jobs

Dear Matt: When does one go from entry-level to an experience professional?  How do you know which jobs to apply for?  I don't want to get stuck in a job I am over qualified for, and I don't want to waste time and apply for jobs I'm not ready for.

Matt: This is a reminder of why its always important to focus on results and accomplishments, and not years of service.  Why? One job could have five years of experience in an industry, yet someone with two or three years could have more accomplishements achievements and a greater skill set.   Which do you think the employer would like to hier?  It's all about skills, resulta and accomplishements and your abilit to cojve that message to the employer.

Kent P. Johnson, partner with St. Paul based stafffing firm Da Vinci Search (www.davincisearch.com) says moving to the next level in your career can often depend on whether or not you are being challenged.  If you're not challenged, you're probably bored and that's probably reflected in your work.  Solutions include asking for more responsibilities, or volunteering for committees. 

"Expanding your skill set is one of the most important elements in growing your career," says Johnson.

Brenden Haugo, an account mananger fahrenHEIGHT360 (www.fahrenheight360.com), a company that provides entry-level talent management focused on the Millennial generation, makes a good point when he says even if you feel you have learned everything the position has to offer its a good idea to ask your supervisor what else you could learn. 

"They will more than likely provide constructive criticism on how to continue to develop within your position," says Haugo. 

It's important to look for position that will challenge you.   Even if it is considered entry level, if it helps you professionally develop and grow as an individual you will always be taking steps forward in your career.  Most experienced positions will require several years of experience and will state that requirement within position descriptions.  If you are not close to the required years of experience, it may be shooting to high, but don't always count yourself out.  If you don't apply, you will never know, adds Haugo.

Johnson agrees.  "If you feel you can match your abilities to an open position, then apply to the posting.  Let the hiring manager determine if your experience will be sufficient."

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Matt Krumrie is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, and has nine years of experience reporting on the employment industry. This column will answer readers' questions. E-mail questions or subject ideas to askmatt@startribune.com.

 

 

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