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Amanda Christianson I'm interested in a position that's been listed for a person with 2-3 yrs experience. I have 5. The position is billed as entry level, and I feel I am not. It's a slight change from my current career, but not so big where I feel I would need to start on the bottom rung. It's important for me to be challenged at work, and perhaps this wouldn't offer too much for too long. Should I go for it as a means to start veering off in a new direction, or would I set myself up for disappointment?

98 weeks ago from Career Changers

Kathryn Allen King: Hi Amanda,
I'm an executive search consultant for many years, and now a business coach - here are my thoughts for you on this: If you've read ...MoreHi Amanda,
I'm an executive search consultant for many years, and now a business coach - here are my thoughts for you on this: If you've read through the position description, and you can tell you are just beyond this role (which it sounds like you've assessed that already, and its only a "slight change" from what you do currently), then you are correct when you said you probably wouldnt be challenged for very long.
If you jump to a role that is what we consider "a lateral move", it isnt a smart move, unless you still need experience in that role and are not ready for the next level.
If you feel you are ready for a new challenge, then this is not the job for you to take.
If you are truly interested in this particular company, then go after them with the current experience you offer. Just because a job isnt "posted online" doesnt mean they dont have any other opportunities available. My suggestion to you is to take the following approach: 1. Research online to find the name of the director/VP that you believe a person in your role reports to (or one level up). 2. Research this company by looking through the news releases, the executive bios, any articles you can find that talks about current issues, successes, as well as challenges they face. 3. Create an email that introduces yourself and begin the email with your sincere interest in their company - and state something about the research you've gained and how your experience would be a value to this company. Do not read off your resume, and do not attach your resume or any cover letter. Give an example of a challenge or something successful you accomplished in your current role that would be of value to them. In your last paragraph, state that you'd like to set up 20 min over the phone discussing potential opportunities with them. Also say that you will be following up this email with a voicemail.
The idea here Amanda, is to create opportunities for yourself. They are out there, you just need to go after them. Remember this important fact: only 20% of jobs are listed online. So after you send that email, call the company and leave a voicemail for this executive - something like, "I'm following up the email I sent you earlier today with this voicemail, and look forward to setting up a time for us to talk". Then you briefly describe why you are calling, and ask them to respond back to you to schedule a time to discuss, etc etc.
Once you get this person on the phone, you want to 1. ask good questions, so be prepared. 2. you want to be clear about the next role you are looking for and your interest in being more challenged. 3. Also be very clear about your top successes and what makes you the best at what you do.
If you take this approach going forward with companies you are interested in, you will find yourself getting the future jobs you want.
Its all about "having conversations". Its not about posting your resume.
By the way, if you dont get a response back from this person once you've sent your email/voicemail, call them 1-2 times more, and then move on. Go to the next company you're interested in, and do this process again. In fact, create a list of potentially 20 + companies and go from there.
Once you've mastered this process, you'll find you are always in control of your career and the leader of your destiny.
The only disappointment you'll run into is if you take a role that is boring, ie "been there, done that", or not the right fit because you didnt do your homework upfront.

98 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman: It sounds like you already don't want to go for it... I always reach higher, even when switching fields. Skills are extremely transferable, and ...MoreIt sounds like you already don't want to go for it... I always reach higher, even when switching fields. Skills are extremely transferable, and it's more about showing how your past experience is relevant to the new position you're applying for. I say go for a bigger title and more pay when you make a switch, and I'll bet you'll get it :)
98 weeks ago
Amanda Christianson: Thanks ladies! As I even wrote that question, I looked at it and knew what the answer would be. Though it's out there to see what others might ...MoreThanks ladies! As I even wrote that question, I looked at it and knew what the answer would be. Though it's out there to see what others might think, and see if I was on target. Looks like I wasn't too far off. Great advice Kathryn!
98 weeks ago
Patricia Stewart: It sounds like you are more like me Amanda. I get excited about a new job and the possibilities for advancement are usually slim, unless someone ...MoreIt sounds like you are more like me Amanda. I get excited about a new job and the possibilities for advancement are usually slim, unless someone retires or quits. I always need to be challenged and a desk job has never kept me challenged for long. I just got involved in a network marketing business and every day it gives me a challenge and excitement. I am working it part-time, while I still have a full-time job that I am bored with, but know that in 1-3 years I will be able to walk away from it and be my own boss and make my own financial decisions. I am tired of exchanging time for money and never having enough money to enjoy my family and do the things we want. Take a chance and be your own boss. Don't let other people dictate your success, you sound very ambitious and have leadership skills. Don't sell yourself short.
96 weeks ago
Amanda Christianson: Thanks for the kind words, Patricia. And I think you're right - challenges are essential for me to feel fulfilled and passionate about what I'm ...MoreThanks for the kind words, Patricia. And I think you're right - challenges are essential for me to feel fulfilled and passionate about what I'm doing! I'm really starting to think more creatively about ways to earn a living for myself ... there are so many possibilities, and no wrong answers!
94 weeks ago

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