It’s the classic Catch 22. You want a promotion or higher position with another company but lack experience. The only way to get the experience is to get the position. But the company won’t give you the position because you don’t have the experience. Here’s a question I recently received from one of my ExecuNet clients addressing this dilemma.

QUESTION

Dear Lauryn:

I’ve been in the same industry for eight years, the last three as a junior executive and I’ve done pretty well. But now I want to move up to the next level. So I put my resume “out there.” I keep getting calls from recruiters offering opportunities but only for lower-level positions.

Is there something about my resume that keeps the higher-level position recruiters from giving me a call? Is it my lack of experience? How can I gain the experience unless somebody gives me an opportunity?

Inexperienced in Indiana

ANSWER

Dear Inexperienced:

Your situation is a typical one. Many search consultants deliberately furnish resumes of candidates who are slightly overqualified for the position. This tactic is designed to send employers a message: “I've got a database of high quality candidates.” This is just something you need to be prepared to deal with throughout your career.

This is one of the reasons that it’s hard to get a promotion by changing jobs. In today's market, everyone wants the “proven” candidate, the “been there, done that” guy or gal. In short, a new company is hardly likely to give you the career advancement opportunity you seek.

Conclusion

Generally speaking, you stand a better chance of securing a higher level position by earning a promotion at your current job. If and when you get the promotion, develop a track record of success in your new role. At that point, you’ll be in the position to parlay your success into an equivalent position with another company.

Wishing you career success,
Lauryn Franzoni
ExecuNet, www.execunet.com

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