Tomorrow's Talent

6 performance and career progression secrets they don’t teach you at school

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 04:19:20 +0000

6 performance and career progression secrets they don’t teach you at school Anonymous (not verified)

There is a lot of advice out there about how to land your next job.

You would frequently come across career advice on topics like practical tips on CVs and cover letters, and how to prepare for interviews.

Once you have landed a job, there’s a lot to learn about performing at your best and achieving regular career progression. Now, go a step further. How do you ensure top performance at each new job you have? How do you demonstrate your value and role in business continuity and recovery? And what are key practical tips for career progression?

Here are six guidelines on these very subjects that working professionals have learned from experience that they don’t teach you at school.

1. Find your personal brand, fast

We hear it a lot: just be yourself. Authenticity is what matters. This is where your personal brand comes in, and it includes your core values, strengths and motivation at work. You can develop your personal brand by:

Cultivating a well-rounded career path with diverse experience
Using social media to post information, content and other media to become a thought leader
Starting a blog or podcast about your industry or profession
Speaking on panels at events and conferences
Being vocal at your current job about accomplishments and milestones reached.

A well-rounded personal brand makes you stand out. Gavin Teo, Associate Director, Banking and Finance at Michael Page Singapore, says, “Personal branding is incredibly significant in today’s context with the widespread use of social media. One needs to be a subject matter expert, have a good career track record, achieve many milestones to be recognised internally by management and peers, and externally by the industry. Your visibility, both online and in your network, plays a more important role than you ever think, especially in today’s current remote working mode.”

2. Focus on agility

In times like these, companies have switched from long-term, 5-year strategies to more agile models that allow them to be reactive to unexpected and evolving circumstances. Thus, they expect the people they hire to also have the agility to move quickly along with them.

It’s no longer enough to simply fill the basic requirements of your role – true agility means you can jump into other areas as needed.

Professionals today can be ready to exhibit this agility by thinking outside of the box, or more specifically, outside of their job description. As Crystal Ng, Associate Director, Human Resources at Michael Page Malaysia, advises, “Being agile is essential – as AI and other technologies become more advanced, the more mundane part of our jobs can easily be replaced by robots and automation. As such, professionals should add value to their current role and have an end-to-end understanding of all the processes and strategies they are involved in. It’s no longer enough to simply fill the basic requirements of your role – true agility means you can jump into other areas as needed.”

An agile professional is someone who:

Can easily make the switch to new ways of working without reducing productivity
Thinks quickly on their feet
Responds well to change, short deadlines and quick pivots
Is prepared to take on new responsibilities outside of their initial job scope.

Being agile is also about not being afraid to test out new ideas. In the current market, where most business models have been turned on their head, displaying the agility to try new things will get you noticed. As Nicolò Zanelli, Associate Director, Engineering and Manufacturing at Michael Page Vietnam, points out, now is the perfect time to try. “Be disruptive – you have nothing to lose in the new normal. It’s a new start, and if you have a genuine idea, you might beat our competitors to the punch.”

3. Be your own advocate in the workplace

Be proactive, don’t wait for opportunities to come to you and be vocal about where your career aspirations lie. As Ng says, “Show initiative. If you want to be a people manager, voice out your passion for leading a team. Find ways to get the experience you will need in that higher role so that you are ready when it comes along. Find someone to mentor, get involved and take leadership roles in company activities like corporate social responsibility groups or team building for a chance to practice and display your leadership skills.”

Being vocal is essential. Very simply put, people don’t know you want a job unless you ask for it. During a recent Michael Page webinar, Sara Cheng, Managing Director of Twitter Greater China, said: “We are the masters of our own career when you are planning for your next move, take three steps. 1. Prepare. 2. Identify your goals. 3. Ask.”

4. Do the work before the title change

Gustavo Fuchs, General Manager of Microsoft Solutions Asia, stressed the importance of growth within your current role before looking for that next step in your career. He shares, “If you want to move up, develop your assets as a leader, and experiment while growing in your current role. Then reflect: What can you do before you get promoted?” Have an open discussion with your current manager that allows you to explore and work towards your next job.

Progression can often come before the title change, so start looking at the attributes and responsibilities that are required to take the next step in your career.

Emma Parnwell, Associate Director, Human Resources, at Michael Page Australia, echoes the sentiment of doing the work before the actual title change. “Progression can often come before the title change, so start looking at the attributes and responsibilities that are required to take the next step in your career. From here, you can actively seek to gain exposure to these areas and insights. Check in with your goal regularly and ask yourself honestly: what have you done to work towards it?”

