Navigating the corporate jungle, especially when you're aiming to connect with the higher-ups, is like playing chess on a board where the pieces move themselves. It's a blend of strategy, insight, and a dash of boldness. 

Here's a three-step tango for engaging with your new skip in a way that's as smooth as aged whiskey:

**1\. The T-Style Introduction: Brevity with Depth**

- **High-Level Overview:** Initiate with a crisp, clear introduction. Think of it as your personal elevator pitch. Who are you? What's your role? But tailor this to resonate with the SVP's world. How does your work align with the broader product vision? Remember, you're not just a scientist; you're a piece of the puzzle that completes the bigger picture.
- **Ready to Dive Deep:** While you keep the intro high-level, be prepared to plunge into the depths of your work. But here's the twist – only dive when prompted. This shows you're not just a talker, but a thinker, ready to engage on a deeper level when required.

**2\. The Dance of Leading and Lagging Indicators: Know Your Rhythm**

- **Understand What Makes an Impact:** Before you step into this dance, know your moves. What are your team's leading indicators? These are your proactive pulses, the heartbeats of your projects that predict the health of your outcomes. They're usually nestled in your Key Results. Get these at your fingertips.
- **Communicate Your Impact:** When you talk to your skip, lace your conversation with how your work influences these leading indicators. It's like saying, "Here's how I'm tuning the guitar before the concert begins." It shows foresight, planning, and an understanding of outcomes before they unfold.

**3\. Sparking Curiosity: The Thoughtful Inquiry**

- **Engage with Ideas:** Here's where you flip the script. Instead of just talking about what you do, ask about what keeps the SVP up at night regarding lagging indicators. What are the pain points? What's not working?
- **Offer Solutions, Not Just Questions:** As you discuss these, don't just nod and listen. Offer insights, maybe even tentative solutions. "I've noticed X lagging indicator. In my work with Y, I've found Z approach can sometimes turn the tide." This isn't just conversation; it's strategic engagement.

Remember, building a rapport with a senior executive, especially in a remote setting, is like nurturing a plant. It needs regular attention, the right environment, and a bit of sunshine in the form of genuine interest and thoughtful communication. Be that person who's not just another name in the email list, but the one who brings value, insight, and a fresh perspective to the table.

And as for branching out to other engineers, scientists, and executives – the same principles apply. Be brief yet deep, understand your impact, and engage with thoughtful, solution-oriented questions. It's about creating connections that are not just professional but intellectually stimulating. 

After all, in the grand corporate symphony, you want to be the note that's remembered, not just heard.

The Engineering Career Coach | Ex - Microsoft, Yahoo, SAP, Walmart

Taha Hussain

Employment gaps are like the proverbial elephant in the room during job interviews, aren't they?

But let's reframe this:

Firstly, ask this tough question: Are you feeling inadequate due to your layoff and inability to find the next role since April?

Yes?

What if I told you many skillful engineers are in the same spot as you?

Give yourself a break and tame your imposter syndrome.

It's killing your confidence to secure the next role.

Secondly, this is a golden opportunity for you.

Remember the .com bubble burst? The 2008 financial meltdown? They churned out scores of professionals with gaps, yet many bounced back stronger. Why? Because a gap is not a full stop, it’s a comma in your career narrative.

Brian Acton was in the same spot as you before he founded WhatsApp.

Now, about the advice to pretend you were working on a startup - it's a tempting narrative, isn't it? The allure of the entrepreneurial spirit. But let's not forget: honesty has a charisma that no fabrication can match.

So, how do you make this gap your ally?

### Embrace the Narrative

Instead of a cover-up, own your story.

You were at Amazon, a giant in its field, and now you're on a journey of professional exploration.

That's not just a gap; that's a quest.

### Side Projects are More than Sideshows

You mentioned personal projects. Excellent start.

But don't just do them - dive into them.

These projects are your mini-startups.

Failed to monetize? That's not failure, that's an invaluable experience.

Narrate this.

### Keep the LinkedIn Real, but Strategic

Still listed as employed at Amazon? Update it, but smartly.

Mention your role, and under current activities, list your projects, your learning journey, your upskilling.

Transparency garners trust.

### The Networking Edge

Connect with your peers, join forums, and attend webinars.

Be seen, be heard.

Your next opportunity might just be in the audience.

### Skills Over Titles

Focus on what skills you're gaining.

Mid-level isn't just a title; it's a skill set.

Hone it, showcase it.

Don't just fill your employment gap; illuminate it.

Make it a testament to your resilience, your learning, and your undeterred commitment to growth.

Because the right opportunity doesn't care about your gap; it cares about what you did with it.

Polish your resume with my tips on [fixing your summary section](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tahahussain_resumetips-softwareengineering-activity-7118256514632450048-YCin) and [5 erasers to stand out](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tahahussain_this-year-i-helped-18-software-engineers-activity-7116467405219905536-S-jO).

Prepare for your behavioral interviews using my [STAR+ method](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tahahussain_softwareengineering-tahasmethod-interviews-activity-7122242765333164032-QbEj).