Whether you are at the beginning of your career or nearing the end of it, in order to remain relevant and useful to your employer, you have to be able to market yourself as someone who can solve big problems. Both employees and consultants rely on the same essential tool to market themselves, and it’s a concept that we talk about often here on The Digital Enterprise Society- your network.  In today’s podcast, Thom Singer and Craig Brown and joined by Bruce Sing, a seasoned industry veteran who has insights into the role that your network will play in the later years of your career. 

 

On today’s podcast, you will learn:

 

How to leave your current position for the next one

• A common career misconception is that the job that you currently have is one that you can perform anywhere. 
• Competition for the role can be a major hurdle to securing your next position. 
• It is essential to market what you bring to the table to your potential employer. 
• Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, you have to be able to market yourself. 
• A LinkedIn profile is no longer optional.

 

Debunking the most common job search misconception

• ‘I can just apply for a job online and the company will want me and reach out to me.’ 
• The reality is that the talent acquisition process is designed around the assumption that they will be inundated with applications, and are designed to weed people out. 
• Hiring managers don’t always know if or why applicants are being weeded out. 

 

Tapping into the value of your network 

• If you are beyond entry level, in order to find another job, you need a network. 
• A network can allow you to enter into your new position through the side door. 
• Your network can help you determine if a position listing is legitimate or just a standard business process. 

 

Considerations for consultant work

 

• A consultant needs a network just as much as anyone else. 

 

• Consulting allows you to provide your knowledge value in a project way rather than in a team way. 
• Consultants still have to prove the value they are adding to the company. 
• Consultants need to be able to prove that they can solve big problems in exchange for the money they are receiving. 
• The more advanced you are in your career, the more expensive you are, and potentially more replaceable. 

 

Finding work near the end of your career 

• There are a myriad of opportunities to apply your wisdom and expertise at the end of your career. 
• The important thing is that you are compelling and able to solve problems in a way that is valuable to someone. 
• Whether you are working as an employee or a consultant, you have to market yourself as someone who can solve big problems. 

 

Overcoming your job search fears

• Don’t take roadblocks or rejections personally. 
• Leverage your network in every possible opportunity
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. 
• Stay current and understand the tools of business today. 

 

Continue the conversation with us within the Digital Enterprise Society Community at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org.

 

Digital Download: Virtual Round-Table Series