Finally, it’s essential to remember that career progression doesn’t always mean managing a huge team. Not everyone aspires to reach the c-suite – and that’s okay. Lateral career moves and deepening your speciality as a sole contributor or expert are legitimate ways to advance your career as well. The key factor here is to know what you want and focus on the responsibilities, not only the title.

Career progression hacks

01 Your personal brand plays a significant role in today's remote work environment

02 Being vocal about your progression goals is crucial

03Actively seek to gain exposure to areas that will set you up for a promotion or title change

04Finding your niche can work to your benefit as a competitive differentiator

5. Find your niche

If you have career goals and aspirations to make it in an extremely competitive or crowded space, go for it, but also consider how specialisation can help propel you forward.

If you break into that unknown, find that niche where you can contribute, it can be a competitive differentiator.

Fuchs advises finding a niche. “Travel the road that fewer people [take] to stand out in a competitive environment. Perhaps look at starting out in a smaller market or take on projects that aren’t as popular or as visible at the beginning. If you break into that unknown, find that niche where you can contribute, it can be a competitive differentiator and help lead you faster to the main role or position that you really want.”

6. Always keep an eye on the horizon

Monitoring and reviewing your long-term goals are key to making good career decisions. Amelia Lestari, Associate Director, Sales and Marking at Michael Page Indonesia, says, “Always remember your goals in life and keep a positive point of view to be thankful for what you have. Remind yourself what your goals are, and with the world slowing down right now, use this time to contemplate your path towards them.”

Zanelli advises that now is the time. “Think strategically – there is no better time to plan your route than in calm waters! When the market bounces back, it will come back strong. If you have a solid plan in your hands, it will be easier to navigate the storm.”

Productivity and career progression aren’t exact sciences. The best we can do is be aware of our own unique set of skills, experiences, and knowledge and constantly improve upon those. And then keep an eye out for opportunities to learn and grow – to keep moving towards your goals.

Michael Page

Tomorrow's Talent

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5 tips for dealing with early career setbacks

Anonymous — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 06:50:33 +0000

5 tips for dealing with early career setbacks Anonymous (not verified)

Bill Gates. George Lucas. Oprah Winfrey. Jack Ma. These are some of the most successful names in their fields, but have you also heard about their early career failures?

Bill Gates’ first business folded. The first commercial film by George Lucas was a flop. Oprah Winfrey was dropped from her first stint as an anchorwoman after only a few episodes. Jack Ma was rejected from 30 jobs, but later co-founded Alibaba Group – and today he’s worth US$48.7 billion.

These are not unique stories – all the world’s most successful people have at least one or two epic failures in their past. However, they all found ways to overcome these setbacks and returned stronger and better prepared.

When faced with failure, it’s important to keep looking forward. Carol Cai, Associate Director, Manufacturing and Engineering at Michael Page China says, “Focus on the learnings instead of the failure. No one can change what has already happened – how you use it for a better future is the key.”

Keeping that advice in mind – what’s the best way to handle these setbacks? Here are some tips for not only making it through challenging times but coming out on the other side in a stronger, more knowledgeable place than before.

1. Don’t let setbacks define you

Especially early on in your career, be sure not to let setbacks get into your head. It’s normal to internalise events, convincing yourself that you are could be the problem. However, in many cases, other contributing factors have nothing to do with your own efforts or knowledge.

No one can change what has already happened – how you use it for a better future is the key

Being retrenched or furloughed can feel very personal, but you have the power to turn it around by being open and honest in your job search. Govil Aggarwal, Associate Director, Marketing at Michael Page India advises, “If fired or laid off from a previous role, job seekers should be upfront and honest about what happened. There is no shame in admitting a role was retrenched and some companies actually prefer candidates who are immediately available.”

Even more, avoid labelling yourself as a failure. In fact, one study conducted by Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management found that current failure can actually spark later success. The study analysed data from scientists who had applied for grants early in their careers and split them into two groups – those who succeeded and those who failed.

Later, they tracked how many papers those same scientists published over the next decade and found that those in the failure group were 6.1% more likely to publish a high-impact paper than those in the success group. In other words, failure might be a catalyst for working harder to be successful the next time around.

Bottom line: Don’t let external factors doubt your knowledge and belief in your own capabilities.

2. Take the lessons, leave the judgement

It sounds like a platitude, but it really is true – there’s more to be learnt from challenging situations than easy ones. With that in mind, focus on what lessons can be learned.

If you’ve been fired or laid off, seek out feedback from someone in the organisation that you trust. From there, see what you can fix for the next time around. It’s not easy to turn a critical eye inwards but doing so will allow you to improve.

