ALESSANDRA: I have a friend who's been a Receptionist for a year at this really awesome production company. He has no idea how to move up, especially with the recession. He wants to advance, but he also wants to stay IN the company…it’s like the guy who gets lost behind all the paperwork...
DON'T GET LOST IN YOUR PAPERWORK
LINDY: The most difficult challenge may be advancing from an entry level position to middle management. Unlike a recent college grad who has to accept almost anything in this environment in order to get IN the business, someone who is already in it, needs to employ some very focused strategies to advance.
There are TWO strategies necessary to advance:
- Spend a tremendous amount of time building your peer and mentor networks. Those are the people who are going to help you transition to a higher level position. They are your "Executive Recruiters."
- View advancement in the business, as a whole, not just advancing in your current company. If you limit your search to the place you are currently working, you might miss out on some great jobs.
ALWAYS LOOK
ALESSANDRA: So my friend should look for jobs daily and always be asking around?
LINDY: Yes. Networking is important but there are several other strategies as well:
- Know what’s going on in the business. Read the trades, and familiarize yourself with all the companies out there.
- Be the best employee; the go-to person; the person who can take on any responsibility and get it done properly and efficiently.
- Go above and beyond what is required of your position.
- Read scripts and provide coverage.
- Offer to help your colleagues with tasks.
- Be flexible and eager to learn. Come in early and stay late.
- Offer your opinion. Don't wait to be asked.
- Tell your boss that you want to advance.
- Be one step ahead of your boss at all times.
- It's important to stand out; to be someone management considers a "star."
STAND OUT
Your friend should make an effort to meet with the executives in his company and let them know he wants to move up. However, if it seems clear that your friend isn't going to move up within that company, then he needs to start looking outside the company.
ALESSANDRA: This is seriously career THERAPY. You’re basically helping him figure out what HE needs to work on specifically, and then telling him what to improve (whether it be his work ethic, behavior, personality, etc). Basically, you offer him solutions on how to be more proactive in the workforce. I find this so much more helpful than a CARREERS FOR DUMMIES book, because it is PERSONAL and goal-oriented.
If anything, you would at least help him recognize his strengths and weaknesses and focus on making those strengths overcome the weaknesses.
You’re a mentor, but you know the business. It’s inspirational.
