In a previous blog I identified the importance of exploring the possibilities as one of three keys to finding the right job (communicating your value and activating your network are the other two). Readers have asked me to share more about what “exploring” means, and how to do it well.
I will review three scenarios, 1) looking for a job in your existing organization; 2) trying to get into an organization from the outside; and 3) the special case of becoming an entrepreneur.
Looking Within Your Current Organization
There is an old human resources expression that it is easiest to get a new job when you have a job. Because you do not need a job, hiring managers are more likely to sell you on the benefits of making a move. Conversely, you are more confident and relaxed during the interview process because you have a job.
Employees have the greatest number of resources to explore new opportunities if they currently work for the organization. You have access to internal resources like the company intranet, email directory, and human resources. Being an insider should also make networking more convenient.
As an insider, explore potential roles using the following strategies:
- Gather Information
Schedule informational interviews with subject-matter-experts; review job descriptions on your talent acquisition site; visit the intranet sites of your target departments; or listen to podcasts about your areas of interest. - Witness the Action
Explore roles through job shadowing; attend cross-functional meetings or town halls; or take training webinars and courses professionals take in that department. - Take a Leap
Apply for a rotational program to get direct experience; swap jobs with another colleague; volunteer for a cross-functional team assignments; or attend off-site conferences.
Select the strategy, or combination, based on the amount of time you must invest and how quickly you want to move to a new role.
Getting In from the Outside
When you invest in a mutual fund, the prospectus always includes language that says, “past performance is not an indication or guarantee of future performance.” Well, that might work for investing, but in hiring, past success is a great predictor of future success! If you are coming in from the outside, you want others to recognize you have the experience and skills to succeed in the new role. Getting people to know you and observe your work is the best way to get hired.
As an outsider, explore potential roles using the following strategies:
- Informational Interviewing
Meet with people that work in your target industry, admired company, and/or have the role you want. Your goal during the in the interview is to get information, not sell yourself. Ask what the top five types of experience an ideal candidate has for this role or industry. Ask what experiences prepared them the most for their current role. Ask what assignments and training would prepare someone for long-term success. - Volunteer
If possible, volunteer to work on a project or assignment for free. Don’t commit large amounts of time, but a short-term volunteer assignment is a great way to assess the culture of an organization, and for colleagues to know you as a person. - Contract Work
Many organizations use contract workers to augment their staff. A six-month to one-year contract assignment is a way to learn about a company while getting paid. Once in, use informational interviewing to expand your network and identify roles that best fit your background.
Getting in the door is the greatest challenge for an outsider. Select the strategy, or combination, that gets you in the door.
Becoming an Entrepreneur
The prospect of owning your own business is a dream for many. Being your own boss, making a lot of money and building wealth is alluring. I see too many people jump right into business ownership without taking time to explore what business ownership truly means.
Explore the entrepreneurial paths using the following strategies:
- Informational Interviewing
Interviewing business owners is critical. As a customer you only see the frontstage of an operation, which attracted you to the business. But the backstage is hidden, and you need a deep understanding to accurately judge if this venture is right for you. During interviews you are trying to uncover the key components of its business model – a) customer segments; b) value proposition; c) distribution channels; d) customer relationship types; e) revenue streams; f) key resources; g) key processes; h) key partnerships; and i) cost structure. - Learn on Someone Else’s Dime
If possible, work part-time or volunteer for a similar business or potential competitor. Working in the business makes the business model information you learned during interviews come alive. Your goal is to work long enough to identify how your business will have a competitive advantage. Will your products or services be of higher quality, lower cost, and/or more convenient? - Determine Your Point of Entry
The final step is to determine your point of entry. Is buying an existing business the right path? Review a few ownership agreements or business broker prospectuses before deciding. If you will finance yourself, speak to a business accountant, banker, or financial advisor about the best way to structure your venture.
Use the above steps sequentially to explore the entrepreneurial path.
Bottom Line
Taking the time to explore your next opportunity will increase your cultural fit, job satisfaction and prospects for long-term success.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.