When starting the job search again, it’s important to be honest and open with prospective employers. Emma Parnwell, Associate Director at Michael Page Australia says, “At the interview stage, be honest, but stick to the facts and leave out emotion. Quite often, job seekers fall into the trap of over-justifying and giving too much detail. This can lead to them providing an emotional narrative that will raise more questions.”

Bottom line: Own the situation, learn what you can from it, but then set your sights on your next opportunity.

How to handle setbacks and failures

1) Use your failure as motivation to work harder at the next opportunity
2) At job interviews, own the situation, rather than over-justify
3) Take on a growth mindset to enable better learning, adapting and persistence
4) Understand that small, steady wins can lead to transformational power

3. Keep trying, as long as necessary

Sometimes, success will only come on the 10th attempt, or with the 15th job application. It does not matter when exactly that success comes, it only matters that you persist.

In this time of lay-offs and hiring freezes due to COVID-19, persistence is even more important, as this situation may continue for some time. While you are waiting, make sure you have everything in place to succeed, then wait until the time is right.

Bottom line: Let small wins keep you going and keep trying as long as necessary.

4. Adopt a growth mindset

A growth mindset (versus a fixed one) is the belief that a person can always learn, improve and develop the necessary skills and abilities. A growth mindset is essential in recovering from a career setback, as it allows you to learn, adapt and keep going.

This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.

As Carol Dweck, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, outlines in her book, “The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.”

In the job search, Aggarwal echoes this call to be flexible, “Be open-minded about new opportunities, as long as your skillset is put to good use. This is a time to be flexible on titles and team structure, as long as the company is ready to invest in your future growth.”

Bottom line: A growth mindset also allows you to reframe your loss as an opportunity: to learn, to grow and to do things better the next time around.

5. Take Action

After a setback, it can be hard to find the motivation to get going again. This is where it’s important to take the situation into your own hands, find out what you can control and take action steps to get back up on top.

Even if you were retrenched, be picky and do not apply to all the jobs that you see, but instead focus on those that are the best fit.

In the case of losing a job, those action steps include getting back into the job search. Imeiniar Chandra, Director at Michael Page Indonesia advises, “Build your own personal brand, get in touch with a recruitment agency to assist you in a job search or reach out directly to companies you want to work for. Even if you were retrenched, be picky and do not apply to all the jobs that you see, but instead focus on those that are the best fit.”

Related: How to make a career change

Parnwell also advises taking stock of what your strengths are, and find ways to highlight them as you move forward. “Remember, you are not alone, it’s a competitive market and this means that companies can be selective about what they are looking for. What are your tangible and transferable achievements and skills? Focus on the positives of your skillset. Not every role will be right for you, so instead of emotionally investing into a position that is a 60% fit, focus on the positions that are the right fit and spend time tailoring your application to the position deliverables.”

Bottom line: If you take the chance to learn, finding a job is still possible. It may not look like it at first.

Growth from failure

Experiencing a setback early in your career is hard and discouraging in the short term. But in the long term, it can turn out to be a great opportunity to learn more about yourself as a professional, find new sources of motivation and acquire additional knowledge for the future.

Looking for a career change? Browse current job opportunities, submit your CV or get in touch with one of our consultants to find out how we can assist and support your job search process.

Michael Page

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How to navigate the job search of the future

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 06:21:56 +0000

How to navigate the job search of the future Anonymous (not verified)

At various times throughout your career, you will be going through a job search, whether by choice or unexpectedly.

As we move into the future of work, the job search itself is going through a transformation. In addition, the global pandemic is presenting a distinct set of challenges for job seekers now, as employers adjust hiring needs in response to the economic downturn. However, companies still need talented professionals in challenging times, so jobs are out there.

As a job seeker, you must adapt your strategy to find a job in these times. Certain elements will remain essential: an impressive CV, a compelling cover letter and great interview skills. However, others are changing: expected skills sets, required background and experience and employer expectations.

On top of this, employers need to know: how can you contribute to business recovery and continuity during this period of disruption? Here is a guide to help job seekers navigate this new hiring landscape.

Making the job search work for you

Your CV – the first point of contact

Review your CV to make it succinct and ensure that it highlights the right parts of your experience and skills. Use terminology from the job description to describe your relevant experience. Hiring managers of today have even less time for reviewing your CV, so make yours count.

Pro tip: Eugenia Ng, Associate Director, Finance at Michael Page Singapore advises, “CVs that stand out have a good, concise structure. Hiring managers hardly have time to plough through a long CV, so key highlights and career achievements should be well captured in the first section of the CV, and repetitive job scopes should be summarised into one section.”

