Written by: Dianne McKim, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Jennifer has had a long career in the Insurance industry. She has held various positions, including management and leadership roles. Her career has taken her to several companies, and she has received awards and recognition as well as promotions along the way.
Lately, Jennifer is feeling and thinking it is time for a change. She has enjoyed her success but wants to do something totally different in an industry she has had no previous work experience. With research and soul searching, Jennifer wants to get into the health and wellness industry. She has a heart for helping others and so wants to do something in which she feels she is making a great contribution to the world.
The challenge she is facing now is how to represent herself in a way that companies in the health and wellness industry become interested in her.
Jennifer’s story is similar to so many in the workforce these days. Sadly, too many companies only look for those with industry experience. If the candidate has not worked in their field, the company looks past them.
There may have been a time when that was the best approach, but I would argue that strategy needs to be re-vamped.
Today’s climate has shifted so much it demands a new outlook.
Here are 3 things to consider, along with 5 transferable skills/traits to look for in the best candidates.
Industry knowledge can be taught
Systems and how a company uses them can be taught
Product knowledge can be taught
Transferable Skills
1. Integrity. finding a candidate who possesses high integrity may be a challenge, but it is a challenge worth undertaking. A candidate who is genuine, honest, reliable, and trustworthy carries an innate sense of doing the right thing, no matter who is looking. A character trait like that in a candidate is worthy of serious consideration.
2. Common Sense. believe it or not, not everyone has common sense. A person who has good sense and sound judgment in practical matters develops solid ground in their respective focus areas. Their sound practical judgment that is independent of specialized knowledge or training can go a long way in helping the company realize great benefits.
3. Problem-Solving. this is a big one! Every company has problems to solve, including finding the best candidates to fill the open job slots. If you identify a candidate that has strong problem-solving skills, you have found someone worth serious consideration. Talk with the candidate about problems they encountered in their career and have them explain how they approached each problem. You may be pleasantly surprised to find their approach is exactly what you need in your company.
4. Leadership. a person with natural leadership ability can bring a much-needed boost to a company even if the opening isn’t a management position. Employing someone who functions as a leader, thinks like a leader, and is able to make decisions like a leader can raise the bar of excellence within the company which in turn can add to the bottom line.
5. Teamwork. too often, employees get hung up on their way of thinking, and they forget that they are part of a “team” hired to accomplish a goal. I have seen teams that are incredibly dysfunctional with failure in the resulting outcome. A candidate who has demonstrated true teamwork shows they have the ability to work well with others and put the good of the project ahead of personal interest. This person is capable of supporting teammates, motivating others, and both giving and receiving constructive feedback. Now, who wouldn’t want someone like that on their team?
There are many more transferable skills to look for when you need to hire someone or when you are looking for a new position. It is so important not to discount all of what you or the candidate has to offer.
You just might find or be the Shining Star of the company!
To learn more about your transferable skills to shift career directions or how to hire the best for your open positions, reach out to me at Dianne@PreciousStonesCoaching.com.
Want to learn more from Dianne? Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and visit her website.
Dianne McKim, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
A Certified Career, Leadership, and Life Coach, Workshop Facilitator, Author, Speaker, and Guest Interviewee, Dianne McKim has the professional training, personal experiences, and knowledge to help clients successfully grow and thrive.
Dianne enjoyed a long and impactful career in Corporate America, successfully leading teams, influencing peers, mentoring team members, and interacting at all corporate levels (including C Levels). During that time, she developed strong relationships with executives, management, peers, and team members, allowing her to successfully spearhead major projects while negotiating, and navigating bureaucracy.
This wasn't always the way, however. Dianne is an abusive relationship survivor, who navigated through a long and difficult divorce, which resulted in her running a household, working full time the whole time, and raising children as a single mom for 14 years. She dealt with family issues, job losses and job searches, loss of relationships, a lack of confidence, and very low self-esteem.
Over time, Dianne rebuilt her life, rediscovering herself and strengthening her confidence. As she did, she learned how to stand strong in her abilities, understand her value and embrace her identity. As her confidence grew, she discovered how to have professional success, personal contentment, and spiritual fulfillment.
Dianne has taken all that she learned, along with her unparalleled ability and deep care and compassion for others and began Precious Stones Coaching. Her coaching style is inviting, understanding, and encouraging with just the right amount of leadership, guidance, and accountability to help her clients focus on their priorities and accomplish their goals. Dianne wholeheartedly commits to helping her clients achieve and fulfill their calling, purpose, and destiny.
