Ask Matt: Tips For Advancing Your Career

Getting that promotion, climbing the corporate ladder, moving into a leadership role - those are all goals of many job seekers. It doesn't happen because you want it to, it happens because you prepared for it when that time comes.

By Matt Krumrie, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: September 14, 2009 - 3:51 PM

Dear Matt: I have worked in IT and with teams of business analysts for a number of years. Now I would like to move into a role where I'm strictly a business analyst working on my own, or as a leader of a department or team as the primary decision maker. How would I show a recruiter that I am ready to make this move?

Matt: The first thing you need to do is understand the role of the recruiter, says Lonny Gulden, who has more than 25 years experience in the technology recruiting industry and is founder of chiefconnections.com, a Twin Cities-based consulting and recruiting firm.

"Recruiters are hired by their clients to provide candidates who meet the requirements of the job description," says Gulden. "A recruiter will not present someone for a management position if they have no management experience. Quite simply, recruiters do not try to force square pegs into round holes."

In other words - the same principles of the job search apply to this person, as well as someone in sales, management, marketing, healthcare, administration - and so forth. The key to moving ahead in anyone's career is the ability to show the recruiter or employer you have the skills they need for the job. They won't hire you because you feel you are ready - they want to hire you because you have a background and skill set, along with the right personality and fit - that proves you can do what they need in the position they are looking to fill at their company.

If you are looking for a director of business analysis position, network and try and connect with people to whom a person in this position would report to - such as a vice president or senior director. Use LinkedIn to identify individuals you may know who hold such positions. Try and set up informational interviews with current directors of business analysis to determine the career path they followed and to see what advice they have to offer. Read job descriptions of openings for these positions to see what skills they require, and see where you are strong, or are lacking and can improve. Also, join the local chapter of the International Institute of Business Analysts (IIBA) to increase your visibility in the Business analyst community.

Follow these steps and develop a résumé that shows you have the required skills and background, and the recruiter will be ready, willing and able to help you find that job you want.

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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