Your Cover Letter – selling your skills and experience

Being unique and direct are keys to getting noticed. Avoid simply repeating information in your CV and use the chance to elaborate on your experience. The cover letter can also include reasons why you want to work for that company, your motivation, and explanations for any ambiguous parts of your CV.

Pro tip: Personalise the cover letter for each job you apply to, let your personality come through. Use it as your chance to sell your skills and expertise to the hiring manager. Think of the cover letter as your sales pitch for why you’re the best candidate for the job.

Think of the cover letter as your sales pitch for why you’re the best candidate for the job.

Interviewing

Preparation is key, whether your interview is in person or virtual. Prepare your answers for common interview questions, and think about job-specific questions they may ask. If you’re interviewing for a technical role, be prepared for a test or problem-solving assignment as a way of proving that you know your stuff. Additionally, research the company to give context to your responses.

Pro tip: “Do not give textbook answers, as hiring managers these days are looking for the right culture fit with 80% of the key skills. Always highlight your achievements and how you have demonstrated good learning agility instead of sharing your experience monotonously,” Ng says.

Skills sets: what you need and how to showcase them as part of your personal brand

The required skillsets of the future are varied, but one common skill across the board is agility – the ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances and situations. Additionally, companies are increasingly hiring for the potential they see in professionals to grow within the company.

Ken Chan, Director at Page Personnel Hong Kong explains, “Organic, internal growth is becoming a key part of HR strategy in many companies, so high-quality entry to mid-level candidates are in high demand in the market. Be proactive and participate in company projects that enrich your profile and anything related to digital, project management and crisis management will be useful.”

Here are four other skills sets to focus on in the job search of the future:

1. Digital skills

It’s no longer a bonus to know how to use technology, it’s an essential part of doing your job. Research the technology skills that are relevant to your career, and seek out training in these programs. Even better, obtain certifications that show your level of expertise. Most companies offer certifications for their own software – for example, Microsoft has various certification programs for the Office Suite.

Within the job search, digital skills are important as companies are increasingly using AI and automation to save time. From writing AI friendly CVs to taking online skills tests, professionals must have a fundamental understanding and comfort level in digital skills to navigate the process.

As roles expand and become more multi-faceted, a relationship management skillset means you are able to communicate your ideas, influence others and liaise with different teams.

2. Strong relationship management skills

This broad skills set refers to being able to effectively manage various relationships within the organisation and out. This includes stakeholder management, the ability to work in cross-functional teams and effective communication skills. As roles expand and become more multi-faceted, this skills set means you can communicate your ideas, influence others and liaise with different teams.

3. Critical thinking

How well are you able to think outside of the box when coming up with solutions? The idea of innovative thinking isn’t just for leaders – every professional should learn how to:

Think up new ideas,
Know their long-term implications, and
Understand how to apply those innovations to their processes and responsibilities.

4. Customer-centric thinking

There is a strong shift happening in which companies are focusing on what value they bring to their customers. Develop the skills to approach every issue or problem from the perspective of the “customer” (Read: the customer can be an internal stakeholder if you don’t deal directly with external customers), anticipate their needs and come up with solutions to meet those needs. In many jobs, User Experience (UX), business acumen and an understanding of the user journey are key.

Think of these skillsets as the foundation to building up your personal brand. That is, above your technical qualifications, what is your unique professional story. Developing this personal brand through social media activity, networking and external interactions is often overlooked, but a strong personal brand will give you the competitive advantage in a job search.

It’s not easy out there right now for those looking for a job, but this does not mean that your value or ability to choose, negotiate and improve circumstances for yourself are diminished.

The future job search landscape: an empowered candidate

It’s not easy out there right now for those looking for a job, but this does not mean that your value or ability to choose, negotiate and improve circumstances for yourself are diminished. Candidates are still empowered to look beyond simple remuneration and include factors such as company values, vision and ethos into your job search process.

As Anthony Thompson, Regional Managing Director of PageGroup Asia says, “In times of a recession when many people are looking for a job, it’s simply not true that companies can expect to hire amazing talent at discount rates. As soon as the hiring market picks up again, the war for talent will be back on and the best professionals can continue to command commensurate salaries and have their choice of companies.”

Related: How to make a career change

Surviving the job search of the future

In many ways, the future of searching for a job is already here. Professionals looking for their next opportunity should believe in their abilities, learn how to negotiate the salary they deserve and work towards landing the job of their dreams – or at least their next great opportunity along the way.

Looking for a career change? Browse current job opportunities, submit your CV or get in touch with one of our consultants to find out how we can assist and support your job search process.

Michael Page

Tomorrow's Talent

Join over 60,000 readers!

Get a free weekly update via email here and help kick start your career.