Job searching without the ‘Perfect experience'! EP#4

Have you ever been told by a company that you did not have the 'Perfect experience' they desire? Or perhaps you have been telling yourself that for a while now, and that has kept you stuck for quite some time.

I recall a client who requested a clarity coaching session while looking for an executive position. Following our conversation, I highlighted some of his strengths which he was taking for granted and not amplifying adequately, industries that were in desperate need of his skills, and a skill gap that he could work on to help him deliver as an executive.

His response after our conversation was something like "Thanks Ijeoma, I know I don't have the perfect experience yet, so I would work on taking certifications on the skill gap which you have identified, and then I would kick start the job search process".

Do you see yourself in him? I would explain some common mistakes you may be making, as seen in this client's story!

• You are unaware of your current skills that industries consider relevant, possibly because you have been in the same industry or company for so long.
• You downplay or at the very least do not "acknowledge" your capabilities! I mean, you use those skills every day without thinking about it, so how can a company value them?
• You focus on your weaknesses or areas for improvement at every opportunity.
• You are quick to spend money on trainings without first considering whether the skill is best acquired through practice - mentorship, shadowing, or volunteering.
• You're waiting to be perfect before revealing yourself to the world! So you keep hiding until you have the 'perfect experience' (Ouch!)

Please…. Let us address today this myth of not having the 'perfect experience'. A candidate who has the 'perfect experience' for a job is also looking to evolve. Even if the company finds that candidate interesting, most times the candidate is not looking for a job they already have the perfect experience for. S(he) would be looking for something more to boost his/her exposure, else s(he) would be underutilized. That is an opportunity for you to adequately communicate how your imperfect experience is a perfect fit for the business need

...That is an opportunity for you to adequately communicate how your imperfect experience is a perfect fit for the business need

Yes! With your "imperfect experience," you can make that career move and land that job you deserve once you overcome the hurdles of ensuring your application is visible and mastering the art of articulately communicating your value add!

Thanks to everyone who inquired about my well-being or has been wondering where I have been all this while. When I moved to Ireland, the cold weather and academic demands calmed me down. L.O.L.

I however hope you found this piece resourceful and I hope to engage with you some more in the coming days. 'Jisike' – Stay strong!

PS: A dear friend Edememe Oladiji-Wusu published a free e-book to assist people in following through on their goals. Edememe is someone I admire, and I believe her e-book is something you should get, as well as follow her on LinkedIn. Here is the book it is actually short and free. Thank me later.

Hope|Faith|Love,

Ijeoma Nkwonta.