Flipping the Script: Imposter syndrome to corporate solution.

Flipping the Script: Become the solution.

As a transitioning veteran, imposter syndrome is a very real thing. I have experienced it personally.

Part of the foundation of imposter syndrome is a large misunderstanding of the relational dynamic between a job/company and the employee.?

As I was in transition, I saw myself as the one in need, and the company as the solution to my needs.? This leads to a mental position of deficit and insecurity.? It can also lead employees/veterans to stay much longer in a bad situation.?

Part of this comes from our military cultural foundation.? We are here to serve something greater than ourselves.? The services as an institution exist to support a larger mission, and we are a piece of the machine.? We serve those around us, and we don’t get to ask for much.? The services are there to provide for our needs, so we can support the mission.?

When we leave the military, it is different. We may tend to view organizations and corporations like we saw the military.? This isn’t the case.

Corporations are there to serve the public with a product or service, while balancing costs to turn a profit.? They need a team of qualified labor to allow them to meet these ends.?

As a veteran job seeker, it is important to view yourself as a solution to the company’s problem, not the company as the solution to your problem.?

In reality, the relationship between employer and employee should be a mutually symbiotic one, but from a job seeker/resume writer perspective, approaching yourself as the best high value, low risk, good culture fit solution, changes how you might approach everything relative to getting a job. ?

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How do you become a high value, low risk, good culture fit candidate?

Certifications, education, internships, research and networking,

Why Certifications, education and internships for veterans are so important.

When we leave the military we come with a breadth of experiences and capabilities, but we don’t really understand industry doctrine. Taking courses in certifications, earning a degree in a particular field of study, and participating in an internship, allow you to learn industry doctrine, terms, and procedures.

Getting certified or earning a professional license, shows a company that your skills have been vetted by a 3rd party.? Think about how you personally shop for services.

·??????? Do you want to hire a company who is licensed, or certified, or just someone who says I have done this for a long time??

·??????? Do you want to hire someone who you can converse with and understand, or someone who uses words that are a little bit off?

·??????? Do you want to hire someone who was trained yesterday, or who has past performance in their craft?

·??????? Who would you trust more?

I think the answer is obvious, yet veterans shy away from certs thinking their veteran status will win the day.?

Newsflash: industry has no idea what your MOS, rank, awards or medals mean.? You are just a veteran to them.?

Project management as an example: Military planning and mission execution are project based work. There is a tremendous foundation, but without earning a certification, or learning the doctrine of industry, it is really hard to "sell yourself" as a professional. We also have gaps in understanding how a business operates. Want to learn more, here is a free video about why vets make great PM's. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlKKPbGWKsI

Supporting this transformation is one of the foundations behind PM-ProLearn

Why research and networking are so important.

Getting a job is like getting a date/long term relationship.?

How would you approach an attractive single you want to woo?

Do you walk up and say, Hi your hot, lets go out? Even though you know nothing about the person?

Hopefully not.?

My assumption, is that you learn about the person. You do research by talking with others who know them. You observe their behavior.? When you learn that you are now interested, you probably ask someone who is familiar with the individual, for a warm introduction.? That first conversation is likely much more educated, and supported by an initial mutual understanding.?

By doing research and networking, it does not guarantee that you will get a date (first interview, or hire), but it shows professionalism and maturity.? By doing your homework, you are not a cold call, but a friend of an employee, who already has a greater level of trust.?

Combine networking, with professional validation through certifications and licenses, and it is a much different conversation.?

Want to learn more, please reach out.?

Interested in earning your certification in project management (PMP, Agile, Lean Six Sigma, or Change management) email [email protected]

Want to help others, share your own stories in the comments below or write your own article.

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