Cross-Functional Is Cash

Former feds often interpret cross-functional work as coordination. Tech employers use it to describe change management, operational leadership, responsible AI, technical execution and business transformation. When cross functional comes up in an interview, use this as an opportunity to prove how you can lead collaboration to deliver an outcome.

Keep in mind that this is tech jargon for cooperation across different parts of an organization. Former feds do this constantly. We work across offices, agencies, disciplines and job categories to advance complicated projects.

The experience is common in government. Explaining its value is not.

That gives the aspiring former fed an opportunity to separate themselves from candidates who can name the functions involved but cannot explain how they led them toward a result.

To start with, try this. Choose one project and answer:

• Which functions were involved?

• What conflict or constraint blocked the outcome?

• What decision did you own?

• What changed because of your involvement?

Then write one sentence:

I brought together [functions] to overcome [constraint], enabling [measurable outcome].

This is how you build a simple narrative to justify your potential. Remember, tech is always looking for people who know how to advance complicated organizations. What could be closer to the aspiring former fed’s skillset?

The timing matters. Recent tech hiring data shows employers placing greater emphasis on operator skills. Many former feds already possess them, even if they have never used labels like organizational change management or business transformation.

Here are a couple of older posts expanding on this theme. “Consistency Leads to Cash” made the case that career results compound through repeated action. “Cross-Functional, What?” helped readers recognize a capability they may already possess.

Why BD is the Way

Consistency leads to cash

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July 28, 2024

Think sales is all about being extroverted, pushy, and stretching the truth? Think again. Some of the top salespeople out there are introverts who excel at listening, showing empathy, and communicating thoughtfully. They know that true success in sales isn't about shouting the loudest—it's about building trust and being authentic. If you've written off a career in sales because you don't fit the "typical" stereotype, think again. What if the very qualities you thought were drawbacks are actually your secret weapons?

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June 9, 2024

Sooner or later, every tech interview comes around to the cross-functional question. When I first heard the term, I had no idea what they were talking about. Once I realized what it meant, it seemed like a ridiculous concept.

It is evidence that you can move complicated organizations. The current tech market is putting a premium on that ability. Your job is to prove you have done it consistently. Why not use the next 10 days to make it a reality?