The big Question

“Hello Wisdom, I am applying for a job client service executive job but as a requirement, the ideal candidate must know how to manage social media. I am not sure if I should apply because I am not savvy in social management. What do you think?” she quizzed.

This was the message I received from one of the young ladies I supervised at my former workplace.

“Apply for the job and learn about social media management soon as possible. By the time you’re called for an interview if indeed you make the cut, you would have gained considerable knowledge in that field to get you started. I have some resources to share with you to aid your learning. Link up for it.” I replied.

To wit, I just told her to prepare herself for the opportunity by acquiring the needed skills. Even if she doesn’t land this job ultimately, she will be well-positioned to take up a similar or related role in the future with the body of knowledge available to her currently. Who knows she might end up specializing in social media management and carve out a career for herself in that area. She is a communications professional so she will need it.

Deductively, because she didn’t have the skill set as stated, she retired to herself that the job is not meant for her. Only God knows how many such opportunities have passed her by because of the realities and assumptions at stake.

Preparation matters

This is the case with many young people, especially those who are just coming out of school. There is a skill gap between their current state and the jobs they want.

The economy is volatile and employers are looking to leverage the workforce by merging roles, hence hybrid responsibilities, especially for related jobs.

Luckily for me, I got this memo whiles in school. I built my entire career around getting ready for opportunities. I aim and fire; not putting in applications hoping I will be considered. This works perfectly for me.

“Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation, there is sure to be a failure.” ~ Confucius.

My approach is to search for the jobs roles and titles I would like to occupy in the future, assess the requirement, and plan towards acquiring the skills, knowledge, and qualifications among others necessary for the role. I call it “pay before you enter”. This approach has significantly improved my chances of landing a job or getting recommendations for opportunities easily.

Sometimes the distance between you and your next job or promotion is that gap in your CV/resume. It could be a professional qualification, a skill, experience, improved performance, and what have you. Do you need to re-skill or up-skill? What is stopping you?

The fact that you aren’t having it now doesn’t mean you can’t have it tomorrow. It all depends on the work you put in today.

Resolve to challenge yourself. Make some time off to prepare yourself for the next phase of your life. Go out there and do exploits. Don’t forget to be awesome.