Ep3. The Art of Pivoting into Customer Success

Customer success calling your name? Dive into this podcast with Kaustubh, who transitioned from customer support to program manager of customer success operations! Get the inside scoop on landing your dream job in this exciting field. We'll tackle overcoming unexpected hurdles in the job search, crafting a killer interview strategy, and evaluating job offers with confidence. Packed with actionable tips, insightful advice, and a healthy dose of inspiration, this podcast will equip you to launch your customer success career!

Chapter 1: Introduction and Kaustubh's Career Journey (0:00 - 11:42)

Kaustubh shares a deep dive into his career path, sharing his experiences in customer support and customer success roles. He concludes the introduction by mentioning his current role as a program manager for customer success operations at Jisr.

Chapter 2: Landing the Job at J (11:43 - 18:21)

Kaustubh dives into his job search journey triggered by a round of layoffs at his previous company, SmartKarrot. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection before applying for new positions. Kaustubh talks about recognizing his specific skills and experience that aligned well with customer success operations. He mentions crafting a compelling narrative throughout his applications and interviews, highlighting these relevant strengths.  Kaustubh stresses the value of following up with hiring managers after interviews and using their feedback to refine his interview skills. He shares a personal anecdote where his persistence in following up with a hiring manager ultimately landed him the job at Jisr.

Chapter 3: Unexpected Hurdles and How to Overcome Them (18:22 - 25:32)

Kaustubh acknowledges the inevitable challenges faced during a job search, particularly encountering situations where companies ghost candidates after interviews. To navigate these hurdles, Kaustubh sought guidance from mentors, friends, and peers. He also delves into the practice of recording himself during mock interviews to identify areas needing improvement. Kaustubh emphasizes the importance of soliciting feedback on resumes and interview skills from a diverse network. He describes how this feedback helped him pinpoint recurring weaknesses in his job search approach, allowing him to address them effectively.

Chapter 4: How to Evaluate a Job Offer (25:33 - 33:47)

Kaustubh advises looking beyond just the salary when evaluating a job offer. He recommends researching the company and its product to understand their culture and reputation. Kaustubh suggests asking insightful questions about the company's goals and how the specific role aligns with those objectives. He highlights the importance of paying close attention to the company's response style during the interview process. Vague or unclear answers can be a red flag, according to Kaustubh. Finally, he concludes by underlining the importance of negotiating your salary and benefits package to ensure a mutually beneficial outcome.