Business Doesn't Want to Hear Who You Were, Especially If You Were a Googler - And, Make Sure You're Cheap

Your job interview will quickly go south if you talk about who you used to be professionally. The same will happen if they pick up that you're set on the high total compensation of your previous employment.

The world of work has turned zen: focused on the now. And cheap: They hire the most affordable where's there's a glut of talent. Get it: Most are expendable. In addition, don't take their time telling how things used to be done. That labels you as "old."

Yet, too many former Googlers don't get that. On a Blind post about reduced job opportunities as well at deflation in TC and distracting descriptions of out-dated methodologies, there are these observations: 

(Sarcasm) "I worked at google therefore everyone should want to hire me over someone with more relevant experience"

"Market realized Google L5+ are mostly useless without the internal infra. High comp expectations with little value, and no one wants to listen to 'at Google we used to have…'

"As an ex google, ex googlers annoy even me"

This applies also to success in many other sectors. 

The imperative is to be the player who can generate outstanding results immediately. Who you used to be could undermine that message. Your previous compensation can be a liability. And nostalgia of any kind can be employment suicide.

Think about it. Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch has erased his old-line core identity as a newspaper guy. He glided along with the technologies and audience preferences. He oversaw big fast wins like Fox News. Investors have had confidence in him. In addition, he could gravitate away from mistakes such as MySpace.

Clients and prospects don't assess Paul Weiss chair Brad Karp as a trial lawyer. That's irrelevant to his need to convince them that he's brought in the best talent for managing their legal matters. Karp has shaken off the practicing-lawyer branding that got him where he is in order to make things happen in the present.

After early stumbles, Disney's Bob Iger did the transformation from an old-media guy to where the corporation had to be. This new version of Iger will have plenty of runway elsewhere when his contract is up in 2026.

So, I find it puzzling why anyone smart - and Ryan Powers is smart - would cling to an earlier identity. On the all-important LinkedIn profile is "former associate at Davis Polk." Well, that is not only negative. It's unlikely to move the needle on being presented with or going after current opportunities. What about "legal analyst" or "transactional lawyer" or "activist." Who are you Powers in August 2025 and what value can you create.

To reset his branding after a series of reputational crises, financial mogul Leon Black has disassociated himself from his previous titles. He is now known for his family office Elysium Management. Despite the return of the Jeffrey Epstein issues, Black isn't figured prominently. You bet, he's back. That's unlike too many laid-off Googlers who are stuck in the past - and unemployed. 

In coaching I direct those in a job search to overhaul their resume and cover letter to hammer skills and achievements, not all the titles and whatever of the past. So what that your worked for large corporations and high-profile clients. 

The selling point that should be loud and clear is: Here's what I can and will do for you. Keep the vibe on affordability. And do that in ways to not get knocked out of the box by those AI screeners as well as the return on in-person interviews. 

Thrown off your game, maybe the first time since you started working? You made all the right moves and then the world moved in another direction.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, reskilling and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. There’s no risk.