Furthermore, if you apply to a job, try to reach out to someone within the company. This proactive step can help you stand out and potentially initiate valuable conversations. While these strategies might sound simple, implementing them consistently can be challenging. Despite the difficulties and the competitive job market, especially in tech and senior roles, staying optimistic and persistent is key. I've seen people successfully land jobs by following these approaches, and I believe they can make a difference for others as well.

Connect and Collaborate with Lolke Bijlsma

Are you impressed by Lolke's experience and expertise? Do you see potential synergies or opportunities where his skills and experiences could be a great fit? 

Please reach out and connect with Lolke on LinkedIn. He is currently exploring new opportunities where he can apply his extensive knowledge and innovative approach. 

Whether for collaboration, a potential role, or exchanging ideas, your engagement could open doors to exciting new possibilities. Let’s support each other in building a more connected and forward-thinking professional community.

— Bill

Bill Fox 
Connect with me: LinkedIn | billfox.co
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