What's the State of Your Professional Competence
The following information is excerpted from the July 26 issue of CareerBytes, the newsletter of Career Directors International.
According to Peter Weddle, recruiter, HR consultant and business CEO turned author and commentator, "The state of your professional competence is a reflection of the person who is responsible for maintaining its upkeep: YOU. In other words, when an employer assesses the skills, knowledge and experience that you bring to the table as a candidate, they will consider what they find to be an indication of the motivation, determination and energy you offer as a person. If the former is in disrepair; if your skills are substandard, your knowledge is antiquated, your track record is spotty; then they will assume the latter--your desire and propensity to contribute is, as well. Broken professional windows reflect broken individual values."
So how can we help identify when a client has broken windows in his or her career? Here are the signs Peter has gathered from employers and recruiters:
1. "You cannot identify discrete accomplishments on-the-job that demonstrate your competence in your field and your commitment to making a contribution to your employer."
2. "You have a track record of working to the limits of your job description and no further."
3. "You avoid special projects and ad hoc task forces that require you to work outside your comfort zone."
4. "You don't feel any passion for your work and devote the bare minimum of time and effort to it."
5. "You have not taken a refresher course or training program in your primary field in the last three years."
6. "You are not continuously enrolled in educational programs to develop value-added skills in such areas as a second language, time management, and cost-benefit analysis."
7. "You do not participate in a professional association or society that serves your field or industry."
8. "You don't read the literature in your field and, therefore, can't comment on key issues and trends that are affecting it and its role in the workplace."
9. "You have gaps in your employment that are filled with active job searches, but no concurrent effort to maintain and/or enhance your occupational expertise."
10. "You aren't able to articulate your goals for employment or the contribution you can make to an employer."
Visit www.weddles.com for information on Peter Weddle.
According to Peter Weddle, recruiter, HR consultant and business CEO turned author and commentator, "The state of your professional competence is a reflection of the person who is responsible for maintaining its upkeep: YOU. In other words, when an employer assesses the skills, knowledge and experience that you bring to the table as a candidate, they will consider what they find to be an indication of the motivation, determination and energy you offer as a person. If the former is in disrepair; if your skills are substandard, your knowledge is antiquated, your track record is spotty; then they will assume the latter--your desire and propensity to contribute is, as well. Broken professional windows reflect broken individual values."
So how can we help identify when a client has broken windows in his or her career? Here are the signs Peter has gathered from employers and recruiters:
1. "You cannot identify discrete accomplishments on-the-job that demonstrate your competence in your field and your commitment to making a contribution to your employer."
2. "You have a track record of working to the limits of your job description and no further."
3. "You avoid special projects and ad hoc task forces that require you to work outside your comfort zone."
4. "You don't feel any passion for your work and devote the bare minimum of time and effort to it."
5. "You have not taken a refresher course or training program in your primary field in the last three years."
6. "You are not continuously enrolled in educational programs to develop value-added skills in such areas as a second language, time management, and cost-benefit analysis."
7. "You do not participate in a professional association or society that serves your field or industry."
8. "You don't read the literature in your field and, therefore, can't comment on key issues and trends that are affecting it and its role in the workplace."
9. "You have gaps in your employment that are filled with active job searches, but no concurrent effort to maintain and/or enhance your occupational expertise."
10. "You aren't able to articulate your goals for employment or the contribution you can make to an employer."
Visit www.weddles.com for information on Peter Weddle.
