We are seeing this seismic shift to more knowledge based vs. skills based workers. Today, your skills and experiences are simply a point of entry. It is the knowledge of your industry and emerging trends, integrated with your skills, that will be the lever which “makes you interesting” in the eyes of a potential employer. Your approach to obtaining a new position has to change from, “look at what I’ve done” to “look at what I can contribute based on what I know.”
To begin your future as a knowledge worker, what actions can you take to build/enhance your knowledge of your current position, trends in your industry, even your company’s competitiveness? Where could you obtain more information? Who could you contact to gain additional insights?
Here are some suggestions where you can take action, immediately!
- Check local library resources for industry and job related information and trends
- Conduct informational interviews with marketing strategy, operations heads and key leaders in your company
- Check out magazines relevant to your business/industry online, at the library or on the newsstands
- Join associations who provide thought leadership for your area of interest/industry (ask for “leads” during your information interviews)
Some considerations:
- Participate in or start an online blog that discusses your area of interest/industry
- Present your knowledge at conferences, association meetings, network meetings
Once again…knowledge is power…