Personal Advancement
Time for a changeQ: I have been employed for 10 years in the same industry. How can I change direction? LYNDA REEVES |
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 [ 2006-08-09 ] |
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A: Regardless of the role you have had in the past decade, there are always transferable skills that are valued across the working world. Time management, customer service, multi-tasking and team building are a few of the many examples that come to mind.
As in all successful transitions, researching the organization you want to join is an absolute must. In order to identify which of your transferable skills have the most value with respect to the job you want, you need to be very knowledgeable concerning the capabilities that role requires.
A bit of an aside is needed here. When you take a look at all the criteria needed for a job, you do not need to count yourself out if you spot some that are foreign to you. Along with the skills that you currently possess are your added values -- those strengths, knowledge or expertise that aren't even mentioned in the role, but that would be assets.
As well, there is also the matter of potential. By accomplishing all that you have in the past, you have already demonstrated your ability to learn and to succeed in a number of areas. You know you have what it takes to manage the challenges of a new career direction!
KEY WORD PHRASES
When you have learned what is involved in your target role, it's time to capture your relevant transferable skills in two to three-word descriptions known as key word phrases. These are commonly displayed in your resume under a heading such as "Core competencies."
Examples of your transferable skills may be found in such key word phrases as: client service excellence, team building, leadership, communication skills, budget and analysis, process improvement, data base management, planning and implementation, event co-ordination, marketing and promotions.
Some industries, or organizations such as Canada's Public Service, have lists of specific core competencies that are desirable. If you can locate such a list relevant to your targeted career, be sure to exchange similar phrases in your own list with the specific key word phrasing for your targeted company.
Once you have a list of six to 12 competencies, you need to reflect them in your value proposition. The value proposition is your theme. It describes the key features that you can bring to an organization. It tells your future employer what differentiates you from the competition.
Here's one example of a value proposition for a project manager who wants to move from public service to the manufacturing sector. "Outstanding project manager with a decade of proven success delivering money-savings process improvements. An expert in both facilitation skills and MS Project software who consistently meets the tightest of deadlines in even the most aggressive of initiatives."
When you have expressed in writing what your value proposition is, you must ensure it is covered effectively throughout your career marketing portfolio -- the package that includes your resume, cover letter, reference sheet and thank-you letter.
Whatever your goal, focus on what you have that is of value to the organization to which you want to belong. Let your transferable skills open the doors to an exciting new career.
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