Senior IT Roles Require a New Playbook, Argues Ehsan Ali

In a recent LinkedIn post, Ehsan Ali discusses why many senior IT professionals struggle to land high-level roles, likening their approach to playing street cricket in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match. Ali contends that the methods effective for early-career job seeking are insufficient for senior positions, where opportunities are often unadvertised and relationships with decision-makers are paramount.

Ali highlights a fundamental shift in the job market for experienced professionals, stating:

“You
’re trying to win an IPL-level role with street-cricket habits. That is why your job search feels harder than it should.”

The Outdated Job Search Strategy

The post outlines a traditional job search strategy that may have worked in the past: updating a resume, applying online, and speaking with recruiters. While this approach can be effective for more straightforward roles with lower stakes, Ali argues it falls short when pursuing senior IT positions.

According to Ali, the landscape for senior roles is vastly different:

• The role is not always public.
• The decision-maker is not always the recruiter.
• The real conversation often starts before the job ad exists.

Ali points out that by the time a position is publicly advertised, candidates who have been cultivating relationships and demonstrating their value may already be in contention. This often leaves senior professionals frustrated by their persistent application efforts.

Shaping Opportunities, Not Just Finding Them

Ehsan Ali argues that senior opportunities are not merely found through applications but must be actively shaped. This involves building stronger professional relationships, clearly articulating one’s value proposition, and ensuring potential employers understand the candidate’s capabilities and trustworthiness.

“But senior opportunities are not only found. They are shaped. Through better conversations. Through clearer value. Through people understanding what you can be trusted with.”

The analogy of cricket is central to Ali’s message. Just as a street cricketer, despite being skilled, would struggle in a professional IPL match due to the different level of play and strategy required, senior IT professionals can falter if they don’t adapt their career advancement tactics.

Adapting to the ‘New Game’

Ali emphasizes that the issue is not a lack of skill or experience, but rather a failure to adapt to the evolved demands of the senior job market. The ‘old game’ of mass applications and passive waiting is replaced by a proactive approach focused on strategic networking and value demonstration.

“That is a different game. And it needs a different way to play. You can be very good at cricket. But if you walk into an IPL match with street-cricket habits, you will struggle. Not because you forgot how to play. Because the level changed.”

The post concludes by encouraging those still employing outdated methods to reconsider their strategy, suggesting that a proven plan is necessary to navigate the complexities of securing senior-level IT roles effectively.