What Did I Miss?
Jim Vahle Clarifies Perceptions & Reality: Employment in the U.S.
On January 29, current principal of Aspen Consulting Group Jim Vahle addressed over 100 attendees at the Executive Network Group in a robust presentation: “Where are all the jobs and How do I find mine?”
Jim argues that perceptions are very important; our perception of the world around us is important, and our perception of “self” is important in determining whether we will be proactive in our search. Our current perception concludes, “There are not a lot of opportunities for executives in transition today!” But, that perception may be incorrect.
On January 27, The Chicago Tribune provided statistics on new job opportunities and predicted that hiring will occur in finance, healthcare, and advertising. These “new opportunities” reflect a shift in market demand. As Chairman Greenspan stated, “Many of the jobs lost in the last two years will be replaced. New jobs will replace old ones, but not without pain for those involved in the job turnover process.”
Jim Vahle noted that “change is the precursor to opportunity!” Cradle to grave employment is now a pipe-dream, but new products mean more opportunities for individuals to get those products through the distribution chain to consumers. Jim reflected that IBM originally launched enormous computer systems that subsequently gave way to personal computers, which then provided a need for computer chips….and so it goes. Each change generates an opportunity; but, the jobs may be different and in different places. So, how do we FIND these new jobs?
ADOPT AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT!
The answer lies in recognizing that with the education levels of ENG members, our skills are transferable to new job requirements. Entrepreneurs take calculated risks (rather than a wild-eyed risk). Since employment security doesn’t exist any more, the only security we have is to offer a service or product that someone wants/needs to buy. Vahle emphasized that he wasn’t recommending that we all start a business; rather, he was here to encourage those who want to learn the skills necessary to succeed to “focus on what the market wants,” and then market yourself to that need.
Searching for a job is an entrepreneurial activity. Ask yourself:
What does the
market want right now?
What do you do that could mean something to someone else?
List your accomplishments; (they’re hiring you to accomplish something),
how do your accomplishments match their needs?
Write a narrative identifying 5-30 things you accomplished in your career. A.
Write a narrative about those accomplishments (5 lines);
B. Identify what action you took;
C. State the result (Financial? Time savings? Work flow process?);
Identify your
core competencies.
Do not provide a generic resume. Customize your resume to what the market wants! Choose 3-4 things from your list of accomplishments or core competencies that would apply to the career opportunity. Put that information at the top of your resume, identifying what you can accomplish for THIS company! Research the company, and show how you can help them!
SELF INVENTORY: Interests, Abilities, Competencies!
If you aren’t comfortable breaking out of the “job title” that formerly defined you, sit down and take a self-inventory:
1) What are your interests?
2) What are your abilities?
3) Identify your competencies!
4) Match your competencies, skills, and interests to a job you want to do.
5) Find a company you can help to succeed!
Jim Vahle urges us to adapt to change by adopting an entrepreneurial spirit. The key is to do a self-inventory, customize your resume, market yourself to company needs, and be flexible in your perception of yourself. Soon, you will have a new self-definition, and a new job!
For more information, contact Jim Vahle via e-mail:
jvahle@aspenconsultinggroup.com