Who would have thought I would learn so much as I look for a new role? Talk about learning “on-the-job” (or in this case “for-the-job”)! Of course, I should have realised that I would learn a huge amount, being in this new terrain, doing things I have not done before/lately, but it’s really only hitting me now as I look back over the past few weeks just how much I have grown. And that is all learning that I will take into a new position.
Take for example networking. I have become a much better networker than I was before. I have overcome my fear of reaching out to people I don’t know. I have had some amazing conversations that have led to new learning. I have built a network in the UK of people I can share ideas with that I didn’t have before. That’s such a huge advantage to any company that I work for in the future – I bring all those connections and potential value with me.
I have also learned a fair bit about selling. In this case, selling myself and my services, matched to the needs of the employer. It’s one thing to go in to an interview with what you are good at; it’s quite another to position that in a way that the company can see the value you bring to solving the problems that they are facing. I can see myself bringing that more honed skill to any future role, as I attempt to influence change that will bring about business results – not pushing for that change, but selling it and getting people to buy into it, based on how it meets the company’s needs.
I’ve learned to focus on telling a story…HOW I delivered something, and moved the company from point A to point B. They want to know I am a safe pair of hands and that I know from experience what it takes to get things done.
That’s just the tip of my learning iceberg; and it’s keeping me motivated, knowing that this process is helping me to grow as a person. It’s no longer a chore, as I can see how much value it is bringing to me, and to any future companies I work for.
I’m curious – how have you developed in the past, as a result of searching for a new role?
