Does Your Career Look Like a “Jungle Gym”?

We recently had an interesting conversation with a candidate whose career path can best be described as a “jungle gym” – a winding, diverse journey that reflects her wide range of experiences. Her CV didn’t follow a linear or traditional path, but rather showcased a mix of roles in various social impact organisations, offering her exposure to different sectors, industries, and responsibilities. She described her career as a “mishmash” – a blend of experiences that didn’t seem to follow a clear, straightforward trajectory.

However, she shared something revealing with us: we were one of the only talent experts who truly “understood” her. She felt we saw beyond the seeming chaos of her career path and recognised a unifying thread running through her experiences. Rather than viewing her background as disjointed, we identified a pattern that aligned with her passion and skill set, and we were able to position her for interviews that matched her strengths. As a result, she felt confident and excited about the opportunities she was now pursuing.

This experience highlights a key point for anyone with a non-traditional or “jungle gym” career path: it’s not just about what’s on your CV; it’s about how you articulate your journey and the story you tell about where you’ve been, where you’re going, and what you want to do next.

Navigating the “Jungle Gym”: Three Key Considerations

If your career has involved a variety of roles, industries, or organisations, you might find yourself in a similar position, feeling like your experience doesn’t fit neatly into the standard molds that employers expect. But this doesn’t have to be a disadvantage. The key is how you present yourself – both in interviews and online.

Here are some important areas to reflect on if you feel your career might resemble a “jungle gym”:

1. Articulate Your Story Effectively in Interviews

If your career has been a series of shifts and pivots, it’s essential to explain your journey clearly. Why did you make each move? What skills did you gain along the way? What thread ties these experiences together? By explaining your career transitions thoughtfully, you can show potential employers that your varied experiences aren’t a sign of instability, but rather a strength – a breadth of knowledge and adaptability that brings unique value to your next role.

2. Showcase the Right Skills on Your CV

A “jungle gym” career doesn’t mean your CV should be chaotic or hard to follow. It should clearly highlight the skills, accomplishments, and experiences that are most relevant to the roles you are targeting. Tailor your CV to demonstrate how your diverse experiences intersect and provide context for your journey. This makes it easier for hiring managers or talent experts to see the value in your background and recognise the potential you bring to the table.

3. Create a Coherent Brand on Business Platforms

It’s crucial to align your online presence with the message you want to convey about your career. Platforms like LinkedIn are a powerful tool to showcase your unique path. Instead of leaving people to guess about your next move or the story behind your journey, use these platforms to tell your story. What motivates you? What kind of roles are you looking for next? Show how your past roles have built the skills and expertise you now want to apply to new opportunities. A clear, coherent online brand can help potential employers understand the value you offer.

The Bigger Picture: Understanding Your Career Journey

What this candidate demonstrated was not just a collection of roles, but a deeply interconnected journey that had meaning when you took the time to understand it. While others may have been unsure about how to position her, we recognised the value in what she had to offer – because she helped us make sense of the ups and downs in her career.

Ultimately, the lesson here is that whether your career resembles a “jungle gym” or a straight line, it’s important to actively shape the narrative around it. How well you communicate your career path, demonstrate its value, and position yourself for your next role will play a crucial role in how the job market sees you.

So, if you feel like your career is a “jungle gym”, ask yourself:

? Are you effectively articulating your career story in interviews?

? Does your CV clearly highlight the skills and experiences that matter most for your next role?

? Is your professional online presence reflecting the unique value you bring, and helping to market your next career step?

In the end, the career path you’ve taken is uniquely yours – and with the right strategy, it can be just as valuable, if not more so, than a traditional, linear trajectory.

If you’re navigating a jungle gym career, I welcome your thoughts and any questions you may have about effectively articulating your journey, showcasing your experiences, and positioning yourself for your next role.

Let’s connect and discuss how you can make the most of your diverse background and turn it into a powerful career advantage.

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