Recently I attended a panel discussion led by senior level people who were asked to share key takeaways from their career journey. What makes them successful? Listed below are some of their ideas related to preparing resumes and interviewing for future positions.
Develop the ability to communicate how your current and past skills are transferable to the new position you are seeking. Link your current resume with future opportunities that may in fact be in a completely different field. This contrasts with the mind set of “I’ve never done this before.”
Develop the ability to move out of your comfort zone. Look for ways to strengthen your self confidence if necessary. Move away from fear and be willing to face the unknown.
Make impact in your current position and develop communications that convey and identify to the potential employer what the impact has been. Provide metrics and specifics.
Determine what you really would like to do. Where do you want to go? Where do you want to live? Once you determine this, make yourself available (eg. relocation), flexible, (eg. taking a lesser position if necessary), develop and convey passion for what you want to do.
When identifying your accomplishments, communicate what YOU have gained personally and professionally along the journey. What was learned during your past job experience. Provide examples.
What are you known for in your organization? What do you want to be known for? Are they different? If so, then fill in the gaps. Become and behave in the ways that convey what you want to be known for.
Make others successful who work for you.
Be honest and transparent about what you are good at and where your limitations are.
There is power in having purpose. Not doing things just to make you look good or just for you releases the power of purpose.
The panel was then asked to identify their biggest past mistakes in their careers.
- Never be just an observer or zone out during key meetings. Be ready to offer your professional opinion and anticipate what questions might come up. Have your “elevator” answer as well. What would you say if you rode the elevator with the CEO or President of your company and they asked you a question about the business? Would you have an answer?
- Realize that most enrichment can come to us during our moments of failure if we will learn from our mistakes. When mistakes are made, we have a choice to either sink in despair; or we can decide to learn and move on.
- Remain calm and focused as opposed to frantic and unsettled.
- Remain adaptable and avoid inflexibility.
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