Career Growth: 3 step-process

My friend Gregg Schmedding, Chief Operating Officer at Paige Technologies, has been in the staffing industry for over 20 years, specifically in the IT staffing industry. Over that time, he has interviewed 100’s of candidates.

Here are Gregg's own words when it comes to Career Growth

Meeting new people will always be one of my favorite parts of the job. Identifying potential in people and giving them a chance to fulfill that potential will always be a thrill. In almost every interview 1 question/comment inevitably comes up, especially when talking to a more junior person. It usually goes something like this: “How did you get where you are today?”; or “Someday I want to be in your seat”; or “My goal is to have your job one day”. These always make me smile as I usually give the candidate the benefit of the doubt that it comes from a good place. I also assume someone along the way coached them up to ask this question or make this comment. To be clear, I don’t think there is anything wrong with it. It’s perfectly appropriate. I always answer it the same way.

I encourage them to think about career growth as a 3-step process:

1. Be the best at ______________.

Whatever it is that you do, put in the necessary time, effort, enthusiasm, and passion to become that best. Become the best in whatever group you’re being judged. Maybe it’s the best in your office, or your state, or your region. It might mean stoking those competitive juices and going above and beyond what is normally expected. It might mean having a whatever, wherever, whenever attitude.

2. Teach someone else to be the best.

Somewhere along the line, someone passed along knowledge to you. Someone helped you. No one becomes the best at something without some sort of team effort. Now that you’ve proven you're the best at whatever you do within your group, it’s time to pass it along. Think of it as a sort of “Pay It Forward” mentality. Plus, if you’re interested in moving up in an organization, someone will need to take your place. Make it easy for leadership to see there is a succession plan in place.

3. Demonstrate that you can do the next role.

In time an opportunity will always present itself for you to step up to the plate and demonstrate that you can do whatever role you’re aspiring to. It usually comes in the form of someone going on vacation or being out for an extended period of time due to personal reasons, or maybe even a key player deciding to move on. There will be void. Fill that void and show that you are capable.

Here is the key….

Do it without expecting anything in return, especially financially. Someone taught me this 3-step plan for career advancement many years ago. I’ve always kept it in mind and tried to apply it. I’ve also tried to share it with as many people as I can because I think it’s powerful.

Make sure to visit Page Technologies website by clicking on the photo above while following their business page on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn Tip?#19: Do you really have an amazing LinkedIn Profile?

As you can see...almost every company, large and small, here in the United States leverages LinkedIn to recruit talent. Do you really know what you need to have on your LinkedIn profile, and do you understand strategy?

My friend Rhonda Sher and I had an amazing time today Roasting LinkedIn Profiles. We shared all of the various things you can add to your LinkedIn profile to make you stand out. Click on the photo so you can watch the replay and pick up on some of the tips and strategies we shared during our LIVE LinkedIn Roasting Party with various profiles today.

Resume Tip #19: Will your resume get rejected?

Here are a few of the reasons your resume will be rejected.

1) Your one-page resume doesn't have enough content.

2) It doesn't have enough of the key Hard and Soft skills needed to match up to the job.

3) You are applying for jobs with no real experience in that position. Remember that hundreds of people are applying for the same job you are. Those with the previous experience are going to land that job. Apply for yours your qualified for please.

Happy to share these financial tips from my friend Scott Klein