Reality Check: Rethinking Career Management in Challenging Times
There’s a lot of conventional wisdom floating around the career management world, and it’s time for a dose of reality—no matter how tough the job market may get. We’ve likely contributed to the noise ourselves, but that doesn’t mean we should buy into the same tired advice. Here’s some straight talk:
1. Forget the Career Aspiration Talk—Focus on The Job
Enough with the career aspiration buzzwords. What do you actually excel at that others could really use right now—sales, marketing, operations? If demand for your current skills is low, consider retraining or pursuing further education. Sure, “passion” and “career goals” sound great when the economy is growing, but they mean little when things are contracting. The only exception is if you’ve decided to take the entrepreneurial plunge—but that’s a different ball game. And don’t dive into entrepreneurship just because nothing else is working in your job search.
2. Stop the Obsession with Tools—Spend Time on Real Conversations
Skip the endless hours spent on resume builders, social media, and “how-to” guides. Limit your online job search to an hour or two per day. Instead, focus on finding real people—yes, actual humans with voices—who may be in need of your skills. Once you’ve found them, craft a proposition that speaks to their needs first, and your competencies second. Ongoing conversations are more valuable than an automated resume or cover letter, which don’t always come first. Real relationships matter more than digital tools.
3. Differentiation Isn’t About Being Different—It’s About Providing an Advantage
Being “different” isn’t always the goal—it’s about showing how you bring an advantage to the table that others haven’t. Take the example of a “highly experienced attorney with 35 years of experience”—that’s vague. Compare that to “Proven litigator specializing in Fortune 1000 employment law.” The latter clearly communicates value and what sets you apart, rather than simply listing experience.
4. You’re Not a Brand (And That’s Okay)
Forget about trying to “brand” yourself, despite what the personal branding gurus say. At its core, branding is about cutting through the noise to demonstrate your value and ensuring that what you offer resonates with the people who need it. It’s not about selling yourself with catchy slogans or clippings. Branding is a process, not a product. We’re not bars of soap or detergent. So, risk being yourself, and stop worrying about becoming a buzzword.
5. If You Can’t Stand the ‘You Inc.’ Mindset, Consider Other Paths
If the idea of turning yourself into a personal brand doesn’t sit well with you, perhaps consider roles in teaching, government, or healthcare. In these sectors, you’re often valued for your skills rather than your personal brand. But in a business-driven world, standing on your own feet is crucial. Unfortunately, we’ve created a system where accountability has been eroded. Layoffs and job cuts are reshaping the workforce, eliminating both performers and pretenders. While it’s tough in the short term, this process will strengthen the workforce in the long run, or so the economists say. We’ll wait and see how it all plays out.
Takeaway: The career management game is changing, and sometimes, it’s better to leave behind conventional advice in favor of focusing on what truly works. Be realistic, focus on what’s in demand, and embrace the reality of a shifting job market. Only time will tell how the current trends will unfold, but staying grounded will always be key.