Thinking outside of the box … or is it the jam jar?
Ever since I heard the phrase and its meaning, I’ve enjoyed what it is to think outside of the box. Maybe that’s because it takes creativity and it’s what I do. And now I’m encouraging you to do the same. I’m encouraging you to think creatively and differently about your next career opportunity.
I’ve been promoting transferable skillsets for some time. Right now, it’s even more significant that employers, recruiters, job seekers and entrepreneurs all focus on skills, as well as how they translate to a new and different environment. For many this is not the time to start up a brand-new business that requires huge financial commitment, although I’ve heard some great stories recently about people who are translating their business experiences and personal interests into viable propositions.
Today as well as transferrable skills I’m promoting other talents and interests, as a starting point for job search. What are your interests and how do they fit with your professional skills? Have you been baking, painting or jam making during isolation or have you been refreshing your interest in volunteering or photography? Perhaps it’s time to begin thinking outside of the box. How else could you utilise those writing talents? Who might benefit from your skills?
The collection of empty glass jars sitting on the windowsill right now is where this story began. They reminded me of jam making with my Granddad. We used to go foraging for wild damsons, crab apples and blackberries. I’ve collected the jars during lockdown so that I can make jam just like we used to. It’s all part of my plan to be more self-sustaining. I’m unlikely to swap my current success as an HR consultant and coach for jam making or recycling glass jars, although if I didn’t have work then maybe. Right now, there are too many people relying on me for support. And there are too many businesses which (don’t recognise it yet but) need to review how they recruit. Naturally I’m here to help, but let’s get back to you, your strengths and transferable skills.
From time to time I read CVs which give me a laundry list of individual competencies, although they’re not particularly individual. They could be describing most people in most business organisations. Are you a great communicator or are you simply chatty? I’ve come up with the following idea which will help you to pinpoint what makes you special and what you offer. Once you’ve conquered the challenge, you’ll have between six and nine achievements to promote and some precise dialogue about you.
1. List just three words (strengths) that best describe you/are most frequently used about you
2. For each of the three strengths in turn, highlight two or three different components and
3. Two to three achievements which have contributed to each strength
For example – if one of your top three strengths is confident communications, three noteworthy components and achievements for you might be:
1. Making presentations. Delivered a learning event for 12 colleagues via Microsoft Teams
2. Public speaking. Shared my experiences of remote working at a global (and virtual) leadership event for 100 franchisees
3. Engaging a crowd and networking. Hosted and facilitated an industry forum on sustainability for 50 delegates
And finally, if you are not feeling the love today perhaps it’s time to Samba in the sunshine or make jam!
