I imagine that this question takes away the sleep of more than one professional who is planning their job change. And not to mention someone who is already swimming in those waters that can be extremely turbulent. The answer to this question can be very diverse but what I share with you today is this strategy that will undoubtedly help you to emerge as a winning and confident candidate when looking for a new job that will make a difference in your professional career.
Most employers will look to their potential candidates for the presence of a "PACK" or a combo of characteristics that they consider allows them to evaluate whoever is in front of them as a highly recommended candidate and that they will develop correctly in the position they want to fill. This combo or "pack" is composed as follows.
We are going to go back and forth, using the initial of the word in English.
K - Know-How in English and Spanish Knowledge has to do with the experience you have of having applied what is required for the position. It is "knowing how to do". For example, if they are looking for a project leader, they will evaluate you for your experience participating and managing projects, and also managing people or team members.
C - Capabilites in English and Spanish Competences, has to do with hard and soft skills. Have you heard these terms? "Hard" skills refer to technical skills in the profession. In our example, detecting risks or putting together contingency plans are “hard” or “hard” competencies of a project leader. On the other hand, “soft” or “soft” competences are abilities attributable to the emotional, cultural and behavioral part of the person. In our example, active listening, communication skills, and empathy are “soft” abilities. The first and second, form the competence of a professional.
A - Ambition in English and Spanish Ambition is the ability of a human being to want more, to want to progress, improve and surpass himself. Unfortunately the best known definition of this word is attributed to something not so interesting. Ambition is defined as an inordinate search for power or wealth for the mere fact of getting it and even taking it from others. But, in reality, this word is used to encourage professionals to get out of mediocrity and challenge themselves, to grow and be better people and workers. Each one will decide which side of the definition they want to stand on…
P - Potential in English and in Spanish Potential, it is what it is not yet but it has a good chance of being. A professional with potential is someone who shows to have the tools and strength to develop in a certain area and, although they still have a lot to learn before achieving it, they are on the right track. A very classic example is a member of a project team who has skills to coordinate with his colleagues, who likes to organize, who has good communication and teamwork skills and who naturally takes the position of the leader when the leader is not there. That person has the potential to be a leader.
So this PACK is nothing other than Potential, Ambition, Competences (Capabilities) and Know-How. If, as a candidate, you have the best combination of these variables, it is highly likely that you will be chosen as the most suitable applicant to fill the position.
Now I want to hear from you. If you had to define yourself in these four characteristics with respect to your current position, what is the score you would give yourself on a scale from 1 to 5? What can you do to improve that score and be better rated?
