When I ask professionals how their job search is going, many say:
“I’m focused on doing this course to upskill”
This seems to be a go-to answer, as if adding something new is the only way forward.
But here’s my take.
After working with hundreds of professionals, I’ve discovered that most already have the right stuff.
They just haven’t positioned themselves properly.
Let me explain.
Most professionals I coach think they don’t have the right experience or skills to go for the roles they actually want.
But when we dig a little deeper, they’re already sitting on a goldmine of experiences.
They’ve solved problems, lead teams and driven outcomes.
They just don’t know how to reference this in the typical resume.
So your starting point shouldn’t be learning more.
It’s to showcase better.
Try this.
When you go for your next position, forget what’s listed in the job ad for a moment.
Instead, think about what the job actually involves.
What are the actions and behaviours that person would need to do daily?
Now, where have you done those things already?
Maybe it wasn’t in the exact same context, but the skill is there.
And if you can show that you’ve already done the things that actually matter, it becomes easier for someone to imagine you in the role.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t be upskilling, particularly if a certain qualification is required for the job you want.
I’m just asking you to consider how to better position what you’ve already done.
Because it might be enough.