I’m in sincere need of advice and guidance on gaining a competitive advantage in my career development.

Anonymous

June 30,2023 at 8:16PM UTC

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I’m in sincere need of advice and guidance on gaining a competitive advantage in my career development. I’ve worked for a state government agency for a decade, have a bachelor’s degree and have specialized experience in mental health. Recently, both a former coworker (we'll call her Judy for clarity) and I interviewed for a position in the mental health field. I checked all the boxes and surpassed the required years of experience and felt that I had a successful interview. What I didn’t know at the time is that Judy’s mother is best friends with that department’s state director-The big kahuna. All jobs under that department require a bachelor's degree, as well as specialized training and again, I fit the bill. The department director got word that Judy interviewed for the position and despite being a college drop out and not one year of specialized experience necessary for the position, the director gave Judy the job.

Since this all transpired, I’ve definitely decided to spend my time looking for opportunities with other agencies and companies. A lot to say and feel on the matter, but I’ll digress and spare space on the obvious issues surrounding the situation. This, unfortunately, isn’t completely foreign to the state agency I work for; generations of families closely intertwined in business matters exercising privileges I simply don’t have.

When discussing my feelings about the situation to my therapist, she suggested I look beyond the degree and years of experience that I have and consider what else I need to do to make myself a better candidate. I’m committed to growth, but I’m unsure of where to start and similarly want to make sure that I invest my resources into additional tools that are truly beneficial. Career growth and finding a better job feel like an exhaustive mental tap dance, just hoping someone likes your moves. Any advice or direction would be great. Thank you!

