SMT News

What are Your Credentials for Your Job?

I had a conversation with a friend recently. He was pursuing the PMP certification (project management) for his field. He was angry. He has done this job successfully for companies for 20 years and now he feels pressure to get the certification. He is unemployed and the people he is going up against in interviews have less experience than he has, but they have the credential.

The business landscape has changed. The model of going to work and doing good work is no longer the model for success. It is an important piece of the model, but it isn’t the only thing driving continued employment.

The skills that got you here, won’t necessarily keep you here. There are situations where you will need to look good on paper. Maybe you can wow people once they see your work, or even when you talk with them about it. But how do you get their attention? Whether it is a hiring manager, an outside recruiter, or an internal recruiter.

One way to get their attention is by setting yourself apart from the crowd. How is that? Certification, a certificate, or a degree is a valid credential. The training field has a relatively new credential that is being noticed world wide, The ASTD Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (www.cplpcoach.com). But, what else?

What about getting published? Showing that people in your field care about what you say. Showing you have a following. If writing a book isn’t your thing, SMT Connections is one way to show your expertise. Write an article (1000 words or less) or a book review (500 words or less). Submit it to our illustrious editor, Monica.DeStefano@ricoh-usa.com.

Sales Rep Radio is another place to demonstrate expertise. They accept people who have a valuable, actionable message targeted for Sales Reps and Management. Practitioners and solution providers are welcome and there is a modest production fee. Contact the Marcomm Store (inquiry@marcommstore.com) for details.

There are many ways to improve your marketability and visibility. Perhaps you have picked up an idea or two here. I hope we can continue to share ideas!

                                                     To your success,

                                                     Renie McClay
                                                     Executive Director

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