asked. Most companies appreciate and reward initiative. If you
find that this is not the case, it may be time to look for a more
progressive company.
Networking
Change is a given. You can never assume that your current job
will be there in the future. One of my do-overs would be to build an
mind), or offering your time doing fundraising and/or other work
for charitable organizations.
It is increasingly common to participate in “meet-and-greet” un-
structured networking events. However, I am skeptical as to whether
these events are the best use of your time. Real trust and rapport
is built in ongoing working relationships rather than unstructured
verbal exchanges. Having said that, general networking is far more
effective than sitting at home watching television.
“General networking is far more effective than sitting at
home watching television. ”
Tips for active job seekers
If you are actively looking for your next job, you have a high
sense of urgency to get that new paycheck started. At the same
time, it is critical that your next job be a success. Going to work
for a bad company is time lost and a blight on your career. I got a
call from a past candidate this weekend. He could not wait for the
selection cycle at my client company and took a job with another
firm. He is now three weeks into his new job and realizes that he
made a huge mistake in terms of the company culture. Sadly, I
know enough about the company to believe he is correct in his
assessment.
How do you avoid a mistake of this nature? First, understand
that you are interviewing the company at the same time they are
interviewing you. In my interviewing guide, StandOUT Interview-
ing, I have suggested many questions that will help you evaluate
your potential employer. Many mistakes can be avoided by asking
probing questions. Here are a few:
Why is this position open?•
If the incumbent resigned or was fired, what do you think •
went wrong?
What are your specific expectations of this role?•
How will things be different a year from now if I am suc- •
cessful?
Next, ask questions of your network. Your well-networked
contacts (headhunters, HR recruiters, active volunteers in indus-try associations) often know the reputation of companies in their
area of expertise.
Transferable Rules
You may be wondering how this advice differs from career advice
for other functional specialties. Answer: It really doesn’t. The as-sumption is that you understand and will master your chosen field
(engineering, design, product management, etc). Beyond that, the
rules for career management are largely transferable across func-tional lines.
In general, you cannot afford to simply do your job. That is
NOT managing your career. Instead, you must pay attention to
what is going on around you and adjust to your environment.
Take advantage of strategic opportunities to distinguish yourself.
At the same time, you should always be mindful of your need for
a network beyond your current employer and build relationships
with other career-minded people.
Best of luck and I’ll see you at the top!
Endnotes
1. Elizabeth Marx, Route to the Top, Heidrick and Struggles, 2008
http://www.heidrick.com/PublicationsReports/PublicationsReports/
RoutetotheTop.pdf
2. Timothy A. Judge, Chad A. Higgins, Carl J. Thoresen, and Murray
R. Barrick, “The big five personality traits, general mental ability, and
career success a...,” Personnel Psychology, Autumn 1999, 52, 3; ABI/
INFORM Global
3. Scott E. Seibert, Maria L. Kraimer, and Robert C. Liden “A Social
Capital Theory of Career Success,” In Press—Academy of Management
Journal, pg. 621
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