Boxing and Finding That Next Job
Chances are you are ambitious and want to go as far as you can in your profession. Absolutely nothing wrong with that.
These days finding that next job and taking the next step in your career is becoming increasingly more difficult. Even for those with plenty of experience.
In boxing, those who compete in the sport are grouped into different weight groups. Lightweight, heavyweight, middleweight and so on.
The reason for this is pretty obvious if you think about it. A lightweight just wouldn’t stand a chance against a heavyweight.
Now you might be wondering what this has got to do with finding your next job.
So let me explain.
In the course of your career you have gained experience in specific sectors. You have acquired significant skills and knowledge. You have your unique attributes that sets you apart from others.
When you are seeking to make that next career step you are going to have a much better chance of a successful outcome if you are focusing your attention on your strengths, right?
Now I know that you can say and actually with some justification that as a professional your skills are transferrable.
Trouble is the person making the decisions about hiring does not necessarily see it that way. Hiring someone who ticks the boxes and understands the sector is always going to less risky.
Add to that the fact that many professionals are risk averse and prudent then you start to see the size and scale of the challenge you face.
Now I’m not one to discourage anyone who really wants to work in a sector where they have little or no experience.
At the same time I would always say to people that the traditional way of applying for an advertised vacancy is likely to yield a much poorer return compared to those sectors where you have a track record.
So if you are struggling to make that next career step, think about whether you are actually limiting your chances by focusing on trying to compete in the wrong arena.
Duncan Brodie helps accountants build great careers, learn more here.
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.