Imagine this: The one job you’ve been doing for 10 to 15 years is no longer marketable. You might begin to reflect and wonder if it’s your fault. You’ve taken that class, pursued that degree or certification, and yet, panic sets in. “Yikes, this new platform just removed me from SME status!” Let me offer some calm for that anxiety you’re feeling. I assure you; it’s not your fault. In fact, you’re not even late. With this new self-awareness, you might even realize that you’re right on time. Big businesses spend millions each year to research the industry and identify their competitive advantage. Simultaneously, they work to minimize costs by reducing headcount and finding efficiencies. As a contributor to their bottom line, you too must focus on your career strategy to enable a pivot!

Step One: Identify Core Competencies

Identify the core competencies that you excel in, regardless of industry or line of business. These might include:

• Communication (verbal, written, cross-functional)
• Leadership and team management
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Project management and organization
• Analytical and data-driven decision-making

Please make a note that we will revisit these core competencies in Step Five.

Step Two: Map Skill Sets

Now, map your skills to corporate needs and align them with current organizational transformation initiatives (e.g., digital adoption, culture change, new business models). Maintain self-awareness about your resilience and your ability to adapt and learn.

Step Three: Assess the Change

Spend some time understanding organizational change and its drivers, such as technology market shifts or operational restructuring. Find opportunities where you can make an impact. Look for gaps where your skill sets can accelerate transformation. In some cases, you may even create a brandnew role for yourself.

Step Four: Strategic Connections

Position yourself strategically for new opportunities. When conversing with mentors and sponsors, frame your experiences in terms of results, efficiency improvements, or innovation. Highlight your ability to adapt and share past successes in navigating change. Demonstrate your versatility across multiple functions within the enterprise.

Seek informational interviews with senior leadership to understand their strategy and discuss areas of interest. Be strategic in these discussions. Emphasize your strengths in leadership and collaboration and clearly communicate how your skill sets can enable organizational transformation.

Engage with key stakeholders and build cross-functional relationships where you can display your capabilities. Volunteer for transformational initiatives, lead pilot projects, or process improvement projects. Align your core skills with the future of the company. Seek feedback and mentorship regularly to maintain adoption and evolve with the organization’s needs. Capture your results and lessons learned to reinforce your value. Quantify your contributions to transformation by highlighting efficiency gains and sharing your impact on revenue or positive engagement across the enterprise.

Step Five: Is It a Fit?

Revisit your core skill sets. For your top skills, ask yourself: Are you good at it because it brings you joy? Are you the best at it? Or is it a skill that comes naturally to you? Your answers may be the first step in enhancing your self-awareness about your next dream job.

Even if you’re not actively seeking a new job, conduct a job search with your top three skills and apply to jobs. Applying when you’re not pressured to need a job means you have nothing to lose. The interview process will give you great practice and signal to management that you have other interests.

Step Six: Resume Update

Revise your résumé to highlight your skill sets, including your top three in your profile

Step Seven: Prepping for the Interview

Conduct a Google search to identify key questions for the job you’re applying for. Use index cards to study and prepare. Find a mentor, sponsor, or coach and schedule a mock interview for practice.

Step Eight: Keep It Classy

After your interview, send a thank-you email to your interviewer. Use this sample:

Subject: Thank You – [Your Name], Interview for [Job Title]

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today to discuss the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I truly appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the team, the exciting work being done, and how I might contribute to your goals.

Our conversation reinforced my enthusiasm for the role and for joining a company that values [mention something specific discussed—e.g., innovation, collaboration, continuous learning]. I’m particularly excited about [mention a project, value, or challenge that stood out to you], and I believe my background in [your key skill or experience] positions me well to add value from day one.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information from my side. I look
forward to the possibility of working together and contributing to [Company Name]’s continued success.

Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]

In closing, I’d like to inspire you to step forward and own your career. A successful career path starts with you accepting ownership of it. What are you waiting for? Every job you’ve ever had has led to your next job. Don’t let fear disable your continued growth or minimize your ambition for the next big opportunity!

Remember, you have the power to shape your future. Embrace the journey with confidence and courage. Each step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your dreams. Believe in yourself and your abilities. The world is full of possibilities, and you are capable of achieving greatness.

So, take that leap of faith, pursue your passions, and let your light shine brightly. Your journey is unique, and your story has the power to inspire others. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and transformation. The future is yours to create, and it starts with the choices you make today.

Go forth and conquer your dreams. The best is yet to come!