Is always more frequent for young talents to incur into the paradox of starting a new job, with little previous experience in a given field, that need to show and be seen as confident and credible, as they need to have already covered the ground before even having started yet.
For all the young talents fresh of studies is essential to overcome this challenge as getting a fast start in their career will help to stand up and get noticed on the job field. So how can the paradox of credibility be solved? Young people have more resources than they think to overcome the lack of experience.
They can take direct actions to compensate for and build the expertise they lack. Here five common activities that young professional can adopt to jump-start their career and catalyze their leadership trajectory.
Leverage research skills.
“Develop a unique knowledge that makes you a go-to resource for your colleagues and clients. One of the most effective ways of doing this is to use your research skills to synthesize and master industry specific knowledge, trends, and information. Find out what specific types of knowledge people in your industry crave — and lack — and build your area of expertise around it. Make yourself a unique and helpful resource for solving problems, you’ll very quickly build credibility and be seen as a source of information by your colleagues.”
Identify a specific contribution.
Ask yourself some basic questions to identify your strengths and where you might be able to contribute value. In which areas do you feel you do your best work? What have you been praised for in the past? Think about your own best self and how you might describe that to someone. What would that be? Use your answers to generate strengths and resources that can become fodder for jump-starting your career and fast tracking your professional growth.
Volunteer willingly.
Don’t underestimate the power of grit, determination, and the willingness to take on unenviable assignments, assuming of course you have the skill set to deliver. Opportunities abound to prove yourself. Take advantage of them to make a quick impression as a reliable and hard worker.
Manage your workload and communicate proactively.
Although knowledge and experience take time to cultivate, you can immediately establish a reputation for reliability with your colleagues and superiors. Manage your commitments and workload wisely. Know when you’re taking on too much, and say no judiciously (though as a junior employee, err on “yes” unless you really feel overtaxed). Also, be proactive with your communication, asking for guidance when you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Work to build a network of close relationships.
Your goal over time will be to build a deep and varied network of trusted colleagues who will provide you with ongoing mentoring, advice, and feedback as you progress at your job and in your career. When you start out initially, your cupboard may be a bit bare in terms of trusted contacts and connections, but you will be surprised as how easily you can build up a network for yourself. These contacts and connections can be critical mentors, sounding boards for your ideas, and potential advocates for you and your work throughout the organization.
Demonstrate to them your motivation, commitment, and relevant expertise, and when possible, find ways you can help them with their work.
Expertise doesn’t build on its own, and your coworkers won’t see you as a crucial part of the organization until you prove yourself to be one. But by developing the confidence to leverage the tools, assets, and capabilities that you already have as a young worker, you can overcome the credibility paradox and jump-start your career in the process.
“You won’t be hired for your skills, you will be hired for your attitude, skills can always be learned”
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