This week we’re taking an honest look at how and why some people achieve professional success and others do not. Here are seven real reasons why people get hired and advance in their careers.
1. You know the right people: No matter your field, professional success comes down to who you know. Some people will always be given the intros, invitations and interviews because they were connected to the right person.
2. You benefit from nepotism: It’s one thing to know the right people, it’s quite another to know someone in a position of power or who can give you an opportunity and/or a job. Many people get ahead because of their family and business connections. Is it fair? Of course not! But it’s a reality. Nepotism gives many people the opportunity to be successful. Did you know that A Star is Born co-star and director, Bradley Cooper, hired his own dog Charlie to play his on-screen pet? Charlie now has a new career thanks to his famous “dad” - proving that nepotism is alive and well even for canines.
3. You know a lot of people: Whether it’s in or outside of your field, movers and shakers know other successful people. Anyone can use this to their advantage by cultivating relationships with business and industry contacts. For example – if you know a key decision-maker in the hospitality industry and have a friend who wants to be a manager at a London based hotel – make the connection. You now have a professional favor that is owed to you; i.e. your friend should now do all they can to introduce you to a similar person in your specific field. If you want to find new employment opportunities, you must expand your professional and social networks. Your goal is to ask everyone if they know anyone who works in the same industry.
4. You have a professional mentor or industry leader: Early on and when changing career fields, you don’t often know what you “don’t know.” This is why a professional mentor is essential to help you make effective decisions and successfully navigate situations. Even if it’s not someone in your same field – seek advice and counsel from an experienced person who you know and trust. Ask your former supervisor, client, professor, head hunter or life/career coach for suggestions to find and create new opportunities.
5. You applied to twice as many jobs as other candidates: Finding a new job or venturing out in a new career is a numbers game. You have to apply to nearly double the opportunities. For example, if you have been applying to 3 jobs/opportunities a week, however, barely get callbacks for phone screenings or interviews – increase your odds. Start applying to 6 or even 10 jobs every week and see how your responses increase too.
6. You’re young, in shape and/or attractive: I know that this sounds ageist, sexist and shallow, because it is. However, if you are lucky enough to fit into one of these categories, use it to your advantage. There is nothing wrong with a recent college grad mentioning to a potential employer that they are just as experienced but require only half of the salary as a more seasoned candidate.
7. You are prepared: Even the most privileged professionals need to be ready and able to do the job at hand, including having a positive attitude. Make sure your resume and professional bio are updated and ready to send to others. Ensure that you have a game plan to be able to answer the door when opportunity knocks.
This week, take a reality check when it comes to the things you can control to help create your business and professional success. If you don’t have all or even several of these things – don’t worry. Next week we’ll share seven (7) simple things that everyone can do to help increase the likelihood that you will be more effective in your career advancement and readiness.