How do I get noticed?

Caitlin Regan

December 23,2021 at 4:59AM UTC

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How do I get noticed? I’ve worked for the same company for a little over 5 years. This summer, I completed my master’s. I’ve been trying since then to find something more in line with that education, but I keep getting denied because I don’t have the necessary experience (even when a job listing states entry level).

I’m currently working a job that no longer requires an education because the company is offering on the job training. I hate going to work everyday knowing I’m more than overqualified, but I can’t seem to get anywhere with interviews. I’ve tried reaching out to our careers team and to HR, but that hasn’t gotten me anywhere.

What did y’all do to get noticed or to find someone who was willing to give you a chance, even without experience?

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AnonymousDecember 23,2021 at 9:35AM UTC
Sometimes, we have to take a position in less desirable places. Connections and recruiters also mean a lot.
AnonymousDecember 23,2021 at 1:06PM UTC
The degree doesn't make you overqualified. It makes you highly educated on the curriculum. Knowing something conceptually but not in practice isn't equivalent. For more than a decade after the advent of MBAs by the dozen from instant online colleges, people with the degree were getting hired for roles above above experience and it showed. I hope business is swinging back toward the center. Having stated that, find a mentor (or more than one) who has been on a path you hope to follow and emulate it. Ask direct questions when you are given assignments in your role: "What results with this task would be considered above and beyond?" "Are there additional projects I could take on that would help me gain leadership experience and advance the goals of the department/ company?" Just owning the degree isn't going to advance you if you aren't putting yourself out there for new challenges. Once you've met and exceeded expectations, make sure to make your resume one that is accomplishment-based and use stats. Like, "Improved engagement 30% quarter over quarter" or "Led key software implementation project to completion 3 months ahead of schedule and 10% under budget."
AnonymousDecember 24,2021 at 2:02PM UTC
I would add that your resume should be tailored to use the vocabulary in each position you apply for to make it by the online recruiting software, or humans will never see it.
Alexis GladstoneDecember 23,2021 at 1:39PM UTC
I like the idea of a mentor that was mentioned. The right mentor and can help guide and advise you toward your goals. Other things you might consider: Are there any special projects/teams you can work on that will allow you to use your new knowledge and skills? What about volunteering to take on a task that no one else wants to do (just make sure you're qualified!) Reach out to others who are in the role you want and learn how they got into the role. See if you can meet and build relationships with those who work in the area/department you are focused on. It's going to take time so be consistent and willing to listen and learn.
Annetta MosesDecember 23,2021 at 7:17PM UTC
I suggest that you ask for informational interviews with the hiring managers. Make them aware of you education and desire to move to a new position.
Good luck.
AnonymousDecember 24,2021 at 5:55AM UTC
You're suffering from typecasting where because you have spent many years in a certain role at your company, no one sees you as anything other than that role and skill level. Don't look to them to offer different opportunity or ways to reframe your role. Fir them, you are only one thing.
Consider temporary work in your field of education where you can get new and specific experience that will help you begin your career and use your education. You simply can't force your current company to foster your growth.
Start networking in your field of choice, gain experience by doing temp work and to get your foot in the door. Expose yourself to people companies and knowledge of your new area of interest by attending conferences and workshops. Network on LinkedIn to broaden your contacts. You are the only one that can take the steps to create the opportunities. Don't look at your current company where they have a 5 year history of viewing you in a strict role that has nothing to do with your capabilities or education. Good luck.
AnonymousDecember 24,2021 at 2:49PM UTC
look up Jonathan Javier/wonsulting - he talks about this every day in his IG stories and helped me find a better job
Sarah LarsonDecember 24,2021 at 6:33PM UTC
When I’m lacking specific experience, I tend to volunteer my time to acquire the necessary experience. For example, after finishing my masters, my work was about 50% operations HR and 50% program management. However, I wanted to go into talent management. I took volunteering roles in acquisition and client management as a Client Manager and onboarding/employee engagement as an HRBP. That was enough to get me a position on the talent management team.
Other than volunteering, how is your personal brand? Do your colleagues know that you’re interested in a transition? Does your resume read for the role your applying for or from the role you’re in?
These are my experiences and I’m only one person, so take this with a grain of salt.
Emily KeiperDecember 31,2021 at 3:15AM UTC
Most have the experience they just are being too literal and only relating the necessary experience to the field or industry they are applying for.
Consider what you’ve accomplished professionally and academically and try to morph that into the experience needed for the roles you apply for.