Ask-the-Career-Coach: How to Get the Experience You Need to Land the Job You Want

Contributed by executive coach Ann Daly, Ph.D.

Dear Career Coach,

I would like to reinvent my life! I graduated with a degree in management four years ago at the age of 50. I spent more than 10 years reaching my goal of completing my degree while working full-time and raising two amazing daughters. I am grateful to have a job in this economy, but I find I am unable to advance due to lack of experience. I need some direction, and I would be grateful for any suggestions you may offer.

Thank you,
Mary

Dear Mary,

First of all, congratulations on your success so far reinventing your life. What you’ve achieved is an inspiration to us all.

I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to have come so far and then find that “lack of experience” is getting in your way. It’s a paradox that many of us encounter at some point: We need experience to land that new title, but how do we get that experience without the title?

Here’s how, in three steps.

First, identify the title that you are targeting. It’s not enough to say you want to “advance.” You need to be able to point to the next position you’re aiming for. The more specific and explicit you are, the better.

Second, determine exactly what experience you need to qualify for that position. There are a variety of ways to get this information. For example, you can arrange for informational interviews with people who have or have had that title. You can use LinkedIn—if you search people with your desired title, you can see if there’s a pattern in their career trajectories. And you can make inquiries with your professional or industry organization, which is a great source of information.

Third, strategize how you will obtain that experience. Start with where you are and then work outward. So, begin by sharing your ambition with your boss and ask her outright for assignments that you know will provide you with the necessary experience. And be on the lookout to volunteer for assignments as they might arise. If there are no such possibilities in your current position, start looking for a lateral move in your current organization where you can gain stretch experience. Again, you’ll need to request that move. And you may need to repeat your request. (Sorry to say, but the squeaky wheel really does get the grease—as long as you squeak with finesse.) If you have developed mentors or sponsors in your workplace, they will play a critical role in a lateral move. Finally, if that needed experience is just not available to you with your current employer, then it may be time for a change. If you can’t grow, then you gotta go.

I hope this helps, Mary. We’re all rooting for you!

(Do you have a career question you’d like Dr. Daly to answer? Email her with your question.)

Ann Daly PhD (anndaly.com) is an executive coach, consultant, and speaker devoted to the success and advancement of women. She is the award-winning author of six books, including Clarity: How to Accomplish What Matters Most and Do-Over! How Women Are Reinventing Their Lives. Sign up for her eletter, “Women, Clarity, & Power.”