I love interviewing.
So much so, that I often ask to add more interviewers to the process. My goal is to meet as many people in the organization as possible and get an understanding of the business by hearing from employees. I think of interviewing as a way to learn as much as it is to share.
Missed opportunity
Most people don’t do this. And it’s unfortunate. Instead, I often hear a familiar story. Someone reaches out to me looking for advice because they just got laid off or the company they work at isn’t a good fit. They’re desperately looking and it leads to a ‘take any job’ mindset.
People are hoping the resume they haven’t looked at in years makes it’s way up the pile and that the interview questions they Googled (hopefully you’re using AI now) are good enough prep that they feel more comfortable interviewing.
Big mistake. It’s approaching your career reactively.
Network
Time to get that leverage back. It starts by prioritizing your career and putting in the effort and time needed to make it happen, not happen to you.
A few things you can do right now:
Build relationships through LinkedIn: it’s now become a very active social site focused on networking. But you have to put in the time. Sending a connection request and ghosting ain’t it. Neither is logging in once in a blue moon.
Attend a conference or event where your peers will be: there are several across the globe and you can find one that’s right for you. Where do you want to be in a year, three, or five? Attend events where those people currently are and start building relationships. Short term moves for long term growth.
Explore modern technology: get familiar and comfortable with new technology that’s hitting the market. Take a demo. Do a proof of concept. Find some training. Modern tech isn’t slowing down and if you’re not constantly staying up to date, you’re falling behind.
Hyper-growth
I’ve said if before and I’ll say it again, procurement is in hyper-growth. As are our friends in finance. The back office is gaining a lot off attention and things are moving really, really fast. Those that are prioritizing this space in time and slowing down to speed up are going to be tomorrow’s leaders. And that’s who everyone wants to hire. Imagine talking about what you’re seeing and where things are headed in an interview. Not answering questions about a time you had to deal with a hard vendor.
Control your career. Control your destiny.
See you next week,
Mat
ps. Every day thousands and thousands of people are engaging on LinkedIn… get in the conversation.