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AnonymousJune 30,2023 at 10:18PM UTC
I would network with others at and above your current level to see if you've missed any key or valuable certifications, training or studies.
Further, if permissible in your area of government work, to increase your personal brand by accepting high profile volunteer positions, speaking on panels, writing articles, gueting on podcasts or any other ways to get your name out there, promote your expertise and build a brand as an expert in your field. It's very hard to ignore or overstep a Rockstar. Trust me Rockstar trumps family everytime.
Alexis GladstoneJuly 1,2023 at 12:24AM UTC
Making yourself a better candidate isn't always about developing your skills, though that is always an good thing to do!
As you've experienced the business world (and government world) is all about relationships. If you want to stay in the same agency, what can you do to get yourself known to those higher up or in different parts of the organization? How can you build relationships with those you don't work with on a regular basis? I have a one-pager called "Ways to Stand Out Without Bragging" that may have some ideas for you. While I'm not as familiar with how government agencies work, I bet there are a few ideas you can run with.
If you want to start looking on the outside, relationships matter there too. Are there individuals you've met at conferences or workshops to reach out to? Coworkers who have left and gone elsewhere? Start building your list and see who is on it.
Taking classes is, of course, a good way to develop your skills. There are others ways too. Are you allowed to speak at events or conferences? Volunteer somewhere to use different skills and meet other people?
You said it feels like an exhaustive mental tap dance, so pick one thing to start with so you're not overwhelmed.
If you want the one-pager or to spend 30 minutes talking about strategy, reach out here or even better, on LinkedIn (with a note telling me who you are and where we "met")
AnonymousJuly 1,2023 at 3:16PM UTC
I morphed a Master of Divinity and Master of Science in Professional Counseling into a broader Doctorate in Human Services program. Since my MDiv was never intended to work in a church, but in more pastoral care roles, like pastoral counseling, missionary work, and chaplaincy, I needed the Counseling degree. When I decided I wanted to grow to the point of running an agency, I opted for the Human Services end, which fits where I am and want to be. Based on my experience, my advice is to look at the bigger and broader picture of where you want to be and then work your way to something more specific. You are never too old to learn, and there are online and in-person programs that can be flexible with your particular life challenges.
HeidinniJuly 2,2023 at 1:43AM UTC
It sounds to me like you would be a great fit somewhere and the org that have Judy the job is not ethical enough to deserve you. I hope you find something even better because that is what you deserve. There is no way to out qualify someone with connections. It's just the unfortunate reality of someone is being hired based on that.
Sandy EarlJuly 3,2023 at 12:28PM UTC
Another thing potentially holding you back is, sadly, your competence in your current role and the need to recruit and train your replacement. This is common in government work; it’s easier on the org to hire from outside or promote people from easy-to-replace roles. I’ve run into this a couple times in government work and couldn’t craft a workaround other then moving to a new org.
GirlBossanova934974July 3,2023 at 1:15PM UTC
2 immediate points stand out. As you are state government employee, you should be part of the civil service system and the sort of stuff you are describing is a big NO NO in the civil service system aka handing out jobs to your friends. I worked for the Federal government for several years. That being said, if you want to get ahead in your career, you either need to find another state agency or another organization to work for. As some have said, relationships are very important these days. Best to find a place where you have a chance to get your promotion and the buddy buddy system is not operating out in the open in civil service. PLUS being a current state employee, you will probably have a big leg up in the next state agency as a current employee.
AnonymousJuly 3,2023 at 4:12PM UTC
Nepotism exists in every facet of the workforce. There might have been other reasons they chose her over you so don't let that ruin your rainbow. You have a lot to offer, what you lack is confidence in your packaging and brand. Brand yourself as what you want to be and draft a plan to get to where you want to go. It's also fine to let the road take you which will be less satisfying overall and is what is creating your mental tap dance. Take charge, plot a few roads to travel. Stick to the plan and do it in steps if not all in one giant leap. If you need help work through the how with your therapist or a mentor (perhaps someone who walked that path before?) and then just do it! Investing in yourself is the best investment you can make without using a bank! Good luck, you got this sister.
AnonymousJuly 3,2023 at 9:25PM UTC
You sound like a super star. You've put in your time, you have built your resume and skill set, and you have the required education component ...everything is in place, you interviewed well aaaaaaaaand... Judy got the job. This totally sucks and completely warps a person's sense of dedication and fidelity to the job or the employer. BEEN THERE DONE THAT. Folks with your work ethic and sense of justice and " hard work pays off" Get screwed in situations like this. And there is absolutely not one thing you can do about it. So. First, don't minimize who you are... This c***** experience does not minimize your wonderful skill set and personhood and what you have to offer. I would just start looking for another job and take some online certifications and do other simple things to round out your skill set. .. I would also consider doing something voluntarily that you enjoy.. Such as Habitat for Humanity or some other philanthropic organization...get away from these people, start networking outside that government agency, and meet some nice people who will appreciate and breathe some LIFE into you ... You deserve to be appreciated and rewarded forfor who you are.. Nepotism sucks and it hits all of us at 1 point or another...press on.
Liz MilneJuly 4,2023 at 4:29AM UTC
In this case, you had no chance: Judy and her mom had something you did not have and could not get no matter what: an 'in' with the company. It sucks, but it wasn't your fault and nor does it mean that you weren't the better candidate for the job.
Big breath, kick the wall (gently!) and wait for the next opportunity. (Which might be this job when drop-out Judy's lack of college education/ skills makes themselves known to her new colleagues!)
AnonymousJuly 4,2023 at 2:30PM UTC
The position Judy got was in a state agency and had those requirements? I’d probably make a complaint about that.
AnonymousJuly 5,2023 at 5:08PM UTC
You and I must work for the same state agency. I went thru something like this a little over a year ago. It has taken me a year to realize thru my therapist that I must do the "dance" in addition to the other things mentioned. The other things - like classes, additional certifications are really the easy part. The dance is the hard part, and I am learning to become fake to learn the dance. I am not a spring chicken and I was kinda set in my ways of ... "I have the best qualifications so I should get the job" mentality. Let go of that. I am struggling with the dance, but I am taking my steps one at a time.
Also, let go of the situation where you were surpassed. State government work sucks. I am waiting for my 25 years for my pension benefits and leaving to work for a temp agency in the private sector.