A Surprising Downside To Growing Our Careers (That Nobody Talks About)

We all heard the societal pressure of climbing the career ladder since we were young, but what happens when we reach the top?(warning for those who are on their way to reach the top too!). It turns out, climbing the ladder can cut down on the number of jobs you may seem to be a fit for, making career progression really, really challenging. The secret lies within the notion of ‘climbing the ladder’.

LET ME EXPLAIN...

Think of career climbing - not as going up a ladder, but up a pyramid. When you start out in your career, you're at the bottom of the pyramid. The base is wide. There are a lot more jobs technically available to you because they require less skill. But fear not, we have a solution! Here are some signs you may have reached the top of your career pyramid:

• Transitioning to a new job takes a lot longer than it did previously.

• You struggle to find job postings where you are an exact fit.

• The solution lies in marketing specialization. While it may seem counterintuitive, presenting yourself as a generalist can make you look more expensive, unfocused, and desperate.

Instead, let's take a targeted approach to your job strategy.

1. Simplify your resume: No need to show off every single skill you have. Keep it simple and relevant.

While it's tempting to show off every skill you have, a cluttered resume can be overwhelming for recruiters. Instead, focus on the skills most relevant to the job you're applying for. Use bullet points to make your accomplishments stand out and keep your language concise.

2. Use LinkedIn: Attract the attention of recruiters and expand your network. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building your professional network and attracting the attention of recruiters. Here are some strategies for leveraging LinkedIn in your job search:

• Update your profile: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and showcases your skills and experience. Use keywords that recruiters are likely to

Antigoni Marinou

FCA GCDF CT CSMM MSc BA(Str)

CEO of Rokket by Antigoni Marinou

A bespoke Coaching & Training House search for.

A Certified Career Coach and experienced Sales Coach with 22 years of experience in the Accountancy, Business Development, Academia and Coaching C-Level and Sales teams. She understand that every day we all sell, either ourselves or our products or services. She is passionate about turning complicated notions and actions into practical guidance and systems of work. She offers actionable advice and insights that stem from experience. Trusted by the major Insurance, World renowned Real Estate, Financial Services, International Health Care and Governmental Organizations. They collaborate with her through the years about confidential matters and areas that drive profitability. Connect with her on LinkedIn for more actionable insights and critical thinking around seemingly conventional matters on your career and sales.

• Connect with recruiters: Reach out to recruiters who specialize in your industry or field.

• Join groups: Join LinkedIn groups & events related to your industry. This can help you expand your network and stay up to date.

• Post content: Share articles, blog posts, or comment; these demonstrate your expertise. This can help you establish yourself as a thought leader. Do it once a month!

3. Target specific employers: Make a list of employers you would like to work for. Take the list of employers you would like to work for and tailor your job search to them. Here are some ways to do this:

• Research the company: Learn as much as you can about the company's culture, financials and news. This will help you understand their pain points.

• Use keywords: Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile include keywords that are relevant to the company and the job you're applying for.

• Personalize your application: Write a personalized cover letter explaining why you're interested in working for the company and how you can contribute to their success.

4. Use a connection story: Stand out from the talent pool

Stand out from the talent pool by telling your story and differentiating yourself. Here are some tips for crafting a compelling connection story:

• Be authentic: Tell your story in your own voice and be honest about your strengths and weaknesses.

• Highlight your accomplishments: Talk about your achievements and how they demonstrate your skills and expertise.

• Explain why you're interested in the job: Show that you've done your research and explain why you're excited about working for the company.

5. Nail that Interview: Make it relevant, make it impactful. Make sure your answers to common interview questions are relevant to the job you're applying for. Here are some examples:

• "Why do you want to work for us?": Show that you've done your research and explain how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and values. Do NOT resight your CV, thus ‘calling’ for THEM to make the connections. You must create the connections of who you are with the PAIN POINTS of the role and how your experience can help address them. "Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work": Choose an example that demonstrates your problem-solving skills and is relevant to the KEY PAIN POINTS of the INDUSTRY of the job you're applying for.

Remember, keeping your career moving forward takes a different set of tools and techniques. As a seasoned professional, you can still find your next job in spite of the current economic uncertainty. With a targeted approach to your job search, you can combat the unexpected downside of growing your career and continue to succeed in your professional endeavors.

So, let's climb that pyramid of expertise with confidence, shall we?